A migraine is a type of headache, though its characteristics are different than any other kind of headache. Migraines are fairly common. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, 11 in 100 people experience migraines. Migraines may be triggered by environmental factors such as certain foods or stress; however, often their cause is a mystery. Every migraine is different; however, there are a few common characteristics.
Aura
One of the more unusual characteristics of a migraine is an aura. However, not all people experience a migraine aura. Those who do, according to the Mayo Clinic, are said to experience a "classic migraine". An aura is a series of visual disturbances that often occur before a migraine attack. Migraine auras may cause blurry vision, tunnel vision, flashing or even a blind spot in the visual field. The National Institute of Health reports that an aura usually occurs in both eyes and may also cause "starry" vision or eye pain.
Head Pain
Like all headaches, migraines cause pain in the head. However, the characteristics of migraine pain are different than most other headache types. The Mayo Clinic reports that migraine pain often feels like pulsing or throbbing. The Cleveland Clinic adds that this pain may be intensified if the person participates in physical activity. Migraine pain is often localized on one side of the head or the other; however, for some people the whole head can be affected. Migraine pain is often severe, though some people may have more moderate migraine pain.
Nausea
Unlike most other headaches, migraines are often accompanied by nausea. A person having a migraine may feel sick to their stomach and he may even vomit. The Cleveland Clinic reports that some also experience abdominal pains with a migraine. Stomach upset associated with migraine may also include diarrhea, though the Cleveland Clinic reports that this characteristic is not very common.
Light Sensitivity
The National Institutes of Health reports that a person experiencing a migraine may be unable to tolerate bright lights until the attack is over. Those with a migraine may prefer to be in a darkened room. In addition to light sensitivity, a person having a migraine may be sensitive to loud noises as well. The Cleveland Clinic adds that another related characteristic of a migraine is sensitivity to certain odors.
Neurological Symptoms
According to the National Institutes of Health, when a migraine is happening, it causes episodes of abnormal brain activity. Because of this, some migraine characteristics can mimic those of a mild stroke. A person having a migraine may feel confused or have difficulty finding words and speaking. In addition, sufferers may experience tingling or weakness on one or both sides of the body. The Cleveland Clinic refers to these as "hemiplegic migraines". Symptoms of hemiplegic migraines will resolve once the migraine is over and usually do not leave any lasting damage.
