What are the symptoms of a migraine attack?
There are two main types of migraine attack: migraine attack without aura (sometimes called common migraine) and migraine attack with aura (sometimes called classic migraine).
Migraine without aura
This is the most common type of migraine. Symptoms include the following:
- The headache is usually on one side of the head, typically at the front or side. Sometimes it is on both sides of the head. Sometimes it starts on one side, and then spreads all over the head. The pain is moderate or severe and is often described as 'throbbing' or 'pulsating'. Movements of the head may make it worse. It often begins in the morning, but may begin at any time of day or night. Typically, it gradually gets worse and peaks after 2-12 hours, then gradually eases off. However, it can last from 4 to 72 hours.
- Other symptoms that are common include: feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, you may not like bright lights or loud noises, and you may just want to lie in a dark room.
- Other symptoms that sometimes occur include: being off food, blurred vision, poor concentration, stuffy nose, hunger, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, passing lots of urine, going pale, sweating, scalp tenderness, and sensations of heat or cold.
Migraine with aura
About 1 in 4 people with migraine have migraine with aura. The symptoms are the same as those described above (migraine without aura), but also include an aura (warning sign) before the headache begins.
- Visual aura is the most common type of aura. Examples include: a temporary loss of part of vision, flashes of light, objects may seem to rotate, shake, or 'boil'.
- Numbness and 'pins and needles' are the second most common type of aura. Numbness usually starts in the hand, travels up the arm, then involves the face, lips, and tongue. The leg is sometimes involved.
- Problems with speech are the third most common type of aura.
- Other types of aura include: an odd smell, food cravings, a feeling of well-being, other odd sensations.
One of the above auras may develop, or several may occur one after each other. Each aura usually lasts just a few minutes before going, but can last up to 60 minutes. The aura usually goes before the headache begins.The headache usually develops within 60 minutes of the end of the aura, but it may develop a lot sooner than that - often straight afterwards. Sometimes, just the aura occurs and no headache follows. Most people who have migraine with aura also have episodes of migraine without aura.
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shirley, about 1 year
Recently I have been suffering aura, but do not get a headache.
Report this commentMrs Gail Dyer, about 1 year
My daughter has been suffering since September this year, with the symptoms described in your article. She has seen 6 doctors and not one of them has mentioned Migraine. I should of come on this site sooner. Thank you.
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Caroline, aged 44, 8 months
I can't remember exactly how old I was when I suffered my first attack, it may have been pre-teens, but my parents knew what it was as they have always suffered migraines too. After a spate of them in my teens I had few until well-into my 20's. They always followed the same pattern, either starting with flashing wiggly lines or a blind spot, followed by severe throbbing headaches that worsened with every movement, and nausea. In my 30's I was aware of getting hormonal induced debilitating headaches that would last two to three days during my period every month. As these were never preceeded by aura I didn't realise they were also migraines. Hitting my 40's (now 44) I have experienced a recurrence of the classic migraines. I usually realise that I can't see properly...that parts of objects or faces have disappeared. In the past couple of years I have actually woken up in the morning with the tell-tale arc of coloured light (which starts in the centre of my vision and gradually gets more pronounced until it disappears from the outside edge of my vision) before I even open my eyes. This happened last week and it was accompanied by a stiff neck and shoulders. I have come to the conclusion that my migraines are either caused by hormones (just severe headaches) or by neck strain or sleeping with my neck at an awkward angle (this always causes the aura). Both kinds always 'knock the stuffing' out of me and I feel very nauseous and washed-out for several days afterwards. I have also noticed a weird new phenomenon on the past two occasions, which my parents have never had....an overwhelming and very sickly smell of burnt sugar! It's the kind of smell that lingers, like the smell of gloss paint, and it won't go until the headache is completely gone! I find the cooling gel-packs specially made for headaches are very effective when teamed with extra strength paracetamol. Also ginger bisuits or crystalised ginger for the nausea (I also suffer from travel sickness, as do my parents. My brother has never had either affliction. A common denominator in sensitivity here?) and resting in a cool, dark room if possible. I hope this helps other sufferers? I would love to know if anyone else experiences strange smells during an episode?
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