RA
1
1
Moderate severity
· Neurology
Migraine
Throbbing one-sided headache with nausea
Vascular and nerve disturbance causes recurrent throbbing headaches, often with nausea and light sensitivity. New CGRP drugs have transformed prevention.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 1 in 7 adults
- Typical age
- 20–50 years
- Outlook
- Manageable, often improves
- System
- Brain
Reviewed by a verified Neurology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetics
- Hormonal fluctuations (women)
- Sleep disruption
- Skipped meals, dehydration
- Strong smells, screens, MSG
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Throbbing one-sided headache
- Aura (zigzag lights) before pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Pain worse with movement
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Triptans at attack onset
- NSAIDs for mild attacks
- Anti-nausea drugs
- CGRP monoclonal antibodies for prevention
- Beta-blockers / topiramate for prevention
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Sleep regular hours
- Hydrate, avoid skipped meals
- Identify and avoid food triggers
- Manage stress
- Avoid bright flashing screens
Do’s
- Track headaches in a diary
- Treat early in the attack
- Rest in a dark quiet room
- Stay hydrated
Don’ts
- Overuse painkillers (rebound headache)
- Mix triptans with ergots
- Skip sleep
- Sudden caffeine bingeing
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.