There are two main types of migraine headaches. There are those that simply occur and others that include what doctors and researchers call an "aura," according to the Mayo Clinic. The traditional migraine headache is filled with blinding pain, sometimes on only one side of your head. Migraines with auras may indicate they are about to occur or the auras may accompany your pain.
Visual Auras
The Mayo Clinic reports that visual auras are the most common auras. Visual auras can spread to the sides of your area of vision or affect your peripheral vision. They include light flashes, spots or stars that shimmer, scotomas or blind spots or lines that zigzag and can appear to float.
Other Auras
Along with auras that affect how you see, you also can get auras before or during a migraine attack. They can include language or speaking difficulties, a numbing sensation in your face or extremities and mental confusion.
Pain
Because migraines are severe headaches that are chronic, their main symptom, regardless of type, will be pain. Pain can occur on one side of your head and be severe. Another type of pain is cutaneous allodynia (skin pain). The pain in your head may throb or pulsate; it may get worse if you engage in physical activity.
Other Symptoms
In severe cases, migraines can cause seizures, unconsciousness, neck stiffness, ear or eye pain and fever. Consult a doctor if any symptom makes you unable to perform routine tasks. Other symptoms may include light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, vomiting and nausea. Symptoms called prodromes or premonitions also are associated with migraines. They can include depression, euphoria, irritability, sweet food cravings, drowsiness and thirstiness.
Emergency Symptoms
Some migraine symptoms are very serious and require immediate emergency medical aid, although they may initially appear similar to typical migraines. These may include: a constant headache that gets worse if you make sudden moves, strain, exert yourself or cough; a headache that comes upon you suddenly and appears like a clap of thunder; headaches that follow an injury to your head; and headaches accompanied by speaking difficulties, bodily weakness, seizures, confusion, diplopia or double vision, a fever, a rash or a stiff neck. If you experience head pain that is new after you turn age 50, this also may be a sign of a serious medical condition.
