Migraine Symptoms: Why Your Brain Is Throbbing and What to Do Next

Migraine symptoms are more than "just a bad headache." A migraine is a complex neurological condition that affects how your brain processes pain and sensory information. If your head is throbbing, light feels unbearable, and you feel nauseated or exhausted, you may be experiencing a migraine.

Understanding migraine symptoms can help you get the right treatment faster—and know when it's time to seek urgent medical care.

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What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological disorder that causes recurring episodes of moderate to severe head pain, often along with other symptoms. According to major neurological and headache organizations, migraines affect millions of people worldwide and are one of the leading causes of disability in adults under 50.

Migraines are not caused by weakness, stress alone, or poor vision. They involve changes in brain activity, nerve signaling, and blood vessels. Genetics also play a role—migraines often run in families.

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Common Migraine Symptoms

Migraine symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience warning signs before the pain begins, while others do not.

1. Head Pain

The most recognized of all migraine symptoms is head pain. This pain is often:

• Throbbing or pulsating
• Moderate to severe in intensity
• Located on one side of the head (but can affect both sides)
• Worsened by movement or physical activity

Migraine attacks typically last 4 to 72 hours if untreated.

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2. Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smell

Many people with migraines report:

• Sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sounds (phonophobia)
• Sensitivity to smells

You may feel better lying in a dark, quiet room.

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3. Nausea and Vomiting

Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common migraine symptoms. These can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach discomfort

In some cases, nausea can be as disruptive as the head pain itself.

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4. Visual or Sensory Changes (Migraine With Aura)

About one in three people experience migraine with aura. An aura usually happens before the headache phase and lasts 5 to 60 minutes.

Aura symptoms may include:

• Flashing lights or zigzag lines
• Blind spots
• Blurred vision
• Tingling in the face or hands
• Difficulty speaking

Aura symptoms can be frightening, especially the first time. However, they are usually temporary and fully reversible.

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The Four Phases of a Migraine

Migraine symptoms often follow a pattern. Not everyone experiences all four stages.

1. Prodrome (Hours to Days Before)

Early warning signs may include:

• Mood changes
• Food cravings
• Fatigue
• Neck stiffness
• Frequent yawning

Recognizing these early migraine symptoms can help you treat the attack sooner.

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2. Aura (If Present)

As described above, this phase involves visual or sensory changes.

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3. Attack

This is when the head pain and associated migraine symptoms peak. Without treatment, this stage can last up to three days.

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4. Postdrome ("Migraine Hangover")

After the pain fades, you may feel:

• Drained
• Foggy
• Sensitive to light
• Mild head discomfort

This stage can last up to 24 hours.

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Why Is Your Brain Throbbing?

Migraine symptoms are linked to complex changes in the brain.

During a migraine:

• Certain nerve pathways become overactive
• Pain-signaling chemicals (like CGRP) are released
• Inflammation and sensitivity increase
• Brainstem activity shifts
• Blood vessel function changes

The throbbing feeling is thought to be connected to how your brain processes pain signals, not simply blood vessels expanding as once believed.

Migraines are a real neurological condition—not imagined and not "just stress."

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Common Migraine Triggers

Triggers do not cause migraines by themselves, but they can set off an attack in someone who is prone to them.

Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes (especially around menstruation)
• Poor sleep or too much sleep
• Skipping meals
• Dehydration
• Alcohol (especially red wine)
• Weather changes
• Strong smells

Keeping a simple migraine diary can help you identify patterns in your migraine symptoms.

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When Migraine Symptoms Could Be Something More Serious

Most migraines are not life-threatening. However, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Seek urgent care if you experience:

• A sudden, severe headache ("worst headache of your life")
• A headache that peaks within seconds
• Headache with fever and stiff neck
• Headache after a head injury
• New headache after age 50
• Weakness on one side of the body that does not resolve
• Confusion or loss of consciousness

These could signal serious conditions such as stroke, bleeding in the brain, or infection.

Do not ignore these warning signs. Speak to a doctor immediately or go to emergency care if needed.

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Medical Next Steps for Migraine Symptoms

If you suspect you're having migraines, here's what to do next:

1. Confirm the Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will:

• Review your symptoms
• Ask about family history
• Evaluate frequency and severity
• Perform a neurological exam

Imaging tests are not always necessary unless symptoms are unusual or concerning.

If you're experiencing symptoms like throbbing head pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light and want to understand whether they match a migraine pattern, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Migraine symptom checker to get personalized insights in minutes—before speaking with a clinician.

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2. Acute (Rescue) Treatment

These medications treat migraine symptoms during an attack:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen)
• Triptans (migraine-specific prescription medications)
• Anti-nausea medications

Early treatment often works better than waiting until pain becomes severe.

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3. Preventive Treatment

If you have frequent or severe migraine symptoms (for example, more than 4 headache days per month), your doctor may recommend preventive therapy.

Preventive options may include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Certain antidepressants
• CGRP-targeting medications
• Botox injections for chronic migraine

Preventive therapy aims to reduce frequency, intensity, and duration.

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4. Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce migraine symptoms:

• Maintain regular sleep schedules
• Eat consistent meals
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise moderately
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

These changes are not a cure—but they can improve control.

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Living With Migraine

Migraine symptoms can disrupt work, relationships, and daily life. But with the right treatment plan, many people regain control.

If migraines are affecting your quality of life:

• Track your symptoms
• Seek medical evaluation
• Discuss both acute and preventive options
• Be honest about how much migraines interfere with your life

Migraine is a medical condition deserving of medical treatment.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• You are experiencing migraine symptoms for the first time
• Your migraine pattern changes
• Your medications are not working
• Headaches are becoming more frequent
• You are concerned about something more serious

If you experience any potentially life-threatening symptoms—such as sudden severe headache, stroke-like symptoms, or confusion—seek emergency care immediately.

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Final Thoughts

Migraine symptoms are real, neurological, and often disabling—but they are treatable. Throbbing head pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and visual changes are all classic signs. Recognizing the pattern is the first step toward relief.

If you're unsure what your symptoms mean, try Ubie's free AI-powered Migraine symptom checker to quickly assess your symptoms and determine next steps, then follow up with a healthcare professional.

Above all, do not ignore severe or unusual headache symptoms. When in doubt, speak to a doctor. Early evaluation can rule out serious causes and help you get the right treatment plan—so you can stop wondering why your brain is throbbing and start feeling better.