What are the symptoms of migraine?

Pain may affect one side of the head, although it can occur on both sides. Movement, bright light, loud sound or strong smells may make an attack harder to tolerate. Some people have an aura before or during the headache, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots, tingling or difficulty finding words. Others have migraine symptoms without a headache, including visual or sensory changes.

A migraine attack can leave you drained after the pain settles. Keeping a record of the timing, triggers, symptoms and medicines used can help a clinician recognise the pattern. Symptoms vary between people and between attacks.

Rest in a quiet, dim room and sip fluids if you can. A cool cloth and regular small meals may be more comfortable than skipping food. Take only medicines recommended for you and follow the label or clinician’s instructions. A GP Consultation can help if attacks are new, frequent, changing or difficult to manage; a Telemedicine Consultation may be suitable for an initial review.

Seek urgent medical help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness or numbness, fainting, confusion, a seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or new trouble speaking or seeing. Get prompt assessment for a first severe attack, a headache after a head injury, or symptoms that are steadily worsening. Do not assume new neurological symptoms are migraine.

Could these symptoms fit migraine or another cause? What should I record during an attack? Which treatment is appropriate for me, and how often can I use it? What warning signs should change my plan?