Migraine is a common neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause moderate to severe headaches, along with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Recognizing migraine is crucial to getting proper treatment and avoiding long-term complications. In this article, we’ll explore 12 distinct symptoms that can help you recognize migraine.

1. Headache Pain

The most common symptom of migraine is a headache. It typically occurs on one side of the head and is described as a throbbing or pulsing pain that can last for hours or even days.

The pain may be mild to severe, and it can interfere with daily activities.

2. Sensitivity to Light and Sound

People with migraine often experience sensitivity to light and sound. Bright lights and loud noises can make the headache pain worse or trigger a migraine attack. This symptom is known as photophobia and phonophobia.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Another common symptom of migraine is nausea and vomiting. This can be caused by the headache pain or by the body’s response to the migraine attack. Nausea and vomiting can make it difficult to eat or drink, leading to dehydration in some cases.

4. Aura

Some people with migraine experience an aura before the headache begins. An aura is a set of visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots, or wavy lines.

It can also include other sensory changes such as tingling or numbness in the face or hands.

5. Dizziness or Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms of migraine. They can occur before or during a migraine attack, and they can be mild to severe. Dizziness and vertigo can make it difficult to stand or walk and can cause falls in some cases.

6. Fatigue or Weakness

Many people with migraine experience fatigue or weakness before or after the headache. This can be caused by the body’s response to the migraine attack or by the medications used to treat the symptoms.

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7. Cognitive Symptoms

Cognitive symptoms are another common feature of migraine. These can include difficulty concentrating, confusion, or memory problems. Cognitive symptoms can impact daily activities such as work or school.

8. Neck Pain

Neck pain is another symptom of migraine. It can occur before or during the headache and can be caused by muscle tension or nerve inflammation. Neck pain can also cause stiffness or limited range of motion.

9. Changes in Appetite

Changes in appetite are another symptom of migraine. Some people experience increased hunger before a migraine attack, while others lose their appetite during or after the headache. Changes in appetite can lead to weight gain or loss over time.

10. Flashes of Light

Flashes of light are a visual symptom of migraine. They can occur during the aura phase or separately from the headache. Flashes of light can be caused by changes in blood flow to the brain or by irritation of the visual cortex.

11. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Language

Difficulty speaking or understanding language is another cognitive symptom of migraine. This can be caused by disruption of the language centers in the brain or by decreased blood flow to those areas.

Difficulty speaking or understanding language can impact communication and daily activities.

12. Changes in Mood

Changes in mood are another common symptom of migraine. These can include irritability, depression, or anxiety. Changes in mood can be caused by the body’s response to the headache pain or by the medications used to treat the symptoms.

Conclusion

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can cause a range of symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial to getting proper treatment and avoiding long-term complications.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed in this article, talk to your healthcare provider to discuss possible treatment options.