Migraine Symptoms

Symptoms of Migraine

A typical migraine headache attack produces some or all of these signs and symptoms:

Moderate to severe pain — many migraine headache sufferers feel pain on only one side of their head, while some experience pain on both sides 

Head pain with a pulsating or throbbing quality 
Pain that worsens with physical activity 
Pain that hinders your regular daily activities 
Nausea with or without vomiting 
Sensitivity to light and sound 

When left untreated, a migraine headache typically lasts from four to 72 hours, but the frequency with which they occur can vary from person to person. You may have migraines several times a month or just once or twice a year.

Not all migraine headaches are the same. Most people suffer from migraines without auras, which were previously called common migraines. Some have migraines with auras, which were previously called classic migraines. If you're in the second group, you'll likely have auras about 15 to 30 minutes before your headache begins. They may continue after your headache starts or even occur after your headache begins. These may include:

Sparkling flashes of light 
Dazzling zigzag lines in your field of vision 
Slowly spreading blind spots in your vision 
Tingling, pins-and-needles sensations in one arm or leg 
Rarely, weakness or language and speech problems