Symptoms for Migraine
Migraine headache is usually described as a throbbing and pulsating pain that is usually felt on one side of the head. The pain is worsened by any strenuous activity, stooping, exertion, and mental activity. The pain begins in one area of the head, usually on any one side, and then spreads all over the head. The intensity of the pain builds up and attains peak in 1-2 hours. The duration of migraine varies from a few hours to a couple of days in some cases. The normal routine is disrupted due to the pain and the patient may find difficulty in falling asleep.
There may be a few other symptoms that accompany a headache, common ones include nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and noise, irritability, etc. Strong odors may also worsen the pain in some patients.
Aura (neurological phenomenon)
It is experienced by many and these could be in the form of bright lights around objects, zig-zag lines, waves in front of the eyes, temporary loss of vision, visual hallucinations, etc. All patients do not experience aura and some have just transient mood changes and lethargy before the pain begins.
Basilar artery migraine:
This type of migraine is characterized by disturbances in the basilar artery which leads to a severe headache, giddiness, difficulty in speech, double vision, muscular problems, etc.
Ophthalmic migraine:
A type of a migraine in which a headache is accompanied by the dimness of vision, the sensation of a luminous appearance before the eyes, etc.
An ophthalmoplegic migraine:
A type of migraine in which headache is accompanied by paralysis of the muscles of the eyes.
A retinal migraine:
In this type of migraine, the ocular symptoms are predominant due to constriction (narrowing) of one or more retinal arteries.
Status migraine:
A rare type of migraine in which intense pain lasts for more than 72 hours.