What are the symptoms of a bilateral migraine and how can they be treated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Bilateral migraines are recurring headaches that affect both sides of the head at the same time. Unlike typical one-sided migraines, they cause throbbing or pulsing pain across the entire head and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep, dehydration, and certain foods. Treatment options range from over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications to lifestyle changes and preventive therapies that can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Because bilateral migraines can share symptoms with tension headaches, sinus issues, or more serious conditions, identifying the underlying cause is essential to getting the right treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what may be behind your headaches and guide you toward appropriate next steps—all in just a few minutes and from the comfort of home.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Bilateral migraines can cause headaches on both sides of the head. Migraines often only affect one side of the head can sometimes affect both sides of the head. Migraine pain often has a pulsating or throbbing quality. Migraines often are accompamined by nausea, vomiting, and/or sensitivity to bright light, loud sound, or strong odors.

Some Treatment Options For Migraines

Actions To Try During a Migraine: Napping or resting with eyes closed in a dark, quiet room can help reduce symptoms. Placing an ice pack or cool cloth on the forehead can also help.
Medications: Some medications can ease symptoms after a migraine headache starts. Other medications can be taken every day (even when you do not have headaches) to prevent future migraines.

If you or someone you know is experiencing headaches that are severe, frequent, persistent, worsening, and/or accompanied by other symptoms (such as blurry vision, numbness, or weakness), you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your condition before consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.

(References)

Kuhn WF, Kuhn SC, & Daylida L. (1997). Basilar migraine. European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine, 9152694.
Göçmez Yılmaz G, Ghouri R, Özdemir AA, & Özge A. (2024). Complicated Form of Medication Overuse Headache Is .... Journal of clinical medicine, 38999262.
Kozubski W. (2005). [Basilar-type migraine: pathophysiology, symptoms and .... Neurologia i neurochirurgia polska, 16419573.

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