Migraine - common; Headache - migraine without aura

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing, pulsating headache
  • Usually worse on the sides of the forehead
  • May be on only one side of the forehead
  • May be severe or dull
  • Commonly lasts 6 to 48 hours
• Dizziness
• Feeling that the room is moving (vertigo)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

The symptoms after an attack may include:

• Dullness
• Need for more sleep
• Neck pain

A migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache, but only rarely includes any early warning symptoms. (See migraine with aura.)

A health care provider should be consulted to rule out other disorders that may be causing the headache. This is especially true if the headache:

• Disturbs sleep
• Occurs whenever the person is active
• Is severe (especially in a previously well person) or persistent
• If other symptoms accompany the headache (such as drowsiness, vision changes, changes in movement or sensation, seizures, changes in alertness, nausea and vomiting, or other symptoms)

Migraine headache may be diagnosed by the health care provider based on the pattern of symptoms, history of migraines in the family and response to treatment. A physical examination will reveal no detectable abnormalities.

Images

Brain

Review Date: 11/21/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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