Migraine Headache
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
What is a migraine headache?
A migraine is a severe headache. The pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. A migraine can last a few hours up to several days. The exact cause of migraines is not known. A family history of migraines increases your risk. Your risk is also higher if you are a woman or take medicines such as estrogen or a vasodilator.
What are the warning signs that a migraine headache is about to start?
Warning signs usually start 15 to 60 minutes before the headache:
- Visual changes (auras), such as blurred vision, temporary blind or bright spots, lines, or hallucinations
- Unusual tiredness or frequent yawning
- Tingling in an arm or leg
What are the signs and symptoms of a migraine headache?
A migraine headache usually begins as a dull ache around the eye or temple. The pain may get worse with movement. You may also have the following:
- Pain in your head that may increase to the point that you cannot do everyday activities
- Pain on one or both sides of your head
- Throbbing, pulsing, or pounding pain in your head
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
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What can trigger a migraine headache?
- Stress, eye strain, oversleeping, or not getting enough sleep
- Hormone changes in women from birth control pills, pregnancy, menopause, or during a monthly period
- Skipping meals, going too long without eating, or not drinking enough liquids
- Certain foods or drinks such as chocolate, hard cheese, alcohol, or drinks that contain caffeine
- Foods that contain gluten, nitrates, MSG, or artificial sweeteners
- Sunlight, bright or flashing lights, loud noises, smoke, or strong smells
- Heat, humidity, or changes in the weather
How is a migraine headache diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your headaches. Describe the pain and any other symptoms, such as nausea. Tell the provider if you think anything triggered the pain. The provider will also want to know what you ate and drank before the pain started. Tell the provider about any medical conditions you have or that run in your family. Include any recent stressors you have had. You may also need any of the following:
- A neurologic exam is used to check how your pupils react to light. Your healthcare provider may check your memory, hand grasp, and balance.
- CT or MRI pictures may be taken of your brain. You may be given contrast liquid to help your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How is a migraine headache treated?
Migraines cannot be cured. The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms.
- Medicines may be given to help you manage migraines. Take medicine as soon as you feel a migraine begin, or as directed. Your healthcare provider may recommend any of the following:
- Migraine medicines are used to help prevent or stop a migraine.
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and to help prevent vomiting. This medicine can also help relieve pain.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you learn ways to manage and prevent migraines. A therapist can teach you to relax and to reduce stress. You may learn ways to create healthy nutrition, activity, and sleep habits to prevent migraines. The therapist can also help you manage conditions that can affect migraines, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
What can I do to manage my symptoms?
- Rest in a dark, quiet room. This will help decrease your pain. Sleep may also help relieve the pain.
- Apply ice to decrease pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the ice pack with a towel and place it on your head. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour.
- Apply heat to decrease pain and muscle spasms. Use a small towel dampened with warm water or a heating pad, or sit in a warm bath. Apply heat on the area for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours. You may alternate heat and ice.
- Keep a migraine record. Write down when your migraines start and stop. Include your symptoms and what you were doing when a migraine began. Record what you ate or drank for 24 hours before the migraine started. Keep track of what you did to treat your migraine and if it worked. Bring the migraine record with you to visits with your healthcare provider.
What can I do to prevent another migraine headache?
- Prevent a medicine overuse headache. Take pain medicines only as long as directed. A medicine may be limited to a certain amount each month. Your healthcare provider can help you create a plan so you get a safe amount each month.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can trigger a migraine or make it worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can trigger a migraine. It can also keep medicines used to treat your migraines from working.
- Be physically active. Physical activity, such as exercise, may help prevent migraines. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best activity plan for you. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.
- Manage stress. Stress may trigger a migraine. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.
- Create a sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Do not watch television before bed.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Include healthy foods such as include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Do not have food or drinks that trigger your migraines.
- Drink more liquids to prevent dehydration. Your healthcare provider can tell you how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You feel like you are going to faint, you become confused, or you have a seizure.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have a headache that seems different or much worse than your usual migraine headache.
- You have a severe headache with a fever or a stiff neck.
- You have new problems with speech, vision, balance, or movement.
When should I call my doctor?
- Your migraines interfere with your daily activities.
- Your medicines or treatments stop working.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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