Migraines

Typical Symptoms

There is no test to determine whether you have migraines. Your doctor makes the diagnosis based on your symptoms. Typical migraine symptoms that help distinguish them from other types of headaches include:

• throbbing pain on one side of your head, lasting four to 72 hours
• sensitivity to light and/or sound
• nausea or vomiting with the headache
• worsening pain with even simple activities, such as walking

Less than 25 percent of people with migraines sometimes experience what is known an aura before an attack. Auras are brain-triggered symptoms that come on gradually, intensify over five to 20 minutes, and then slowly disappear within an hour. A typical migraine headache develops immediately after the aura in most cases. Migraine aura symptoms may include:

• vision changes, such as blurriness, black spots or seeing flashing or wavy lights
• numbness or tingling, which usually starts on the face or tongue
• slurred speech

After a migraine headache goes way, you still might not feel well. Many people feel unusually tired, irritable or have trouble concentrating for a day or two after a migraine.

Managing Migraines

You can't control being prone to migraines, but you can take steps to prevent and treat attacks. Doctors typically recommend a multi-pronged management plan for migraines:

• Identify and avoid triggers. Keeping a headache diary helps you know what your triggers are so you can avoid them.
• Take preemptive action. If you are going to encounter a migraine trigger, taking medication beforehand might help you avoid an attack.
• Act quickly when you sense a migraine attack coming on. Medications taken at the first sign of a migraine can often stop an attack or limit the severity.
• Use preventive medicines as recommended by your doctor. For people who have three to six days monthly with limited activities because of migraines, daily preventive medicines are often recommended to reduce the number of attacks.

When to See Your Doctor

If you're having frequent headaches — especially if they disrupt your usual activities — see your doctor. Many people with migraines don't discuss the headaches with their doctor. But there is no need to suffer in silence because effective treatments are available.

Sometimes, a headache could signal a serious health problem that requires immediate medical treatment. Seek medical care right away if you experience:

• sudden severe headaches after age 50
• the worst headache of your life
• fever and/or neck stiffness with a headache
• headache after a recent blow to your head
• aura-like symptoms without a migraine

Have you talked to your doctor about your headaches?