Migraine

A common condition causing repeated, often severe headaches, usually on one side of the head, sometimes with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

HeadacheNeurologicalLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

A throbbing headache, often on one side, with feeling sick and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people get warning signs (aura) first.

Common Treatments

Painkillers and medicines called triptans for attacks, rest in a dark quiet room, and preventive medicines if attacks are frequent.

Risk Factors

Family history, being female, hormonal changes, stress, missed meals, poor sleep, dehydration and some foods or drinks.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

A migraine is more than a bad headache. It's a moderate or severe headache, usually throbbing and often on one side, that can last from a few hours to a few days.

About a third of people get an aura before the headache: flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots or tingling. Many people also feel sick, vomit, or find light and sound hard to bear.

Migraine is common and more frequent in women. There's no cure, but treatment can make attacks shorter, less severe and less frequent.

Symptoms

Throbbing headache

Moderate to severe pain, often on one side of the head and worse with movement.

Aura

Visual changes such as flashing lights or zigzag lines, usually lasting under an hour before the headache.

Nausea and vomiting

Many people feel sick or vomit during an attack.

Sensitivity to light and sound

Bright light and noise can make the pain worse.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

The exact cause isn't fully known. It's thought to involve temporary changes in brain activity, nerve signals and blood vessels in the brain. Genes play a part, as migraines often run in families.

Key Risk Factors

  • Family history Most people with migraine have a close relative who has it too.
  • Hormones Many women get migraines around their period.
  • Triggers Stress, tiredness, poor sleep, missed meals, dehydration, alcohol, caffeine and some foods can trigger attacks.
  • Medicine overuse Taking painkillers on many days a month can cause more frequent headaches.

Management & Treatment

01. During an attack

Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen taken early, rest in a dark quiet room, and medicine for nausea if needed.

02. Triptans

Specific migraine medicines that work for many people when ordinary painkillers don't.

03. Prevention

If attacks are frequent, your doctor may suggest a daily preventive medicine.

04. Know your triggers

A headache diary can help you spot and avoid your triggers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a headache an emergency?
Get urgent help for a sudden, very severe headache, a headache with fever and stiff neck, weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, or after a head injury.
Can children get migraines?
Yes. In children attacks are often shorter and may include tummy pain.
Will I have migraines forever?
Migraines often become less frequent with age, and treatment can help a lot.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.