What does a migraine feel like?

What Is a Migraine and What Does It Feel Like?

A migraine is more than “just a headache.” It’s a neurological condition that causes intense, often throbbing head pain and can disrupt your daily life for hours or days. While each person’s experience is unique, most migraines follow a similar pattern of symptoms and phases.

Phases of a Migraine
Migraines often progress through four phases. You may not experience every phase, and their order can vary.

1. Prodrome (Hours to Days Before Headache)

   • Subtle mood changes (irritability, depression, euphoria)
   • Food cravings or loss of appetite
   • Neck stiffness or yawning
   • Increased thirst or urination
   • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

2. Aura (Up to One Hour Before Headache, in ~25% of People)

   • Visual disturbances (flashing lights, zigzag lines, blind spots)
   • Pins-and-needles sensations or numbness in hands or face
   • Difficulty speaking or finding words
   • Dizziness or vertigo

3. Headache (4–72 Hours)

   • Moderate to severe pain, often on one side of the head
   • Throbbing or pulsating quality
   • Worsens with routine physical activity (walking, climbing stairs)
   • May spread to both sides or shift sides

4. Postdrome (“Migraine Hangover,” Hours to a Day After)

   • Exhaustion, weakness, or confusion
   • Mild, lingering head discomfort
   • Mood changes (euphoria or irritability)

What the Pain Feels Like
Migraines are typically described as:

• Throbbing or pulsating, like a heartbeat in your skull
• Localized to one side, though it can spread or switch sides
• Intensified by movement, noise, or bright light
• Severe enough to force you to stop daily tasks

Associated Symptoms
Migraines often bring more than head pain. Common accompanying symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Sensitivity to smells (osmophobia)
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Difficulty concentrating

Triggers and Warning Signs
Many people find certain factors increase their risk of a migraine. Common triggers are:

• Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, menopause)
• Stress or sudden emotional changes
• Lack of sleep or jet lag
• Dehydration or skipped meals
• Weather changes, bright lights, or strong odors
• Certain foods (aged cheeses, processed meats, artificial sweeteners)
• Alcohol, especially red wine

Keeping a headache diary can help you spot patterns and avoid triggers.

Impact on Daily Life
Migraines can affect every aspect of life:

• Work or school performance drops when concentration fails.
• Social activities may be canceled due to pain or sensitivity to light and sound.
• Physical exercise often feels impossible.
• Mood shifts and fatigue linger after the headache subsides.

Over time, recurring migraines can lead to anxiety about the next attack, which in turn may trigger more headaches. Learning effective coping strategies and treatments is key to breaking this cycle.

When to Seek Help
Most migraines aren’t life-threatening, but certain “red flags” mean you should get medical attention right away:

• Sudden, severe headache “like a thunderclap”
• Headache after head injury
• Fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• Vision loss or double vision that doesn’t clear with rest
• Numbness, weakness, or slurred speech
• Headache that’s different from your usual migraine pattern

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are a typical migraine or something more serious, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check for guidance. These tools can help you decide whether to seek urgent care.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A healthcare provider will diagnose migraine based on your medical history, a description of your headaches, and a physical exam. No blood test or scan can confirm migraine, but imaging (CT or MRI) may be ordered if there are concerning features.

Treatment strategies fall into two categories:

1. Acute relief (taken at the first sign of headache)

   • Over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
   • Triptans (prescription pills, nasal sprays, or injections)
   • Anti-nausea medications
   • CGRP inhibitors (newer class of migraine-specific drugs)

2. Prevention (taken daily or at intervals to reduce frequency)

   • Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications
   • Botox injections for chronic migraine
   • CGRP monoclonal antibodies

Lifestyle changes can also help prevent attacks:

• Regular sleep schedule
• Balanced meals and hydration
• Stress management (yoga, meditation, biofeedback)
• Gentle, regular exercise

When to Talk to a Doctor
If migraines disrupt your life more than twice a month, last more than 48 hours, or don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. It’s especially important to speak to a doctor right away if you experience any red-flag symptoms or if:

• You’ve never had a headache like this before.
• Your usual migraine suddenly gets much worse.
• You have unexplained changes in vision, speech, or movement.

A doctor can work with you to refine your diagnosis, rule out other causes, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

• Migraine is a neurological disorder, not just a bad headache.
• Phases include prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome.
• Pain is often throbbing, one-sided, and worsened by activity.
• Nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and mood changes are common.
• Track triggers, maintain a healthy routine, and explore both acute and preventive treatments.
• Use a free, online symptom check for guidance if you’re unsure.
• Speak to a doctor about any red-flag symptoms or serious concerns.

Remember, understanding what a migraine feels like is the first step toward finding relief. If you experience anything that could be life threatening or serious, speak to a doctor right away.