Overview
Migraine is a complex neurological condition characterised by recurring, often severe headaches typically affecting one side of the head and lasting 4 to 72 hours. Many people experience an aura — visual disturbances, tingling, or speech difficulties — before the headache begins. Migraine is far more than a bad headache; it is a debilitating condition that is a leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly in people aged 25–55.
Causes and risk factors
The following factors are associated with the development of Migraine:
- Neurological changes involving trigeminal nerve
- Genetic factors — runs in families
- Hormonal changes, particularly oestrogen
- Stress and tension
- Bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells
- Sleep disturbances
- Dehydration and skipped meals
- Weather changes
- Certain foods: alcohol, caffeine, aged cheese
- Oral contraceptives in some women
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Migraine include:
- Prodrome: mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness days before
- Aura: visual disturbances, tingling, difficulty speaking
- Throbbing one-sided headache
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Lightheadedness
- Postdrome: fatigue and confusion after headache
Diagnosis
Migraine is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and appropriate investigations such as blood tests, imaging, or specialist review, depending on the specific condition and presentation. Your doctor will consider all relevant symptoms and risk factors before making a diagnosis.
Treatment options
Treatment approaches for Migraine may include:
- Paracetamol, ibuprofen for mild attacks
- Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) for moderate to severe
- Anti-nausea medications
- CGRP antagonists — newer targeted treatment
- Preventive: beta-blockers, amitriptyline, topiramate
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies for chronic migraine
- Botulinum toxin for chronic migraine
- Migraine diary to identify triggers
Prevention
Regular sleep, meals, and exercise schedules. Stay hydrated. Identify and avoid personal triggers.
Complications
If left untreated or poorly managed, Migraine can lead to complications including:
Chronic migraine, medication overuse headache, depression, anxiety, and increased stroke risk in women with aura who smoke.
Sources and references: This article is written in accordance with NHS UK, WHO, and Mayo Clinic clinical guidelines. It is reviewed for accuracy by the SymptomSense content team. ICD-10 code: G43. Last reviewed June 2026.