Migraine

Symptoms

​A migraine tends to be a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on one side of the head.

You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as:

• feeling very tired and yawning a lot
• craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
• changes in your mood
• a stiff neck
• peeing more

You may also get warning signs you're about to have a migraine (called an aura), such as:

• problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
• numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
• feeling dizzy
• difficulty speaking

Aura symptoms should not last for longer than an hour.

Migraines usually last between 2 hours and 3 days, with some symptoms (such as feeling very tired) starting up to 2 days before the head pain starts and finishing after the headache stops.

Some people have migraines several times a week, while others do not have them very often.

It's common to have migraines before or during your period, called menstrual migraines.

Most people find their migraines slowly get better as they get older.

Causes

It's not known what causes migraines.

You're more likely to get them if you have a close family member who gets them.

Some people find certain triggers can cause migraines, such as:

• starting their period
• anxiety and depression
• stress and tiredness
• not eating regularly or skipping meals
• too much caffeine

• not getting enough exercise

Treatment Options

Migraine treatments include:

• painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
• medicines called triptans
• medicines that stop you feeling sick or being sick

You may have to try a combination of medicines before you find something that works.

A GP may also recommend making changes to your lifestyle to help manage your migraines, such as eating at regular times and drinking less caffeine.

If your migraines are severe, you might be offered other things to help, such as learning relaxation techniques and acupuncture.

If these treatments do not manage your migraines, you may be offered a new type of medicine called a gepant. These work in a different way than other migraine medicines, so may be of more use to you.​

Prevention Tips

There are things you can do yourself to manage your migraines, with help and advice from a GP. 

Do:

• try sleeping or lying down in a darkened room during a migraine
• try to avoid things you know trigger your migraines, such as certain foods
• stay well hydrated and limit how much caffeine and alcohol you drink
• try to keep to a healthy weight
• eat meals at regular times
• get regular exercise
• get plenty of sleep

• try to manage your stress

When To See A Doctor

See a doctor if: 

• your migraines are severe or getting worse, or lasting longer than usual
• you have migraines more than once a week
• you're finding it difficult to control your migraines

• you regularly get migraines before or during your period