At a Glance
- Migraine is a neurological condition, often with nausea and light sensitivity.
- Common triggers include poor sleep, skipped meals, dehydration and stress.
- A headache diary helps you and your doctor spot patterns.
- Sudden, severe or unusual headaches need emergency care.
A migraine is a throbbing, often one-sided headache that can last from a few hours to three days. It is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people see flashing lights or zig-zag lines (an “aura”) before the pain starts. Migraine can also cause dizziness or vertigo – a spinning sensation.
The most common triggers
Too little sleep, too much, or an irregular schedule.
Low blood sugar is a well-known trigger.
Even mild dehydration can bring on an attack.
Attacks often hit during – or just after – stressful periods.
Glare, flickering screens and loud places.
Excess caffeine, aged cheese, processed meats or alcohol for some people.
Keep a headache diary
For 4–6 weeks, note the date, time, duration and severity of each headache, plus what you ate, how you slept, your stress level and – for women – your menstrual cycle. Patterns often emerge that you would never have spotted otherwise.
Daily habits that help
- 01Keep regular sleep hours
Go to bed and wake at the same time – weekends too.
- 02Don’t skip meals
Eat at regular times and keep a healthy snack handy.
- 03Drink water through the day
8–10 glasses, more in hot weather.
- 04Move regularly
Walking, yoga or swimming can reduce how often attacks happen.
- 05Practise relaxation
Deep breathing, meditation or pranayama for 10 minutes a day.
Treatment options
Your doctor may suggest medicines to relieve an attack, and – if attacks are frequent – preventive medicines taken daily to reduce how often they occur. Flunarizine, for example, is prescribed by doctors for migraine prevention and certain types of vertigo. Never start or stop preventive medicines without medical advice.
Rest in a dark, quiet room, place a cool cloth on your forehead and sip water. Taking pain relief early in the attack is usually more effective.
a sudden “worst-ever” headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, weakness or numbness on one side, slurred speech, confusion, loss of vision, or a headache after a head injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is migraine hereditary?
Migraine often runs in families. If a parent has migraine, a child has a higher chance of developing it too.
Can painkillers cause more headaches?
Yes. Taking pain relief on more than 10–15 days a month can lead to “medication-overuse headache”. Speak to your doctor if you need painkillers often.
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a general light-headed or unsteady feeling. Vertigo is the specific sensation that you or the room is spinning.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist about your health and before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
