What are the first signs of migraine?

Some people notice a warning phase before head pain. They may feel unusually tired, crave certain foods, become sensitive to light or sound, or find it hard to concentrate. An aura can cause flashing lights, blurred vision, tingling, or difficulty finding words; it usually develops gradually and then settles. The headache may be throbbing, one-sided, or worse with movement, with nausea or vomiting. Migraine patterns vary between people and between attacks.

Move to a quiet, dim room, drink fluids, and eat something if you have missed a meal. Keep a record of sleep, stress, food, hormonal changes, and symptoms to identify your triggers. Use a recommended migraine medicine early in the attack if a clinician has advised one, following its directions. A GP or telemedicine consultation can help when attacks are new, frequent, or interfering with work, study, or sleep.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, severe headache, new weakness or numbness on one side, fainting, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck with fever, or trouble speaking that does not settle. Arrange prompt assessment for a first or very different headache, visual loss in one eye, headache after a head injury, or repeated vomiting. These features can have causes other than migraine and should not be self-diagnosed.

Ask whether your symptoms fit migraine with or without aura, which treatment is suitable, and how often you can use it safely. Ask what warning signs should change your plan and whether a symptom diary would help.