Signs your headache may be a migraine

A migraine is worse than a headache. You may feel moderate-to-severe throbbing pain for days. Pain that pulses or beats repeatedly is throbbing.

Where you feel the pain:

Headaches might vary. Some headaches cause eye aches. A sinus headache causes pain in the cheekbones and forehead. A migraine usually is worst on one side of the head, but this varies.

You have what is called an aura:

15–20% of migraine sufferers experience aura. It can occur before or during migraines and lasts 10–60 minutes. Auras may cause visions:

• Bright flashing lights, spots, dots, or sparkles

• Different shapes

• Wavy lines or lines with sharp, pointy edges

• Nothing at all, though your vision will come back

When you have an aura, you can also experience:

• A feeling of prickly pins and needles in your arm or your leg

• Difficulty talking or changes to the way you talk

• Ringing in your ears

• A feeling that things don't smell or taste the same

• Feeling weak or numb on one side of the body

Your doctor can help you get effective treatment for your auras.

You have a family history:

Migraines can run in families. Family history affects 80% of migraine sufferers. A parent's migraines increase a child's risk by 50%. If both parents get migraines, their child is 75% more likely to.

Increased sensitivity:

When you have a migraine, you may become more sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, sometimes, touch.

You feel like throwing up:

Migraine causes nausea and vomiting.

You are a woman:

Women get migraines more often. Female hormones cause this inclination. Migraines are frequent in 15-to-55-year-old women.

Warning symptoms before a migraine:

A migraine can have stages. First stage is 1 or 2 days before headache. This is called prodrome stage. Prodrome can cause:

• Trouble concentrating or sleeping

• Irritability or depression

• Sensitivity to lights and sounds

• Nausea

• Food cravings

Triggers:

Headaches have several causes. They can be caused by stress. Other medical issues can cause this. Migraines can have "triggers." Triggers can include missing a meal, caffeine, weather changes, alcohol, red wine, cured meats, being sensitive to the chemicals in some pre-packaged foods, and hormonal changes in women caused by menstrual periods, pregnancy, or menopause.

Remember to consult your doctor if your headaches cause you discomfort or if you suspect you have a migraine.