What Are The Symptoms of a Migraine?

Migraines are thought to affect approximately one in five women and one in fifteen men. Usually starting around early adulthood, migraines come with a wide range of symptoms.

Not a lot of people are aware that there are different types of migraines. They are:

• Migraine aura without a headache – Also called a “Silent migraine”, sufferers can see flashing lights but they do not develop a headache.
• Migraine aura – Just before the migraine starts, there are warning signs such as seeing flashing lights.
• Migraine without an aura – This tends to be the most commonly experienced type of migraine.

The Symptoms of a Migraine

Migraines can be particularly painful and they can be located on just one side of the head. The pain can be a severe or moderate throbbing sensation. The pain can get worse if you move. This can make it hard to undertake your regular daily activities. If you suffer in this way fairly frequently, you should consider getting help for migraines.

The Symptoms of Aura

Approximately 1 in 3 people who suffer from migraines experience a warning sign before their migraine begins. This warning sign is temporary and is known as “Aura”.

Some of these symptoms can include:

• Issues with your vision – Seeing zig-zags, having blind spots, or seeing flashing lights.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Loss of consciousness (Very rare).
• Numbness or tingling such as pins and needles. These sensations can begin in one hand before moving up your arm and reaching your face, tongue, and lips.
• Finding it hard to speak.

These symptoms can last from five minutes and up to an hour. Some people may have these symptoms and not experience a headache at all, or only have a mild headache.

Other Symptoms of a Migraine

Other symptoms of a migraine might be experienced. Please note, everyone tends to have different symptoms and different severity of symptoms.

• Feeling or being sick.
• Increased sensitivity to sound and light. This is one of the reasons why those who have migraines like to rest in a dark room that’s also quiet. Doing this can help to relieve the light and sound sensitivity.

Other symptoms can include:

• Poor concentration
• Diarrhea
• Feeling very cold or hot
• Sweating

It’s likely that not everyone who has a migraine experiences the other symptoms. In addition to this, some people might experience the above symptoms without having a headache.

If you experience a lot of migraines (more than five a month) please speak to your doctor. You should also see a doctor as soon as possible if your speech is slurred, you also have a high fever, confusion, a rash, or seizures along with a migraine.

Migraines can leave people feeling quite wiped out, even once the migraine has passed. Taking painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting can help to alleviate the symptoms. It may take one week before you feel fully recovered, so please take it easy.