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Migraine Symptoms To Watch Out For

Written by Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr.Varuni Agarwal

Dr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in
diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.

Migraine Symptoms To Watch Out For

Migraines can be incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. If you or someone you know experiences frequent headaches, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms that often accompany them. Common signs include intense throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea or vomiting. Some may also experience aura symptoms, like visual disturbances or tingling sensations, before the headache starts. It's vital to pay attention to any changes in patterns or severity, as these can signal the need for a medical evaluation. It is important to take care of your health, and there are methods and remedies to get you through these difficult times.

Migraine Headache Symptoms 

Migraines can affect individuals of all ages and typically progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome, though not everyone experiences all stages.

Migraines can affect individuals of all ages and typically progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome, though not everyone experiences all stages. 

  • Prodrome: It occurs one or two days before a migraine and may include symptoms like constipation, mood changes, food cravings, neck stiffness, increased urination, fluid retention, and frequent yawning.
  • Aura: This may happen before or during a migraine and consists of reversible nervous system symptoms, primarily visual disturbances, which can develop gradually and last up to 60 minutes. Examples include seeing shapes or flashes of light, vision loss, and sensations like pins and needles or weakness in the face or limbs.
  • Attack: Migraines, which can last 4 to 72 hours, can be rare or frequent, causing headaches, throbbing or pulsed pain, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and touch.
  • Post-drome: post-migraine, individuals may experience being drained, confused, and washed out for up to a day, with some experiencing elated feelings and sudden head movement potentially causing temporary pain.

Female Symptoms Of Migraine

Migraine symptoms in females can be similar to those of males but can also be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly due to menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. Migraines can manifest differently among individuals; however, certain symptoms are frequently observed, particularly in females. The following are common symptoms that may be experienced:

  • Headache Pain: Typically unilateral (affecting one side of the head), characterised by a throbbing or pulsating quality, and can range from moderate to severe intensity.
  • Aura: Some women may experience visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, as well as other sensory alterations, including tingling sensations in the face or extremities, prior to the onset of the headache.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: A significant number of individuals suffering from migraines report gastrointestinal symptoms, which may include nausea, vomiting, or general stomach discomfort.
  • Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) can impede normal functioning during an episode.
  • Fatigue and Drowsiness: Following a migraine, some women may experience profound fatigue or a phenomenon commonly referred to as a "migraine hangover," characterised by persistent tiredness.
  • Mood Changes: Emotional symptoms may include irritability, depression, or a general sense of unease.

Migraine Symptoms Eye

Some people feel pain in one eye or sometimes both eyes. There are several eye migraine symptoms, including:

  • A blind area or partial blindness that lasts for ten to twenty minutes on average but can occasionally last for an hour
  • zigzag patterns, flashing lights, dots or lines of colour, or blurry eyesight
  • a headache that could appear 60 minutes after the visual signs
  • Pallor, or pale skin tone,
  • Nausea and vomiting,
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and/or smells, extreme warmth (sweating) or cold (chills), and fatigue

Severe Migraine Symptoms

Although the severity of migraine symptoms varies from person to person and can be very incapacitating, frequent symptoms include:

  • Excruciating headaches are typically felt on one side of the head and are often described as throbbing or pulsing.
  • Migraines can cause vomiting, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura, with some experiencing flashing lights or blind patches before the headache onset.
  • You might feel lightheaded or unsteady, experiencing vertigo or dizziness.
  • It is common to have tension in the shoulders, neck, and neck muscles.
  • A migraine attack may be preceded or followed by a generalised feeling of tiredness

Sinus Migraine Symptoms

Sinus migraines can easily be mistaken for sinusitis since they share a lot of the same symptoms.

Sinus migraines can easily be mistaken for sinusitis since they share a lot of the same symptoms. Here are some common signs that you might be dealing with a sinus migraine:

  • Headache: You’ll usually feel it in your forehead, cheeks, or around your eyes, and it often feels throbbing or like pressure.
  • Pain in the Face: You may experience some soreness or discomfort in your face, particularly in the sinus areas, such as your cheeks and forehead.
  • Nasal Congestion: A stuffy or runny nose often tags along with the headache.
  • Postnasal Drip: You could have mucus building up that irritates your throat.
  • Fatigue: Just feeling generally tired or sluggish.
  • Vision Changes: Blurry vision or being sensitive to light can happen too.
  • Nausea: Some people might feel nauseous or even throw up.
  • Sensitivity to Sound and Light: Bright lights and loud noises can be super uncomfortable.

Silent Migraine Symptoms

Silent migraines, or acephalgic migraines, can show up with a bunch of symptoms but without the usual headache. Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Visual disturbances: You might see things like flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or even blind spots.
  • Sensory Changes: Tingling or numbness, especially in your face or limbs, can happen.
  • Nausea: You could feel queasy even if your head doesn’t hurt.
  • Dizziness or vertigo: You might feel like you’re spinning or off-balance.
  • Fatigue: A heavy sense of tiredness or just feeling drained can hit you.
  • Mood Changes: Some folks feel irritable, anxious, or down before or during an episode.
  • Concentration Issues: You might struggle to focus or process what’s going on around you.

If you find yourself dealing with these symptoms often, it’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional to get the right advice and care. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are the symptoms of migraine?

Migraine symptoms include severe, pulsating headaches typically on one side, visual disturbances (aura), sensitivity to light and sound, nausea often with vomiting, dizziness, extreme fatigue, temporary visual impairments, and neck pain. If symptoms are frequent or severe, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

What are the causes of migraine?

Migraine causes include genetic predisposition, hormonal changes (such as those during menstruation or menopause), environmental triggers (like weather changes and strong smells), dietary factors (including aged cheeses and alcohol), stress (both emotional and physical), sleep disruptions, eye strain from prolonged screen time, and dehydration. Recognising individual triggers is essential for effective migraine management.