Table of contents
Quick answer
A migraine is usually a throbbing headache, often on one side, that comes in attacks lasting hours to a few days. It gets worse with movement and often comes with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. A common "normal" headache (tension-type) is a steady, pressing band around the head, usually without nausea. See a doctor if headaches are frequent, change pattern, or come with warning signs.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a common brain condition in which a person gets repeated attacks of headache, often with other symptoms. It is not "just a headache" — an attack can stop someone from working, studying or looking after the family for a day or more.
Migraine often runs in families and is more common in women. Many people notice that certain things, called triggers, make an attack more likely.
Migraine vs normal headache
The most common "normal" headache is the tension-type headache. Here is how the two usually differ:
| Migraine | Tension-type headache | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Often one side of the head | Both sides, like a tight band |
| How it feels | Throbbing or pulsing | Steady pressing or tightness |
| How strong | Moderate to severe | Mild to moderate |
| With activity | Gets worse with walking or climbing stairs | Usually no change |
| Other symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, dislike of light and sound | Usually none |
| How long | A few hours to 3 days | 30 minutes to a few days |
Signs that point to migraine
- Attacks that come back again and again
- Bright light or loud sound feels painful
- Feeling sick or vomiting with the headache
- You need to lie down in a dark, quiet room
- Pain worsens with everyday movement
- Others in the family have migraine
What is a migraine "aura"?
Some people get warning signs 5 to 60 minutes before the headache — flashing lights, zig-zag lines, a blind spot, or tingling in the face or hand. This is called an aura. If you have these signs for the first time, or they last longer than an hour, see a doctor.
Common migraine triggers
Triggers differ from person to person. Common ones are:
- Too little or too much sleep
- Skipping meals
- Stress, or relaxing after stress
- Bright light and long screen time
- Strong smells
- Not drinking enough water
- Hormone changes (periods)
- Some foods or caffeine
Keeping a simple headache diary — date, time, what you ate, how you slept, and what helped — makes it easier to spot your own triggers and helps your doctor.
When a headache needs a doctor
See a doctor soon if
- You get headaches on several days every month
- You need painkillers on more than 2–3 days a week
- Your usual headache has changed or keeps getting worse
- Headaches wake you from sleep
- A new kind of headache starts after the age of 50
Go to the emergency now if
- A sudden, very severe headache — "the worst ever"
- Headache with weakness, slurred speech or loss of vision
- Headache with fever and a stiff neck
- Headache after a head injury
- Headache with a fit, confusion or fainting
Simple things that may help
- Keep regular times for sleep and meals, and drink enough water.
- At the start of an attack, rest in a dark, quiet room.
- Take painkillers only as advised, and not on many days of the month.
- Take regular short breaks from screens.
- If attacks are frequent, ask your doctor about preventive treatment.
Common questions
Migraine is common and usually not dangerous, but it can affect work, study and daily life. A headache with warning signs — sudden and very severe, or with weakness, fever or confusion — needs urgent medical care.
Yes. Children can have migraine too. In children the attacks are often shorter and may come with tummy pain, vomiting or looking pale. A doctor can check if it is migraine.
Yes. Taking painkillers on many days of the month can lead to "medication overuse headache", where the headaches become more frequent. If you need painkillers often, see a doctor.
Most people with migraine do not need a scan. The doctor decides after asking about your headaches and examining you. A scan may be advised if there are warning signs or the pattern is unusual.
Sudden, severe headache?
A sudden "worst ever" headache, or one with weakness or confusion — go to the nearest hospital emergency now.
Frequent or changing headaches?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rohan Mehta to find the cause and plan treatment.
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