What are the symptoms of a migraine?

Understanding Migraine Symptoms

Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They’re a neurological condition that can cause a variety of migraine symptoms before, during and after an attack. Knowing what to look for can help you identify a migraine early, manage your pain and seek appropriate care. Below is an overview of common symptoms, organized by the four classic phases of a migraine attack, based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (3rd edition) and studies such as Giffin & Ruggiero (2003).

1. Prodrome (Premonitory) Phase

This early warning stage can begin hours or even days before headache pain starts. Not everyone experiences a prodrome, but up to 60% of people with migraine report one. Common premonitory migraine symptoms include:

• Mood changes: irritability, depression or euphoria
• Food cravings or loss of appetite
• Neck stiffness or muscle tension
• Frequent yawning or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Increased thirst or urination

Why it matters: Recognizing these early signs may allow you to take fast-acting medication sooner or modify your environment (dimming lights, reducing noise) to lessen the impact of the headache that follows.

2. Aura Phase

About 25% of migraine sufferers experience an aura—temporary neurological disturbances that usually develop over 5–20 minutes and last less than an hour. Auras can occur with or without headache pain. Typical aura migraine symptoms include:

Visual Aura

• Flashes of light, zigzag lines or “fortification spectra”
• Blurred or tunnel vision
• Blind spots (scotomas) that expand over time

Sensory Aura

• Pins-and-needles or numbness, often starting in the hand and moving up the arm to the face
• Tingling sensations

Language and Speech

• Slurred speech or difficulty finding words (dysphasia)

Motor Aura (less common)

• Temporary weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegic migraine)

Brainstem Aura (rare)

• Vertigo, unsteadiness or dizziness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Double vision or loss of balance
• Drop in consciousness or fainting

Note: If you experience sudden, severe neurological changes—especially weakness or vision loss—seek medical attention immediately to rule out stroke or other serious conditions.

3. Headache (Pain) Phase

This is the most recognized part of a migraine attack. The headache usually lasts 4 to 72 hours and can range from moderate to severe. Key migraine symptoms include:

• Unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral throbbing or pulsating pain
• Pain that worsens with physical activity, bending over or climbing stairs
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to smells (osmophobia) and touch

Other possible features:

• Nasal congestion or runny nose (in some cases)
• Facial sweating or pallor
• Diarrhea or abdominal cramping

4. Postdrome (Resolution) Phase

Also called the “migraine hangover,” this phase can last up to 24–48 hours after the headache subsides. You may feel:

• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Difficulty concentrating or “confused” feeling
• Mood changes—either euphoric relief or lingering irritability
• Muscle aches or stiffness

Although the worst of the pain is gone, residual effects can disrupt daily activities. Rest, hydration and gentle stretching may help you recover more quickly.

Common Triggers to Watch For

Understanding what sets off your migraines can help you reduce their frequency. Common triggers include:

• Stress or emotional upheaval
• Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause)
• Sleep disturbances (too little or too much sleep)
• Certain foods and additives (aged cheeses, chocolate, MSG)
• Caffeine excess or withdrawal
• Weather changes or barometric pressure shifts
• Strong odors or bright/flashing lights

When to Seek Help

Most migraine attacks can be managed with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription treatments. However, you should speak to a doctor if you experience:

• New-onset severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
• Sudden neurological symptoms that last longer than an hour
• Headaches following a head injury
• Changes in headache pattern or increasing frequency
• Side effects from migraine medications

You may also consider doing a free, online symptom check for your migraine symptoms to get an initial idea of what you’re experiencing.

Final Thoughts

Migraine symptoms vary widely from person to person and even from one attack to the next. Keeping a headache diary—tracking your prodrome signs, triggers, headache intensity and response to treatment—can be invaluable. If you’re ever unsure whether your symptoms indicate a migraine or something more serious, always speak to a doctor. Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.