Migraine: Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
Migraine is a neurological condition causing recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Proper diagnosis helps reduce attack frequency and severity.
Migraine is a neurological condition causing recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a neurological condition causing recurring headaches often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
Migraine symptoms
Migraines often cause moderate to severe throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound are common. Some people experience aura — visual changes or tingling before the headache begins.
Attacks may last hours to days and can be disabling. Keeping a headache diary helps identify triggers such as sleep change, certain foods, stress, or hormonal cycles.
Seeking medical care for migraine
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, discuss trigger avoidance, and prescribe acute or preventive treatments appropriate for your situation. Overuse of over-the-counter pain medicines can worsen headaches — seek guidance for frequent migraines.
Neurology referral may be helpful for difficult cases or when first-line treatments are insufficient.
When to seek medical care
See a doctor if migraines are frequent, severe, or not controlled with usual measures. Seek emergency care for sudden worst-ever headache or neurological symptoms.
Which doctor treats migraine?
For migraine, a neurologist is often the appropriate starting point. They can examine you, order relevant tests, and refer to another specialist if needed. View available doctors.
Frequently asked questions
How is migraine different from a regular headache?
Migraines are often one-sided, throbbing, and accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity. They may include aura and can last longer than tension headaches.
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