Educational information, not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer. Last updated: October 29, 2026.
Migraine is more than an ordinary headache. For some people, an attack can interrupt work, family life and everyday plans for hours or even days. The good news is that recognising patterns and finding the right treatment can make attacks more manageable.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a condition that can cause repeated attacks of headache and other symptoms. The pain is often throbbing, may be worse on one side of the head and can become more intense with movement. Many people also feel sick or become unusually sensitive to light and sound.
Common symptoms
- A moderate or severe throbbing headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light, sounds or smells.
- Feeling exhausted before or after an attack.
- In some people, aura symptoms such as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, tingling or temporary difficulty speaking.
A migraine attack commonly lasts between four hours and three days. Symptoms vary, and not everyone experiences aura. New or unusual neurological symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be migraine.
What may trigger an attack?
Triggers differ from person to person. Potential contributors include stress, tiredness, irregular sleep, skipped meals, dehydration, hormonal changes and changes in caffeine intake. Rather than avoiding many foods unnecessarily, keep a simple diary of headaches, sleep, meals, stress, medication and possible triggers. Over time, this may reveal patterns worth discussing with a clinician.
What can help during an attack?
- Rest in a quiet, darkened room if possible.
- Drink water and try to eat regularly when you can.
- Use a treatment recommended by your pharmacist or clinician as early as advised.
- Ask whether migraine-specific treatment, such as a triptan, may be suitable if ordinary pain relief is not enough.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help some people, but they are not suitable for everyone. Check with a pharmacist if you have other health conditions, take regular medicines, are pregnant or are unsure what is safe for you. Avoid taking painkillers too frequently: using them on more than two days a week can make headaches harder to manage for some people.
Can migraine attacks be prevented?
Regular sleep, regular meals, hydration, manageable exercise and identifying personal triggers may help. If attacks are frequent, severe or interfere with daily life, a GP can discuss preventive medicines or other treatment options. A headache diary can make this conversation more useful.
When should you seek urgent help?
Call emergency services if a headache comes on suddenly and is extremely painful, or is accompanied by new weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, a seizure, loss of vision, or a high temperature with a stiff neck. These can indicate a serious condition rather than a typical migraine. Seek prompt medical advice if an attack lasts longer than 72 hours, aura lasts longer than an hour, or you are pregnant or have recently given birth and develop migraine symptoms.
Key takeaway
Migraine is a real, often disabling condition, and you deserve support if it affects your life. Tracking patterns and discussing both attack treatment and prevention with a healthcare professional can help you find a more manageable plan.
Reliable sources
Medical note: This article provides general education, not a diagnosis or personalised treatment plan. If symptoms are new, severe or worrying, seek professional medical advice.
Written by the nohas.es Editorial Team from the official sources listed in this article. Read our Editorial Policy and Fact Checking Policy. Found an error? Tell us.
