What are the main symptoms or signs of Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Conditions

Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache

A debilitating and underdiagnosed neurological disease.

Dr. Marc Dufresne

Neurologist

7 min read

Medical illustration of Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache

In simple terms

Migraine affects 12% of the adult population and remains the leading cause of disability among 15-49 year olds.

What you need to remember

Recognizing migraine — Unilateral, pulsating headache, moderate to severe intensity
Acute treatment — NSAIDs**: ibuprofen 400 mg, ketoprofen.
Daily prevention — Identify and avoid personal triggers (food, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol)

Migraine is not just a headache: it is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent attacks of intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensory hypersensitivity.

Recognizing migraine

Diagnostic criteria

Unilateral, pulsating headache, moderate to severe intensity
Duration: 4 to 72 hours
Worsened by physical activity
Associated with at least one of the following symptoms: nausea/vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia

Migraine with aura (30% of cases)

Transient neurological symptoms preceding the headache:

Visual disturbances (scintillating scotomas, zigzag lines)
Tingling on one side of the body
Speech disorders

Acute treatment

NSAIDs: ibuprofen 400 mg, ketoprofen. First-line treatment.
Triptans: sumatriptan, rizatriptan. Specific migraine treatment, to be taken at the onset of the headache.
Antiemetics: metoclopramide for significant nausea.

Preventive treatment (if > 4 attacks/month)

Beta-blockers (propranolol)
Antiepileptics (topiramate)
Antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Anti-CGRP antibodies: revolutionary new therapeutic class (erenumab, galcanezumab)

Daily prevention

Identify and avoid personal triggers (food, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol)
Regular sleep and meal schedules
Sufficient hydration
Regular physical activity (proven preventive effect)

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Chronic: A problem that lasts a long time, usually more than three months, and often comes back.
Acute: Something that starts suddenly and lasts a short time.
Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Diagnosis: The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
Prevention: Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.
Antibody: A protein your body makes to recognise and neutralise a specific germ.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache?: Migraine affects 12% of the adult population and remains the leading cause of disability among 15-49 year olds.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Migraine: Much More Than Just a Headache?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

#Migraine #Headaches #Neurology