Migraine symptoms

How often do migraine attacks occur?Migraine frequency can vary widely, from fewer than six to more than 100 attacks per year. Duration can also vary widely, from less than 4 hours to several days. The intensity of migraine attacks is more predictable, with most attacks resulting in severe headache pain.

What are the symptoms of a migraine attack?

About 15% of people who experience migraine also experience symptoms of aura. Auras are symptoms originating from the brain and usually occur about 20 minutes to one hour before the headache attack. The symptoms include problems with vision, such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or greying vision.

There may also be hearing or speech problems, disorientation or confusion and ‘pins and needles’ feelings in certain parts of the body. The aura may disappear before the headache begins or may last into the headache phase.

The headache itself, is, for most people, the worst part of the migraine. It is usually throbbing, painful, and typically occurs on one side of the head. The pain usually becomes worse with physical activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Many people also experience nausea and some actually vomit during a migraine attack. Other symptoms that often accompany migraines include sensitivity to light, sound and smells.

Migraine Quiz: Play the Migraine Quiz 'Every Day Counts' and test your knowledge of this disorder. Migraine effectively ‘steals’ time from those who suffer from the disorder – time at work, and at play. In this quiz, the answers to the questions may help you to reduce the burden of your migraine, and allow you to get on with your life! Click here to play the Quiz

Migraine Disability Website: http://www.midas-migraine.net/default.asp