Migraine: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Migraine is a type of headache disorder that typically causes moderate-to-severe throbbing pain, often on one side, along with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Attacks usually settle with rest, fluids, and pain relief, but new or unusual symptoms — especially sudden weakness, vision loss, or confusion — need urgent assessment.
Overview
Migraine attacks can last from a few hours to a few days and often come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Some people get an "aura" beforehand — visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag lines, or other sensory changes.
Common triggers include stress, poor sleep, certain foods or alcohol, hormonal changes, dehydration, and skipped meals, though triggers vary a lot from person to person.
What may help
- Rest in a quiet, dark room as soon as symptoms start
- Stay hydrated and consider a standard painkiller early in the attack
- Keep a simple diary of possible triggers (sleep, food, stress, hormonal timing)
- Stick to regular meals and a consistent sleep schedule where possible
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Migraines happening frequently or getting more severe over time
- Migraines that are significantly affecting work, school, or daily life
- Over-the-counter painkillers aren't controlling attacks
- You're using migraine or headache medication more than a couple of days a week
When it could be an emergency
- A first-ever severe headache, especially if sudden ("thunderclap")
- Aura symptoms — weakness, vision loss, or confusion — lasting longer than an hour or different from your usual pattern
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash, or a head injury
- New migraine-like symptoms for the first time after age 50, or during pregnancy
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Migraine" in the appCommon questions
Is aura dangerous?
Typical migraine aura (visual disturbances lasting 20–60 minutes before or during the headache) usually isn't dangerous, but any aura symptom that's new, prolonged, or one-sided weakness should be checked urgently to rule out other causes.
Can migraine happen without a headache?
Yes — some people experience aura symptoms with little or no head pain, sometimes called "silent migraine."
What's the difference between migraine and a tension headache?
Migraine tends to be more intense, often one-sided and throbbing, and comes with nausea or light/sound sensitivity; tension headaches are usually a milder, dull, band-like pressure on both sides of the head.
How long does a migraine last?
A migraine attack usually lasts from a few hours up to 3 days. Some people have attacks several times a week, others only occasionally.
Can migraines be prevented?
Avoiding known triggers helps some people. If migraines are frequent, a GP can discuss preventive medicines.
Official sources
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General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.