Migraine
الشقيقة (الصداع النصفي)
A neurological condition causing recurrent, often one-sided headaches that can be moderate to severe, sometimes accompanied by nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can be triggered by stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep, and are managed with both acute treatment and, for frequent attacks, preventive therapy.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Migraine is a common neurological condition causing recurring, often moderate to severe headaches — typically throbbing and on one side — along with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last from hours to a few days.
Some people have an aura before or during the headache: temporary visual disturbances such as zigzag lines or flashing lights, or tingling.
Migraine is diagnosed from your history. Treatment includes acute medicines taken early in an attack, preventive treatment when attacks are frequent, and trigger management. Sudden 'worst-ever' headache, weakness, confusion or headache with fever and stiff neck needs urgent medical care.
Symptoms
Throbbing headache
Often on one side, but can affect both.
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light and sound
Worse with routine activity
Movement makes the pain worse; many people prefer to lie in a dark, quiet room.
Aura
Visual changes such as zigzag lines or blind spots, or tingling, usually building over minutes and lasting under an hour.
Warning symptoms before an attack
Mood changes, yawning, food cravings or neck stiffness in the day or two before.
Tiredness or difficulty concentrating after an attack
Symptom guides
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Altered brain activity and nerve pathways — Involving the trigeminal nerve and brain chemicals; the exact mechanism is still being studied.
- Genetics — Migraine often runs in families.
- Triggers — Vary by person — stress, irregular sleep, skipped meals, hormonal changes, dehydration, bright lights, strong smells, certain foods or alcohol.
Risk factors
- Family history of migraine
- Being female — Hormonal changes around periods, pregnancy and menopause influence migraine.
- Age — Often begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
- Stress and irregular sleep
- Overuse of painkillers — Can cause medication-overuse headache.
How is it diagnosed?
Migraine is diagnosed by a doctor from your symptoms and history. There is no single test; tests are used only to rule out other conditions when needed.
Detailed history
Frequency, duration, features, aura, triggers and family history.
Neurological examination
To check for any abnormality.
Headache diary
Recording attacks, triggers and medicines helps confirm the pattern.
Imaging if red flags are present
MRI or CT if features are atypical or worrying.
Treatment
Treatment has two parts: relieving attacks, and preventing them if they are frequent or disabling. Options are chosen individually by your doctor.
Treating an attack
Simple painkillers, anti-nausea medicines and migraine-specific medicines (such as triptans) taken early in an attack, as advised.
Preventive treatment
Daily medicines or other therapies for frequent or severe attacks, prescribed after assessment.
Trigger management
Regular sleep and meals, hydration, stress management and identifying personal triggers.
Avoiding overuse of painkillers
Taking acute medicines too often can worsen headaches.
Rest in a quiet, dark room
Some migraine medicines are unsuitable in pregnancy, heart disease or with certain other medicines — talk to a doctor before use.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- Headaches that are new, increasing in frequency or changing in pattern
- Needing painkillers more than two or three days a week
- Migraines that disrupt work or daily life
- Migraine with aura in a person who smokes or uses hormonal contraception
- New headaches after age 50
Seek urgent care if
- A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache — the worst of your life
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or confusion
- Weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or facial droop
- Headache after a head injury
- Aura lasting longer than an hour, or new visual loss
Prevention
Keep regular sleep and meal times
Stay hydrated
Identify and limit personal triggers
A headache diary can help.
Manage stress
Relaxation, exercise and counselling can help.
Limit caffeine and alcohol if they are triggers
Don't overuse painkillers
Frequently asked questions
What is migraine?
A neurological condition causing recurring, often severe headaches with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
What is a migraine aura?
Temporary visual or sensory symptoms — like zigzag lines or tingling — that can precede or accompany the headache.
What triggers migraine?
Triggers vary: stress, irregular sleep, skipped meals, hormonal changes, dehydration, bright light or certain foods and drinks.
Can migraine be cured?
No, but attacks can be treated and frequency reduced with the right treatment and habits.
What is the difference between a migraine and a normal headache?
Migraine is usually more severe, often one-sided and throbbing, with nausea and light or sound sensitivity, and can last hours to days.
When is a headache an emergency?
If it is sudden and severe, follows a head injury, or comes with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness or speech difficulty.
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Medical sources
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