a migraine is an intense throbbing typically one-sided headache. it often includes nausea vomiting sensitivity to light and sensitivity to sound. the pain and symptoms from a migraine headache may be worse than the pain and symptoms of a common headache. some people have visual symptoms before the headache such as flashing lights or wavy lines called an aura. migraine attacks typically last for hours or rarely for more than a day. they can return often. the strength and frequency of migraine attacks may vary. based on your symptoms your doctor will decide whether you have migraine. migraine headaches tend to occur in members of the same family. both men and women get migraines but it is more common in women.
what is a migraine and how does it differ from other headaches?