Do you ever feel a sudden, intense throbbing pain on one side of your head? This is one of the common symptoms of a migraine. It's not just any headache; the pain can be moderate to severe and may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
What makes this pain so distinctive is its intensity and the fact that it typically occurs on just one side of the head. Along with the pain, people often experience a sense of nausea or even vomiting, making it difficult to focus on anything else. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), migraine symptoms can vary widely but often include moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, and vomiting.
Many people with migraines also experience sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, which can make normal activities challenging.
In some cases, some may have aura symptoms, such as visual disturbances or tingling sensations in the body, before or during a migraine attack. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and may last from several hours to days.
Also read | Migraines: Here's a guide to causes and prevention methods for effective headache relief
Here are some more common symptoms to look out for:
Throbbing headache: The main symptom of a migraine is a pulsating or throbbing pain, often localised to one side of the head. Research shows that this pain is caused by abnormal activity in nerve signals, chemical signals, and blood vessels in the brain.
Aura: For some, migraines come with auras, which include vision disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blurred vision. In some cases, auras can affect speech or cause sensations of pins and needles. These warning signs often precede the onset of a migraine attack and can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
Nausea and vomiting: Migraines frequently come with nausea and can even lead to vomiting. This symptom makes it harder to function normally and often exacerbates the discomfort of a migraine.
Also read | Cure migraine headaches naturally with 8 healthy habits
Mood changes: People with migraines sometimes notice changes in their mood, including increased irritability or feelings of depression and anxiety. This emotional turbulence is often a sign that a migraine attack is on its way.
Fatigue and sleep disruption: After or during a migraine, many individuals report feeling extreme tiredness or fatigue. Additionally, migraines can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, which worsens the cycle of discomfort.
Difficulty concentrating: A common complaint among migraine sufferers is difficulty concentrating or focusing. This symptom is often called brain fog and can make tasks like studying, working, or even simple decision-making feel overwhelming.
Other physical symptoms: Some people experience chills, dizziness, or sensitivity to motion, especially if they engage in physical activities or find themselves in an environment with loud sounds or strong smells.
Migraine triggers:
Understanding migraine triggers is key to managing them. Common triggers include environmental changes, sleep disturbances, strong smells, stress, physical exertion, bright lights, and hormonal fluctuations, particularly around menstruation. Identifying and avoiding these factors can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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