Migraine: symptoms, triggers and when to get help

Migraine is a common health condition. Attacks can differ from person to person, so recognising your own pattern can help when you speak with a doctor.

Common features

  • A throbbing headache, often on one side of the head.
  • Feeling sick or being sick.
  • Sensitivity to light or sound.
  • For some people, warning signs such as visual changes before the headache. This is called an aura.

Keep a simple headache diary

Note when each attack starts, how long it lasts, the symptoms you notice and anything that may be part of your pattern, such as sleep, meals or stress. Take the diary to your appointment.

Arrange a medical appointment

Speak with a doctor if attacks are frequent, severe, getting worse, changing from your usual pattern or affecting daily life.

Get emergency help immediately

Use local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital for a sudden, extremely painful headache, or a headache with problems speaking, remembering or seeing; confusion or drowsiness; a seizure; weakness on one side; a very high temperature with meningitis symptoms; or after a recent head injury.

Online consultation informationContact Kairali India

Source: NHS, Migraine. General information only; use local Indian healthcare and emergency services.

Use this guide as a starting point

This page gives general information and responsible next steps. It cannot diagnose a condition or replace care from a qualified clinician. No product is recommended on this guide.