Understanding Migraines: 10 Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

Table of Contents

• What is a Migraine?
• How Long Can a Migraine Last?
• Types of Migraine Explained
• 10 Common Migraine Symptoms
• What Triggers Migraines?

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is more than just a typical headache; it is a complex neurological condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, often characterised by intense, debilitating pain. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, numbness or tingling, and sensitivity to light and sound. The exact cause is still unknown, but migraines are believed to result from abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Migraines are also thought to have genetic factors and can be triggered by stress, certain foods, environmental changes, and hormonal fluctuations.

How Long Can a Migraine Last?

Migraines can last from a few hours to several days, it really depends on the individual. Some people may experience migraines a couple of times per week whilst others may experience a migraine occasionally. 1-2 days before you get a migraine, you may experience the following:

• Mood fluctuations
• Loss of appetite or increased cravings
• A stiff neck
• Increased tiredness
• Sensory sensitivity

This period is called the "migraine prodrome". Whilst not every migraine sufferer will experience these symptoms, they can act as migraine warning signs for some individuals.

You should seek advice from a medical professional if your migraines are severe or you feel that they are getting worse or are lasting longer than usual. If you are concerned about the frequency of your migraines, you may want to consider keeping a migraine diary to share with your GP or a healthcare professional.

Types of Migraine Explained

Migraine with Aura

Also known as classic migraines, this type involves visual disturbances such as flashes of light or blind spots, which precede the headache. Other aura symptoms might include tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

Migraine without Aura

This is the most common type of migraine headache and does not involve the sensory disturbances that characterise aura. Sufferers experience head pain that can be severe, pulsating, and typically worsens with physical activity.

10 Common Migraine Symptoms

While many people are familiar with the classic pounding headache associated with migraines, there are several other symptoms that can occur before, during, or even after the headache itself. Recognising these signs can be crucial for early intervention and the management of this debilitating condition. Common signs of a migraine include:

1. An Intense Headache Usually on One Side of The Head

The pain experienced with a migraine is usually different to that of a general headache. The main symptom of a migraine is a throbbing sensation on one side of the head, sometimes experienced on both sides of the head. Migraine pain feels like it is pulsating and can also be felt in the face or neck.

2. Neck Pain

Another common symptom of a migraine is neck pain. Tightness and stiffness of the neck can occur during the prodromal stage (first phase) of a migraine. Contrary to popular belief, neck pain is a symptom of a migraine, and not a cause.

3.  1 in 3 People With a Migraine Will Experience a “Migraine Aura”

An aura is a symptom of the nervous system. Aura is usually experienced before a migraine presents, and can act as a warning. They usually present themselves as:

• Visual disturbances such as seeing flashing lights, blind spots or zig-zag patterns
• Pins and needles or a sensation of numbness (that can affect your legs, hands, arms or face)
• Dizziness or feeling like you are off balance
• Difficulty speaking

An aura usually lasts between 5 – 60 minutes, and usually occurs around an hour before the migraine begins.

4. Changes in Your Mood

Changes in mood affect around 60% of those that experience migraine. This can start from as early as the day before. Whilst some sufferers will be left feeling depressed, anxious or irritable, others may find themselves feeling cheerful, hyperactive or excited. The link between changes in mood and migraines is not fully quite understood, but it is thought to possibly have something to do with genetics and hormones.

5. Food Cravings!

Before an attack, many people experience food cravings. It’s common to crave foods that are high in sugar such as chocolate, before the onset of a migraine.

6. Sensitivity to Light, Sound and Smells

One of the most common symptoms of a migraine, is increased sensitivity to factors such as light, sound and smell. Naturally, a majority of sufferers who experience this symptom will retreat to a darkened room to escape light, sound or smell, which can aggravate the migraine.

7. Nausea and Vomiting

Abrupt changes in brain chemistry during a migraine can activate the “vomiting centre” in the brain. As a result, nausea and vomiting can be experienced during a migraine.

8. Urinating More Frequently

Urinating more frequently than usual can be another sign that a migraine is on its way. It’s one of the many warning signs of a migraine.

9. Diarrhoea and Constipation

Whilst the exact cause of migraines remains unknown, it is thought that hormones have a large part to play. One of the hormones that is thought to play a role in migraines is serotonin. Serotonin is found in the brain and the digestive system, and there is thought to be a link, whereby those experiencing migraines, will also experience gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea and constipation before or after a migraine.

10. Extreme Tiredness and Yawning

Tiredness and yawning can be another sign. Excessive yawning every few minutes and feeling more tired than usual often occur before a migraine is about to strike. 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should visit your GP to get a diagnosis.

What Triggers Migraines?

Migraine triggers vary from person to person. Common triggers however can include:

• Stress
• High caffeine intake
• Environmental changes like strong odors, loud noises, or flickering lights
• Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, due to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Irregular meal times
• Physical exertion

Identifying and understanding personal migraine triggers is crucial for managing and potentially reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.

Treatment for Migraines

Whilst there is no cure for migraines, there are treatment options available. Medications such as Sumatriptan work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, preventing the signals responsible for causing migraines from being sent. You should discuss these options with your GP. You can also visit the NHS website available for more information about this condition.

Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol may help to ease the pain. If you suffer from severe migraines regularly, your GP may recommend lifestyle changes to try to prevent migraines. This may include reducing your caffeine intake, adjusting your diet and mealtimes and managing stress levels with relaxation techniques.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.