Symptoms of a Migraine
A migraine is more than a terrible headache. It’s a neurological condition with a variety of possible symptoms. Along with a moderate to severe headache on one side of the head, migraine symptoms often include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light, smells or sounds
- Food cravings
- Mood changes
- Excessive yawning
If symptoms worsen with movement in the 24 hours before a migraine headache starts, it’s common to have other symptoms, such as: difficulty concentrating. After the migraine fades, you may feel confused or exhausted.
Types of Migraines and Headaches
The most common type is a migraine without aura. These migraines usually last between four hours and three days if they are not treated or treated ineffectively.
One in five people with migraines suffer from migraines with aura. An aura, or sensory symptoms, precedes the headache in this type. During an aura, you might experience changes in your sense of smell, taste, touch or vision. Your face or hands may also feel numb, tingly or weak.
Other types of headaches and migraines include:
- Abdominal migraines. More common in children, this type causes moderate to severe abdominal pain with or without a headache. Pain may last up to three days.
- Cluster headaches. This type of headache is usually localized around one eye. Cluster headaches typically happen at the same time each day for several weeks.
- Hemiplegic migraines. This kind can look like a stroke, causing temporary paralysis on one side and difficulty swallowing or talking. It often runs in families.
- Sinus headaches. These headaches are a symptom of a sinus infection with pain around the cheekbones and eyes due to nasal congestion.
- Tension headaches. This type of headache typically feels like a band around your head. You may also have pain in your neck or shoulders.
Treatment for Migraines and Headaches
If you have any type of headaches consistently, or if your headaches are increasing in frequency or severity or interfere with your daily activities, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if your headaches:
- Are worse in the morning
- Change in frequency or intensity
- Keep you from falling asleep
- Last several days
- Wake you up at night
Remember, everyone experiences migraines differently. If you have concerns about your headaches, please consult a healthcare provider.
A migraine can mimic other serious conditions, such as a stroke or transient ischemic attack, often called a ministroke. A headache can also be a symptom of a serious condition such as meningitis or encephalitis. Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- A headache that is sudden, interferes with daily activities or feels explosive or violent
- Arm weakness, especially on one side
- Facial drooping, especially on one side
- Fever, a stiff neck and nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Slurred speech
- Sudden confusion or memory loss
- Vision change
- Worsening headache after 24 hours
Summa Health offers advanced imaging technology to get an accurate headache diagnosis and rule out conditions with similar symptoms. After diagnosis, your healthcare team will work with you to create a customized care plan based on your symptoms and the type of migraine or headache you have.
Your migraine treatment plan may include one or more medications to prevent migraines or treat acute symptoms at home or our specialized migraine infusion center. We also offer education about lifestyle changes and non-drug therapies, such as biofeedback, for better stress management and symptom relief.
Call 234.867.6626 to make an appointment.