A migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by frequent headaches. The intensity of these headaches may range from moderate to severe. Typically, the headaches affect half of the head, are pulsating in nature and may last for 2 to 72 hours. Migraines can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.

Symptoms of a migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition that can result in a distinct set of symptoms. It is frequently characterized by intense, debilitating headaches. The symptoms of migraine may start one to two days before the headache itself. This is known as the prodrome stage of a migraine. It can lead to the occurrence of several symptoms:

• Food cravings
• Depression
• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Frequent yawning, even if one is not sleepy
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability towards work
• Neck stiffness

Migraine with aura
Not all patients experience aura when they have a migraine. The aura usually occurs after the prodrome stage. During an aura, one may experience problems with their vision, sensation, movement, and conversation. It can also lead to the occurrence of other symptoms:

• Difficulty in speaking
• Feeling a prickling or tingling sensation in the body
• Temporarily vision loss or blurred vision
• Seeing shapes, light flashes, or colorful spots

The next phase of a migraine is known as the attack phase. This is the most acute or severe phase when the actual migraine pain starts. For some people, this stage takes place simultaneously with an aura. The symptoms of the attack phase can last from hours to days. It may have some common symptoms:

• Hypersensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Pain on one side of the head, either on the left side, right side, front, or back, or in the temples
• Pulsing and throbbing head pain
• Vomiting

Diagnosis of migraine
Doctors diagnose migraines by analyzing the symptoms, examining the medical and family history thoroughly, and performing a physical exam to rule out other potential causes. Imaging scans like CT scans or MRI can rule out other causes like tumors, abnormal brain structures, and stroke.

Treatment options
The treatment plan may include several options, depending on the case:

• Self-care remedies
• Lifestyle improvements like stress management and avoiding triggers of migraine.
• Over-the-counter pain or migraine medications like NSAIDs or acetaminophen after consulting a doctor
• Prescription migraine medications to help prevent migraines and reduce the frequency of headaches
• Prescription medications for migraine that need to be taken as soon as a headache starts to keep it from worsening and to ease the symptoms
• Prescription medications to overcome nausea or vomiting
• Hormone therapy if migraines occur with changes in the menstrual cycle
• Alternative care like biofeedback, meditation, acupressure, or acupuncture.

Home remedies
One can try a few things at home to get relief from migraine pain:

• Lie down in a quiet, calm, dark room
• Massage the scalp
• Place a cold cloth on the forehead or behind the neck to get relief from pain
• Avoid gadgets or reading during a migraine attack