Migraine: It's
not just a
headache

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Migraine is the second most disabling condition in the world.
It’s a disease that affects the brain and has a complex group of symptoms that are unique to you and can impact daily life.
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MIGRAINE SYMPTOMS

Understanding migraine
symptoms

Migraine has many different symptoms, and they can be different for each person.
The main symptom is a bad headache, which can hurt a little or a lot. Other
common symptoms are feeling sick, changes in mood, trouble sleeping, and
being sensitive to light and sound. There are usually four stages of migraine attacks
that happen before, during and after a headache.
Learn about the differences:
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Pre
Pre
During
During
Post
Post
01
Early

Days before the headache

In the early stage of a migraine, you might feel tired, yawn a lot, have trouble concentrating, and be sensitive to light or sound. Mood changes, food cravings, and a stiff neck are also common.

02
Aura

Hours or minutes before the headache

In the aura stage of a migraine, you might see zigzag lines or have blurry vision. You may feel pins and needles, numbness, or have trouble speaking. These symptoms usually go away in about an hour.

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03
Headache

Lasting hours or days

In the headache stage of a migraine, you might have throbbing pain on one side of your head. The pain can be severe, worsen with movement, and be accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

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During
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04
After-headache

Hours to days after the headache

In the after-headache stage of a migraine, you might feel tired all over, have trouble concentrating, and experience a stiff neck.

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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There isn't one factor that
causes migraine

It may be brought on by changes in your brain due to family
history, lifestyle factors, or medical conditions. Your brain might
process things like smells, sounds, and lights as pain because of these
changes in your brain.
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Genetics

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Migraine can be genetic. But other family history plays a role. This could include childhood experiences, stressful life events and is more common in females.
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Lifestyle factors

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Lifestyle factors are those you can potentially change. Some of these are smoking, obesity and sleep.
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Medical conditions

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Medical conditions that can increase migraine risk include depression and insomnia.
There may be additional risk factors for migraine. If you don’t fall into any of these categories but are experiencing symptoms of migraine, reach out to a healthcare professional.
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Experiencing symptoms? Find care

Explore independent in-person care options
Get care
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Migraine FAQs

What does migraine
feel like?

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Migraine attacks can last for days or hours and can be very painful. Your symptoms may change from day to day and even within the same day. During an attack, you may be nauseated, vomit, and be very sensitive to light and sound.

You might experience throbbing pain that usually starts on one side of your head and often spreads to other parts of your head or neck.
Migraine attacks can last for days or hours and can be very painful. Your symptoms may change from day to day and even within the same day. During an attack, you may be nauseated, vomit, and be very sensitive to light and sound.

You might experience throbbing pain that usually starts on one side of your head and often spreads to other parts of your head or neck.
A close-up photograph of a person's hand on their shoulders while their head is leaning forward.

What are common triggers for migraine?

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Many people living with migraine disease have triggers that can cause the onset of a migraine attack. Not everyone has triggers, and not everyone’s migraine triggers are the same. But common ones include:

  • Changes in weather
  • Hunger
  • Stress
  • Smoking

Many people living with migraine disease have triggers that can cause the onset of a migraine attack. Not everyone has triggers, and not everyone’s migraine triggers are the same. But common ones include:

  • Changes in weather
  • Hunger
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Light
  • Noise
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How often do migraine attacks occur?

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Some people have migraine attacks now and then. Others may have them almost daily. It’s not unusual to move back and forth between having headache less than 15 days a month (episodic migraine) and having headache on 15 or more days a month (chronic migraine).
Some people have migraine attacks now and then. Others may have them almost daily. It’s not unusual to move back and forth between having headache less than 15 days a month (episodic migraine) and having headache on 15 or more days a month (chronic migraine).
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How long do migraine attacks last?

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Migraines can last for several hours to many days. The early phase may show up from days to hours before the headache phase. If an aura phase is present, it typically occurs minutes to an hour before the onset of the headache phase. The headache itself often occurs for hours to days. The post-headache phase may stick around for up to several days.
Migraines can last for several hours to many days. The early phase may show up from days to hours before the headache phase. If an aura phase is present, it typically occurs minutes to an hour before the onset of the headache phase. The headache itself often occurs for hours to days. The post-headache phase may stick around for up to several days.
A close-up photograph of a person's hands clasped together and pushed up against their forehead.
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MIGRAINE DIAGNOSIS

What doctors look for

There isn’t a specific test to diagnose migraine currently. Your doctor will likely:
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01
Ask about your symptoms
They’ll ask what your headaches feel like, how often they happen, and if you have other symptoms like nausea or light sensitivity.
02
Do a physical exam
Your doctor will check your reflexes and coordination to rule out other causes.
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Review your medical history
They’ll ask about you and your family’s health history to look for patterns or other conditions that might be linked to migraine.
04
Order an MRI or CT scan (if necessary)
These scans help see if anything else is causing your migraine attacks. An MRI uses magnets and a CT scan uses X-rays, but both take clear pictures of the inside of your body.
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What you can do to prepare

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Keep a diary

You can track your symptoms in a diary every time you have a headache.
Download PDF

Fill out a questionnaire

Sometimes you're so busy, you may not realise just how much impact migraine is having on your life. This informational questionnaire can help you start the conversation with your healthcare provider.
Download PDF
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No information on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
CMAT-27128 | May 2026
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