In short
Migraine is more than a headache. Attacks often move through phases: early warning signs, aura in about a third of people, a throbbing headache with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound lasting 4 to 72 hours, and a washed-out recovery phase. Sudden severe or unusual headaches need urgent care.
On this page
What is migraine?
Migraine is a common neurological condition that causes repeated attacks of headache and other symptoms. It affects around one in seven people worldwide, about three times more women than men, and is one of the leading causes of disability in people under 50.
The phases of a migraine attack
1. Prodrome (warning signs)
Hours to a day or two before the headache, some people notice yawning, food cravings, mood changes, a stiff neck, tiredness, needing to pass urine more often, or difficulty concentrating.
2. Aura
About a third of people with migraine have aura. It usually affects vision: zigzag lines, flashing or shimmering lights, or a blind spot that spreads slowly over several minutes and lasts up to an hour. Some people have tingling that spreads up an arm or into the face, or difficulty finding words. See migraine with aura.
3. Headache
Typical migraine headache:
- lasts 4 to 72 hours if untreated
- is often on one side, though it can be on both
- throbs or pulses
- is moderate to severe
- is worse with routine activity like walking or climbing stairs
- comes with nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound
4. Postdrome
After the headache, many people feel drained, foggy or “hungover” for a day or so.
Not every attack includes every phase. Some people have aura or vestibular symptoms without much headache. See vestibular migraine.
Headaches taking whole days away?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Episodic and chronic migraine
Most people have episodic migraine, with attacks on fewer than 15 days a month. Chronic migraine means headache on 15 or more days a month for more than three months, with migraine features on at least eight of those days. Using pain relief very often can make headaches more frequent, a problem called medication-overuse headache.
Common triggers
- Changes in sleep, too little or too much
- Stress, and the let-down after stress
- Hormonal changes, such as around periods
- Skipped meals and dehydration
- Alcohol
- Bright lights, strong smells and weather changes, for some people
When a headache needs urgent care
Call 000 or go to an emergency department for:
- a sudden, severe headache that peaks within a minute (“thunderclap”)
- headache with weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion or trouble speaking
- headache with fever, a stiff neck or a rash
- headache after a head injury
- a new headache unlike any you’ve had, especially over the age of 50
When to see a GP
See a GP if headaches are frequent, getting worse, affecting work or life, or if you’re using pain relief more than a couple of days a week.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Ferrari MD, Goadsby PJ, Burstein R, et al. Migraine. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2022;8(1):2.
- . Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1-211.
- Diener HC, Dodick D, Evers S, et al. Pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of medication overuse headache. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(9):891-902.
- healthdirect. Migraine.
- Migraine & Headache Australia. Migraine & Headache Australia.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.