--- title: "Migraine: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Migraine causes severe throbbing head pain. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage migraine with guidance from medical experts." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Migraine", "alternateName": [ "Migraine Headache", "Migraine with Aura", "Migraine without Aura" ], "description": "Migraine is a neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last hours to days and may be preceded by warning signs called aura, which include visual disturbances or tingling.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Neurological" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Severe throbbing head pain" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Nausea and vomiting" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Light and sound sensitivity" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Visual disturbances (aura)" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Fatigue" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Identify and avoid personal triggers using a headache diary" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Maintain a regular sleep schedule - go to bed and wake up at consistent times" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Stay well hydrated throughout the day" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Exercise regularly - moderate aerobic exercise can reduce migraine frequency" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Practice stress management: meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Eat regular meals and don't skip meals" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) - first-line acute treatment, constrict blood vessels and block pain pathways" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) - effective for mild to moderate attacks" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Anti-nausea medications (metoclopramide, ondansetron)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "CGRP antagonists (ubrogepant, rimegepant) - newer acute treatments targeting the CGRP pathway" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Preventive beta-blockers (propranolol) - reduce attack frequency" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Preventive anti-seizure drugs (topiramate, valproate)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "CGRP monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab) - monthly or quarterly injections for prevention" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Botox injections - FDA-approved for chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Nerve blocks - injections of anesthetic near specific nerves to break the pain cycle" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Neuromodulation devices - FDA-cleared devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Family history of migraines" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Being female (3:1 female-to-male ratio)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Age - migraines often begin in adolescence and peak in the 30s" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, oral contraceptives)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Stress and anxiety" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Irregular sleep patterns" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Certain foods and drinks (aged cheese, alcohol, caffeine, processed meats)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Environmental triggers (bright lights, strong smells, weather changes)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Medication overuse (can lead to rebound headaches)" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between a migraine and a regular headache?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A tension-type headache is usually a dull, pressing pain on both sides of the head. A migraine is typically a moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side, lasting 4-72 hours, and is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are also worsened by routine physical activity, while tension headaches generally are not." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can migraines be cured?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There is no cure for migraines, but the condition can be effectively managed. Preventive medications, lifestyle modifications, and newer treatments like CGRP inhibitors can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. Some people experience fewer migraines as they get older, particularly women after menopause." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are migraines hereditary?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, migraines have a strong genetic component. If one parent has migraines, a child has about a 50% chance of developing them. If both parents have migraines, the risk rises to about 75%. Researchers have identified multiple genes involved in migraine susceptibility." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can children get migraines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Migraines can begin in childhood - even in children as young as 5. In children, migraines may be shorter in duration and include abdominal pain rather than headache. Boys and girls are affected equally before puberty, after which migraines become more common in girls." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When should I go to the ER for a migraine?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Go to the emergency room if you experience the worst headache of your life, a headache with fever and stiff neck, a sudden headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds, a headache with new neurological symptoms (weakness, vision loss, speech problems), or a headache after a head injury. These could indicate a serious condition that needs immediate evaluation." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Neurological", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/neurological" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Migraine", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/migraine" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Neurological](/conditions/body-system/neurological) 4. Migraine Neurological [Pain Management](/topics/pain-management)[Brain Health](/topics/brain-health) # Migraine Also known as: Migraine Headache, Migraine with Aura, Migraine without Aura infoMD Editorial Team January 25, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fmigraine)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Fmigraine&text=Migraine) ### Quick Facts Type Episodic Affects Women three times more often than men, typically between ages 18 and 44 Prevalence Affects about 12% of the global population, roughly 1 billion people Treatable Manageable with preventive medications, triptans, and lifestyle modifications See a Specialist Neurologist or Headache Specialist ICD-10 Code G43 ## Overview Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. A migraine attack is much more than a bad headache - it involves changes in brain activity that affect blood flow, nerve signaling, and chemical balances in the brain. Migraine attacks typically last between 4 and 72 hours and can be completely debilitating. About a quarter of people with migraines experience an aura - visual disturbances like flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blind spots - that occurs shortly before the headache phase. Other aura symptoms can include tingling, numbness, or difficulty speaking. Migraine is the third most common disease in the world, affecting about 12% of the global population. It's roughly three times more common in women than men, likely due to hormonal influences. While migraines are not life-threatening, they are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Understanding your triggers, developing a treatment plan, and working with a healthcare provider experienced in headache medicine can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of migraine early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head - Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) - Nausea or vomiting - Pain worsened by routine physical activity ### Advanced Symptoms - Visual aura: flashing lights, zigzag lines, or temporary blind spots - Tingling or numbness in the face or extremities - Difficulty speaking or finding words - Severe, prolonged headache lasting up to 72 hours - Neck stiffness and pain - Mood changes, food cravings, or yawning in the prodrome phase (hours before the headache) ### Emergency Warning Signs - Sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before ('thunderclap headache') - Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures - Headache after a head injury - New headache with vision loss, weakness, or difficulty speaking that doesn't resolve - Worst headache of your life When to See a Doctor See a doctor if you have headaches that occur regularly, are severe enough to interfere with work or daily activities, or require frequent use of over-the-counter pain medications. Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, or any neurological symptoms that don't resolve. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, blood vessels, and brain chemicals - Activation and sensitization of the trigeminal nerve pathway - Changes in serotonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels - Cortical spreading depression - a wave of electrical activity across the brain surface (causes aura) - Genetic predisposition - migraines tend to run in families ### Risk Factors - Family history of migraines - Being female (3:1 female-to-male ratio) - Age - migraines often begin in adolescence and peak in the 30s - Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, oral contraceptives) - Stress and anxiety - Irregular sleep patterns - Certain foods and drinks (aged cheese, alcohol, caffeine, processed meats) - Environmental triggers (bright lights, strong smells, weather changes) - Medication overuse (can lead to rebound headaches) ## How It's Diagnosed Migraine is primarily diagnosed based on your symptoms, headache pattern, and medical history. Your doctor will ask about the location, quality, severity, and duration of your headaches, as well as associated symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity. The International Headache Society criteria are used to classify migraines: at least five attacks lasting 4-72 hours with specific characteristics (unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate-severe intensity, and aggravation by routine physical activity), plus nausea/vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia. No blood test or imaging study can diagnose migraine. However, your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan if your headaches are unusual, started suddenly, or are accompanied by neurological symptoms - these tests help rule out other causes such as tumors, aneurysms, or infections. Keeping a detailed headache diary - recording when attacks occur, how long they last, potential triggers, and treatments used - is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Identify and avoid personal triggers using a headache diary - Maintain a regular sleep schedule - go to bed and wake up at consistent times - Stay well hydrated throughout the day - Exercise regularly - moderate aerobic exercise can reduce migraine frequency - Practice stress management: meditation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation - Eat regular meals and don't skip meals ### Medications - Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) - first-line acute treatment, constrict blood vessels and block pain pathways - NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) - effective for mild to moderate attacks - Anti-nausea medications (metoclopramide, ondansetron) - CGRP antagonists (ubrogepant, rimegepant) - newer acute treatments targeting the CGRP pathway - Preventive beta-blockers (propranolol) - reduce attack frequency - Preventive anti-seizure drugs (topiramate, valproate) - CGRP monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab) - monthly or quarterly injections for prevention - Botox injections - FDA-approved for chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month) ### Medical Procedures - Nerve blocks - injections of anesthetic near specific nerves to break the pain cycle - Neuromodulation devices - FDA-cleared devices that use electrical or magnetic stimulation ### Complementary Approaches - Magnesium supplementation (400-600 mg daily) - evidence supports preventive benefit - Riboflavin (vitamin B2, 400 mg daily) - may reduce migraine frequency - Coenzyme Q10 - some evidence for migraine prevention - Acupuncture - shown in clinical trials to reduce migraine frequency - Biofeedback - learning to control physiological responses to reduce headache triggers ## Living With Migraine Living with migraines means learning to manage a condition that can be unpredictable and disruptive. One of the most empowering steps is keeping a detailed headache diary to identify your triggers - these might include certain foods, stress, sleep changes, hormonal fluctuations, or environmental factors. Once you know your triggers, you can take proactive steps to avoid them or prepare with medication. Having an "attack plan" - knowing what medication to take, when to take it, and how to create a quiet, dark environment - can help you respond quickly and minimize the impact. The emotional toll of chronic migraines should not be underestimated. Missing work, social events, and family activities can lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and isolation. Depression and anxiety are more common in people with migraines. Building a support system, communicating openly with employers and loved ones about your condition, and seeking help from a headache specialist or therapist if needed are all important parts of long-term management. Many people also find that migraine support communities provide validation and practical tips. ## Potential Complications - Chronic migraine - 15 or more headache days per month for 3+ months - Medication overuse headache (rebound headache) from frequent use of acute medications - Status migrainosus - a migraine attack lasting more than 72 hours - Migrainous infarction - stroke occurring during a migraine with aura (very rare) - Persistent aura without infarction - Depression and anxiety - Reduced quality of life and productivity ## Prevention - Identify and avoid personal triggers - Maintain regular sleep, meal, and exercise schedules - Consider preventive medication if you have 4 or more attacks per month - Manage stress with relaxation techniques - Stay well hydrated - Limit caffeine and alcohol intake ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What's the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? ### Can migraines be cured? ### Are migraines hereditary? ### Can children get migraines? ### When should I go to the ER for a migraine? * * * ## Sources 1. Migraine. Mayo Clinic . 2. Migraine Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . 3. Migraine Facts. American Migraine Foundation . 4. Migraine. World Health Organization . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 15, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Migraine](#living-with-migraine)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Prevention](#prevention)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Episodic Affects Women three times more often than men, typically between ages 18 and 44 Prevalence Affects about 12% of the global population, roughly 1 billion people Treatable Manageable with preventive medications, triptans, and lifestyle modifications See a Specialist Neurologist or Headache Specialist ICD-10 Code G43 Advertisement Was this page helpful? 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