Understanding Migraines: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Migraines aren’t just regular headaches — they’re a condition that can cause intense, throbbing pain, often paired with nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. Understanding migraines and their triggers can make a big difference in prevention and treatment. With the right approach, many people can reduce how often migraines happen and how much they affect their lives, making everyday activities easier to manage.

What are migraine headaches?

A migraine is a headache that comes with severe pain, usually felt on one side of the head.

Migraines affect about 12% of people worldwide. While they can happen to anyone, women are three times more likely to experience them than men. Migraines are most common in people ages 18 to 44.,

It’s important to know how migraines differ from other types of headaches. For example, tension headaches usually feel like a steady ache and are less intense, while cluster headaches occur in cycles and cause sharp pain around one eye. Recognizing these differences helps your doctor create the right care plan for you.

What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Migraines come with a range of symptoms, including:

• Moderate to severe head pain, often on one side
• Throbbing or pulsing pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound or smells
• Visual disturbances, such as flashing lights or blind spots (known as aura)

What causes migraine headaches?

The causes of migraines aren’t fully understood, but they most likely result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If someone in your family has migraines, you’re more likely to have them, too. Other causes include hormonal changes, shifts in weather, stress, and exposure to specific triggers, such as certain foods or smells.

Common migraine triggers include lack of sleep, dehydration, stress and certain foods (such as aged cheese), as well as beverages like alcohol and caffeine. Identifying personal triggers can help with migraine management. Keeping a journal to track when migraines happen and what you did beforehand can be especially helpful. Once you know your triggers, avoiding them becomes easier.

What are the four phases of a migraine headache?

Migraines often happen in stages, and understanding these phases can help with preparation:

1. Premonitory phase: This occurs hours or days before the migraine. Symptoms may include fatigue, food cravings, difficulty concentrating or neck stiffness.
2. Aura phase: Some people experience visual symptoms, such as flashing lights or zigzag lines, or even numbness and tingling before the headache starts. This phase usually lasts less than an hour.
3. Headache phase: This is when the actual migraine hits. The pain is often on one side of the head and worsens with movement or activity.
4. Resolution phase: After the headache ends, many people feel extremely tired, have difficulty focusing or experience mood changes.

How are migraine headaches diagnosed?

Diagnosing migraines requires a detailed discussion with your doctor. They’ll ask how often headaches occur, their intensity and whether other symptoms, such as nausea or light sensitivity, are present. They’ll also ask if any common triggers have been identified.

Sometimes, additional testing — such as brain scans or blood tests — may be needed to rule out other causes. Keeping a symptom diary at home can be helpful in diagnosis. Track when headaches happen, their severity and any possible triggers, including foods or activities leading up to the migraine.

How do you manage and treat migraine headaches?

Managing migraines often requires a combination of approaches. Medication is a common choice. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may work for mild cases. For more severe migraines, doctors may recommend prescription medications such as triptans, which address the root causes of migraine pain. Preventive medications can also help reduce migraine frequency.

Do alternative therapies work to relieve migraine headache symptoms?

Alternative treatments offer additional options for migraine relief. Acupuncture, which focuses on stimulating certain points of the body, has been shown to help some people experience fewer and less intense migraines.

Biofeedback, a therapy that helps you recognize and control stress-related physical responses, is another effective tool.

Meditation and mindfulness strategies are simple techniques that can reduce stress levels—a key trigger for migraines.

Additionally, aromatherapy, with essential oils like peppermint or lavender, may provide soothing effects for some individuals when practiced in conjunction with other strategies.

Always discuss these options with your doctor before starting something new. For those with chronic migraines or migraines that don’t respond well to regular treatments, Botox injections may also be an option. Administered every three months, this treatment targets specific muscles in the head and neck to reduce migraine frequency.

Your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Regular check-ins will help refine the plan over time, ensuring the best outcomes.

How can you prevent migraine headaches from occurring?

Preventing migraines often requires a proactive approach. Identifying and avoiding triggers is a great first step. Maintaining regular routines — such as exercising, eating balanced meals and following a consistent sleep schedule — can also help. Activities like yoga or meditation further support stress reduction, a major factor in migraine prevention.

For those with frequent migraines, preventive medications may be recommended. These can lower the number and severity of attacks, offering greater control over your daily routine.

Migraine headaches can often be managed effectively. With the right combination of therapies, lifestyle changes and medications, many people experience fewer migraines. You can find the strategies that work best for you by working with your doctor.