Description of a Migraine Headache

The cause of migraines is still somewhat mysterious but you will know when you have one, because they are so painful. "Migraines For Dummies" notes that not all migraine attacks are alike.

Identification

• Migraines are usually felt on one side of the head. It's often a pounding or pulsing sensation that can stretch from above the eye down to the neck.

Other Symptoms

• These include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to light, sounds or smells, drooping eyelid on one side of the face with pain--all pain gets worse with any kind of physical movement.

Consideration

• Some migraine attacks begin with a painless but confusing aura, which consist of disturbances in sight or sound. Sometimes migraine sufferers experience an aura and sometimes not.

Time Frame

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the average duration of migraine symptoms is from a few hours to three days. These attacks come daily, weekly, monthly or at longer intervals.

Warning

• "Migraines For Dummies" warns that any migraine headache that gets significantly worse over time instead of gradually fading, or lasts for over 72 hours, needs prompt medical attention.