Migraine headache: what to know

Migraine headache may feel throbbing or pressing and can affect one or both sides of the head. Movement may make it harder to function. Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, or visual changes can occur with the pain. Symptoms vary, so the label cannot be confirmed from one feature alone.

Headache can also occur with allergic rhinitis, sinus disease, a common cold, COVID-19, dehydration, heat exhaustion, anxiety, or dengue fever. Fever, nasal symptoms, recent heat exposure, reduced fluid intake, or a new illness can change what assessment is needed.

At the first sign of an attack, rest in a quiet, dim environment, drink fluids, and eat if a missed meal may be contributing. Use prescribed migraine treatment exactly as directed and avoid taking extra doses beyond the recommended plan. Keep a diary of timing, pain quality, associated symptoms, sleep, meals, heat exposure, and medicines. This can reveal patterns and helps a clinician decide whether acute or preventive treatment needs adjustment.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, or new vision loss. Get urgent assessment for headache with high fever and marked neck stiffness, after a significant head injury, or with repeated vomiting and inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a routine review for a new, changing, frequent, or increasingly disabling pattern.

Does my pattern fit migraine or another cause? Which symptoms should I record? What is my safest acute-treatment plan? Would prevention help? When should I seek urgent assessment?