Signs & Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches can be horrible experiences and those that are chronic sufferers know the signs and symptoms well. Severe, sudden onset headaches can be the indication for many more serious conditions. Always follow up with a doctor, especially if the symptoms don't match a migraine.

Pain

• The pain in migraine headaches is severe and localized to the temples. This means that pain should be occurring on one side of the head, anywhere from directly above to two inches above your ear. It's rare to have pain on both sides of the head.

Sensitivity to Light

• Often with migraines there is a significant sensitivity to light. Looking at a light or being in the presence of bright light or bright contrast is usually painful and debilitating.

Sensitivity to Sound

• Some people experience sensitivity to sound in which sound amplifies the pain of the migraine. This can also be used to positively affect migraines with soothing music.

Auras

• Many people experience visual interference, or auras, manifesting in flashing colors on the edge of their vision as a precursor to a headache. Not all migraine sufferers experience this.

Nausea

• Severe migraines often cause such intense pain that the sufferer can experience nausea and even vomiting.