Migraine.

Overview

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks, often with moderate to severe headache, light sensitivity, nausea or visual aura.

A condition may appear differently between people, so a symptom list alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Age, medical history and other circumstances affect assessment.

Signs and symptoms

Migraine attacks may include throbbing or steady headache, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea or vomiting. Some people experience aura—temporary visual, sensory or language symptoms—before or during an attack. Migraine can also involve dizziness or fatigue. New neurological deficits need urgent medical assessment because other conditions can resemble migraine.

Causes and risk factors

Attack triggers vary and may include changes in sleep, stress, hormonal shifts or skipped meals.

Risk factors do not guarantee that a person will develop this condition, and a diagnosis can occur even without obvious risk factors.

Diagnosis and tests

Clinicians use symptom patterns and neurological assessment; tests may be needed when features are atypical.

Tests are chosen for the individual situation. No picture or AI-generated response can confirm this condition.

Care and treatment

Acute treatments and preventive options can be considered based on frequency, disability and medical history.

Treatment plans must consider severity, other illnesses, medication safety and personal preferences. Do not start or change prescribed treatment using this article alone.

Prevention and daily living

Keeping a simple headache pattern diary can help identify triggers and treatment response. Review medication overuse risks, regular sleep and meal schedules, and preventive options when attacks are frequent or disabling.

Individual care plans may differ, particularly in pregnancy, childhood, older age or when other illnesses are present. The linked clinical source provides more context.

When to seek help

A sudden worst-ever headache, new weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness is an emergency.

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening or you feel unsafe, seek local emergency services. Do not wait for an online reply.

Questions for a clinician

What evidence supports this diagnosis? What tests are necessary? Which treatment options fit my situation? What should I monitor? When should I return or seek urgent help?