Learn how migraine can affect more than your head, what to record before a consultation and when symptoms need urgent care.
A migraine can mean more than head pain. It may also bring nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, although symptoms differ from person to person. If headaches keep returning, a clinician can ask about the pattern and help decide what care is appropriate. A new or unusual headache needs its own assessment; this article cannot identify its cause.
What can a migraine attack feel like?
Migraine may cause throbbing pain, often on one side, which can worsen with movement. Some people feel sick or vomit, or find light and sound uncomfortable. Symptoms vary between people and between attacks.
Some experience aura, which may include visual changes such as flashing lights, tingling, dizziness or difficulty speaking. Do not assume a new neurological symptom is migraine: sudden weakness, new speech difficulty or loss of vision requires emergency assessment.
When should you seek emergency help?
Go to an emergency department immediately for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache with new weakness on one side, trouble speaking, loss of vision, confusion, a seizure, or after a recent head injury. A headache with high fever and signs of meningitis also needs emergency assessment. Do not drive yourself.
Seek urgent medical advice if an attack lasts longer than 72 hours, aura lasts longer than one hour, or you are pregnant or have recently given birth and experience a migraine attack.
When is a consultation useful?
Arrange a review when headaches are recurring, becoming more severe, lasting longer than usual, affecting work or daily life, or difficult to control. Tell your clinician about changes from your usual pattern, including attacks around your period, medicines you use and other medical conditions.
A clinician will ask about symptoms and may examine you. They can decide whether further tests are appropriate; a scan is not automatically needed for every headache. Ask what findings would change that decision.
Preparing a headache diary
Record when each episode starts and ends, its severity, where the pain occurs, associated symptoms and how it affects your activities. Note sleep changes, meals, menstrual timing if relevant, medicines taken and whether they helped. A diary helps identify patterns, but an association does not prove a particular trigger caused an attack.
Bring your medication list, including over-the-counter pain relievers. Frequent use can contribute to medication-overuse headache in some people; discuss the frequency with a clinician instead of changing a prescribed treatment on your own.
Discussing treatment and follow-up
Treatment may include medicines taken during an attack and, for some people, preventive treatment. A plan depends on attack frequency, other conditions, pregnancy considerations and previous treatments. Ask about benefits, side effects, how to use medicines safely and when to reassess.
Learn more about headache and migraine care or contact Z-Vibes Health about a consultation in Bengaluru.
Frequently asked questions
Can migraine occur without a headache?
Some people experience aura without a headache, but new visual, speech or neurological symptoms still need prompt medical assessment to identify the cause.
How long can a migraine attack last?
Attacks commonly last from four hours to three days. Seek urgent advice if an attack lasts beyond 72 hours or aura lasts longer than one hour.
Are all headaches migraine?
No. Headaches have many possible causes. A clinician can consider your symptoms, history and examination before recommending care.
What should I bring to an appointment?
A headache diary, medication list and any relevant past reports can help. Include changes from your usual pattern and any impact on daily life.
Related reading
References
This article is general information and does not replace individual medical advice.