Understanding Migraine Pain: Causes and Management Tips

Migraine, one of the incapacitating neurological conditions that affects millions of people worldwide. it is characterised by intense, pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. Such pain is accompanied with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances called auras. Effective treatment of migraines requires an understanding of its underlying causes, which include stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, difficulty sleeping, and factors related to the environment.

Since migraine symptoms mostly coincide with the symptoms of other neurological disorders, it is important to recognize these triggers and early warning signs so that people can seek timely medical intervention and adopt preventive measures. At IBS Hospital, our team of neurologists uses advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to develop personalized management plans, from medication and lifestyle guidance to innovative treatments, all aimed at helping patients lessen migraine frequency, lower severity, and regain control over their lives.

What is Migraine?

A migraine is not only a terrible headache. You may be bedridden for days due to crippling, throbbing, one-sided headache agony. Fatigue, nausea, changes in vision, irritability, and other symptoms can be brought on by movement, lights, sounds, and other triggers. To prevent migraines from taking over your life, a healthcare expert can assist you in managing your symptoms.

It is possible to control your migraines with treatment. Migraines can disturb your daily routine and interfere with your capacity to fulfill social and personal tasks.

What are the Types of Migraine?

Type of Migraine	One-Line Description
Migraine with aura (classic migraine)	Characterized by sensory disturbances like visual flashes or tingling before the headache.
Migraine without aura (common migraine)	Involves head pain without any preceding sensory symptoms.
Abdominal migraine (migraines in children)	Causes stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, mostly seen in children.
Chronic migraine	Occurs 15 or more days a month, often with varying intensity.
Hemiplegic migraine	Includes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the body along with headache.
Menstrual migraine	Linked to hormonal changes around a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Migraine without headache (silent migraine)	Involves aura symptoms but no head pain.
Retinal migraine (ocular migraine)	Causes temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye.
Status migrainosus	A severe migraine lasting more than 72 hours and requiring medical attention.

What Causes Migraines?

Although the exact origin of migraines is unknown, research suggests that genetics may be one of the major role players. Particular nerves in your blood vessels transmit pain to your brain resulting in headache pain. This causes inflammatory substances to enter the blood vessels and nerves in your head. It’s unclear why your nerves do that. Each person experiences migraines differently with respect to frequency and severity of pain.

What Triggers Migraine Attack?

Something that sets off symptoms is called a trigger. The following are some of the most typical migraine triggers:

Stress
Certain medications
Hormonal changes
Altered sleep patterns
Altered weather conditions
Overexertion
Addictive substances including caffeine or tobacco
Missing a meal
Exposure to bright lights, loud noises or strong odors
Aged cheese
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate
Food additives including nitrates and MSG
Processed food
Fermented or pickled foods
Underlying medical conditions including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and epilepsy
Regular use of tobacco products

What are the Migraine Symptoms?

Migraine Stage	Common Symptoms
Prodrome (hours or days before)	- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells - Fatigue or frequent yawning - Food cravings or loss of appetite - Mood changes (irritability, sadness) - Thirst and frequent urination - Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
Aura (up to 1 hour before or during)	- Vision changes (flashes, black spots, tunnel vision) - Tingling or numbness in face/hands - Speech difficulties - Ringing in ears (tinnitus) - Weakness on one side of the body
Attack (Headache Phase)	- Throbbing or shifting head pain - Worsens with activity - Nausea, vomiting - Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell - Dizziness, fatigue, neck stiffness - Runny or stuffy nose - Anxiety or low mood
Postdrome (up to a day after)	- Fatigue, irritability, or feeling “drained” - Unusual happiness or relief - Muscle aches or weakness - Food cravings or poor appetite - Difficulty concentrating

Migraine Vs Other Headaches

Headache Type	Pain Location & Type	Common Symptoms	Duration & Pattern
Migraine	Throbbing pain, often one-sided	Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, visual aura in some cases	4 hours to 3+ days, can occur with or without aura
Tension Headache	Steady, dull pain on both sides; feels like a tight band around head	No nausea or vomiting; mild light/sound sensitivity; caused by stress or tension	30 minutes to several hours; more gradual onset
Cluster Headache	Intense, sharp or burning pain behind/around one eye	Eye redness, tearing, drooping eyelid, small pupil, nasal stuffiness on one side	15 mins to 3 hours, several times a day during cluster periods lasting weeks/months

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

If a headache doesn't go away or keeps coming back, see your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a severe headache and:

Neck stiffness with fever
Nausea, and vomiting
Limb numbness or weakness
Trouble speaking or slurred speech
Sudden occurrence of headache
Deprivation from doing your daily activities
Occurrence of headache after head injury, exercise, or sex
Confusion or memory loss
Worsening of headache over the day
Eye redness on the side of pain
Vision problems
Pain while chewing

Conclusion

A headache is certainly nothing new to you, but a migraine is something else entirely. There are times when you are experiencing extreme pain and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Even though your migraine symptoms are transient, the length of the attack might make you feel as though time is slipping away from you. On the other hand, there are ways to manage migraines, prevent them from occurring frequently, and keep them from ruining your day. You could stop migraines from taking over your life by getting treatment from the medical experts.

For personalised advice consult expert neurologists at IBS Hospital. Book your consultation now!

FAQs

Q1: Is it possible to prevent migraines?
A: Yes, by recognizing and avoiding triggers, keeping a regular sleep pattern, controlling stress, and in some situations, using prescription drugs for preventative care.

Q2: What choices are there for treating migraines?
A: Painkillers (such as triptans or NSAIDs), antiemetic medicines, relaxation in a quiet, dark room, and hydration. In chronic cases, preventative drugs or treatments are all part of the treatment.

Q3: Can modifying one's lifestyle aid in migraine management?
A: Of course. A healthy diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, stress-reduction methods (such as yoga or meditation), and staying away from recognized triggers can all be very beneficial.

Q4: What is a migraine aura?
A: A sensory disturbance that can happen either before or during a migraine onset is called a migraine aura. It can impact speech or touch, but it usually manifests as visual symptoms like flashes, zigzag lines, or blind patches.

Q5: For what duration do migraines typically last?
A: The duration of a migraine can range from 4 to 72 hours. Depending on the kind and intensity, some persons may have incidents that are shorter or longer.

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | April 29, 2025 | 9 Min Read