Migraine in adults - What are the symptoms?

In this section

Different types of migraine: with or without auras
When should I see a doctor straight away?

You have migraine if you get a headache that lasts from four to 72 hours and you also have two of the symptoms listed below:[1]

The pain is on one side of your head (this is called unilateral pain). This pain is often at the front of your head
The pain is a throbbing pain
The pain gets worse when you move
The pain is moderate or severe.

If you have a migraine attack you will also have one or more of the symptoms in this list:[1]

You may feel nauseated (as if your stomach is upset or you are going to vomit) or you may vomit
You may feel extra-sensitive to light (this is called photophobia)
You may be extra-sensitive to sounds (this is called phonophobia).

Migraine attacks often start when you wake up in the morning. If they start during the day, these attacks tend to take several hours to build up to their worst.[2]

Different types of migraine: with or without auras

Some people who get migraine attacks also get what is called an aura before an attack. The aura happens because some of your nerves don't work in the way that they usually do. The aura is a warning of an attack, and it can be frightening. About 1 in every 6 people with migraine (15 percent) get auras.[1] If you get an aura you may suddenly:

See flashing lights or have blind spots (areas that you can't see)
Have ringing in your ears
Develop numbness in parts of your body, such as your hand, or have pins and needles[1]
Have trouble speaking. For example, you may not be able to find the right words.

All of these symptoms are what make migraine headaches different from other headaches, including tension-type headaches (the most common type of headache). But every person is different, and your symptoms of migraine may not be the same as those of other people.

For more about what causes migraine symptoms, see What is migraine?

When should I see a doctor straight away?

If you have any of the symptoms in this list, see your doctor urgently.

You have a very painful headache for the first time that came on suddenly (within one or two minutes), especially if you feel it is the worst headache of your life. If you have a headache that feels like someone has kicked you in the back of your head, it may be a sign that a blood vessel in your brain has leaked. If this has happened you need urgent treatment. Dial 999 or visit the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital.
Your symptoms suddenly change. For example, you've had migraine attacks for a while, but there is a change in how often you have them and the headaches get stronger. Or perhaps your arm feels numb for the first time. Some people who have migraine with aura start getting attacks without aura. None of these things necessarily means anything is seriously wrong. But your doctor will want to find out about any changes to the usual pattern of your symptoms.
You have your first severe headache and you are over the age of 50. It is not that common to start having migraine attacks at this age, so your doctor will want to be certain that nothing else is causing your symptoms.
You have a severe headache with fever, sickness and possibly a rash. These symptoms could mean you have a serious illness called meningitis and you should get treatment straight away.

References

Goadsby PJ, Lipton RB, Ferrari MD. Migraine: current understanding and treatment. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002; 346: 257-270.
Spierings EL. Mechanism of migraine and action of antimigraine medications. Medical Clinics of North America. 2001; 85: 943-958, vi-vii.

Glossary

auras: Auras are short-term changes in the way your nerves work. The changes happen before some migraine headaches, fits (seizures) or other problems with your nervous system. If you have an aura, you may see flashing lights, have blind spots (areas that you can't see) or get ringing in your ears. Some people get numbness or pins and needles in parts of their body. Others have trouble speaking or feel distant from people around them.
meningitis: Meningitis is a swelling in the thin layers of tissue that surround your brain and your spinal cord. It usually happens because of an infection with certain kinds of bacteria or viruses. Meningitis can give you a severe headache and a stiff neck. And you may find it difficult to keep your eyes open in the light. Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. If you have these symptoms, you should go to hospital straight away.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.