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Migraine Headache


What is a migraine headache?

A migraine is a severe headache. The pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. A migraine can last a few hours up to several days. The exact cause of migraines is not known.

What can trigger a migraine headache?

  • Stress, eye strain, oversleeping, or not getting enough sleep
  • Hormone changes in women from birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, or during a monthly period
  • Skipping meals, going too long without eating, or not drinking enough liquids
  • Certain foods or drinks such as chocolate, hard cheese, red wine, or drinks that contain caffeine
  • Foods that contain gluten, nitrates, MSG, or artificial sweeteners
  • Sunlight, bright or flashing lights, loud noises, smoke, or strong smells
  • Heat, humidity, or changes in the weather

What are the warning signs that a migraine headache is about to start?

Warning signs usually start 15 to 60 minutes before the headache:

  • Visual changes (auras), such as blurred vision, temporary blind or bright spots, lines, or hallucinations
  • Unusual tiredness or frequent yawning
  • Tingling in an arm or leg

What are the signs and symptoms of a migraine headache?

A migraine headache usually begins as a dull ache around the eye or temple. The pain may get worse with movement. You may also have the following:

  • Pain in your head that may increase to the point that you cannot do everyday activities
  • Pain on one or both sides of your head
  • Throbbing, pulsing, or pounding pain in your head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, noise, or smells

How is a migraine headache diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your headaches. Describe the pain and any other symptoms, such as nausea. Tell the provider if you think anything triggered the pain. The provider will also want to know what you ate and drank before the pain started. Tell the provider about any medical conditions you have or that run in your family. Include any recent stressors you have had. You may also need any of the following:

  • A neurologic exam is used to check how your pupils react to light. Your healthcare provider may check your memory, hand grasp, and balance.
  • CT or MRI pictures may be taken of your brain. You may be given contrast liquid to help your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

How is a migraine headache treated?

Migraines cannot be cured. The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms. Take medicine as soon as you feel a migraine begin.

  • Migraine medicines are used to help prevent a migraine or stop it once it starts.
  • Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and to help prevent vomiting. This medicine can also help relieve pain.

What can I do to manage my symptoms?

  • Rest in a dark, quiet room. This will help decrease your pain. Sleep may also help relieve the pain.
  • Apply ice to decrease pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the ice pack with a towel and place it on your head. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour.
  • Apply heat to decrease pain and muscle spasms. Use a small towel dampened with warm water or a heating pad, or sit in a warm bath. Apply heat on the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours. You may alternate heat and ice.
  • Keep a migraine record. Write down when your migraines start and stop. Include your symptoms and what you were doing when a migraine began. Record what you ate or drank for 24 hours before the migraine started. Keep track of what you did to treat your migraine and if it worked. Bring the migraine record with you to visits with your healthcare provider.

What can I do to prevent another migraine headache?

  • Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can trigger a migraine or make it worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
  • Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can trigger a migraine. It can also keep medicines used to treat your migraines from working.
  • Get regular exercise. Exercise may help prevent migraines. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best exercise plan for you. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days.
  • Manage stress. Stress may trigger a migraine. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.
  • Create a sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Do not watch television before bed.
  • Eat regular meals. Include healthy foods such as include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Do not have food or drinks that trigger your migraines.

When should I seek immediate care?

  • You have a headache that seems different or much worse than your usual migraine headache.
  • You have a severe headache with a fever or a stiff neck.
  • You have new problems with speech, vision, balance, or movement.
  • You feel like you are going to faint, you become confused, or you have a seizure.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

  • Your migraines interfere with your daily activities.
  • Your medicines or treatments stop working.
  • You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement


Further information


Learn more about Migraine Headache

Associated drugs

Micromedex® Care Notes

Symptoms and treatments

Mayo Clinic Reference