Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity, and occur in around 11 percent of the population. According to Medline Plus, migraines are more common in women than men, and may also run in families. While their exact cause is under debate, migraine attacks may be triggered by certain environmental factors including stress and certain foods. The impairments associated with migraine headaches may differ from person to person.
Sensory Disturbances
The American Medical Association estimates that one-third of people who suffer from migraines experience what is called a migraine aura---unusual sensory disturbances that may precede a migraine attack. A migraine aura may include visual changes such as flashing lights, seeing stars, and blurred vision or tunnel vision. They may also include strange smells, or tingling sensations in the arms, legs and face. Medline Plus reports that a migraine aura usually occurs 10 to 15 minutes before the migraine attack.
Throbbing Pain
The primary impairment for a migraine headache is pain. Migraine pain is characterized as pulsating or throbbing. It may vary in intensity from a dull ache to severe pain. For some people, it may begin as dull pain, gradually becoming more intense. While it is often localized to one side of the head or face, the Mayo Clinic reports that some people may experience migraine pain throughout the entire head. Migraine pain may become worse during physical activity. Left untreated, the Mayo Clinic reports that migraine pain can last for up to 3 days.
Nausea
For some people, a migraine attack can cause nausea in addition to pain. This nausea may vary in intensity, and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Some people may also experience a loss of appetite. Nausea usually resolves when migraine pain diminishes.
Sensitivity to Light and Sound
Another impairment that can result from a migraine headache is sensitivity to light, sound or certain smells. A person who is having a migraine attack might prefer to be in a darkened room as they experience more intense pain in bright light. Loud noises may also intensify migraine pain. During a migraine attack, some people can be more sensitive to strong odors, as well.
Fatigue and Confusion
Fatigue is a common impairment that often accompanies a migraine headache. During a migraine attack, a person may feel extremely tired and want to sleep. According to Medline Plus, they might also experience some confusion and have difficulty concentrating or remembering words. This impairment will sometimes persist after the migraine pain has passed.
Less Common Symptoms
Some migraine sufferers experience other unusual symptoms during an attack. According to Medline Plus, these include flu-like symptoms such as chills and sweating. During a migraine attack, a person might feel the urge to urinate more frequently. However, these symptoms usually resolve after the migraine attack is over.
