UNDERSTANDING MIGRAINES: TYPES, CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

Migraines are not just headaches. They are complex neurological events that can affect vision, balance, mood, and overall quality of life. For many, the condition is chronic and deeply disruptive.

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Migraines impact more than one in seven people globally and can cause disabling symptoms. These go far beyond head pain and can significantly affect day-to-day function. This guide introduces the most common migraine types, their causes, and how they can affect different groups especially women and children.

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Migraine Types

 

Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine)
The most frequent type. Pain is moderate to severe, often one-sided, and may last hours to days. Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

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Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine)
In some individuals, auras appear before or during the headache. These can include flashing lights, zig-zag lines, blind spots, or tingling in the face or hands. Not everyone who experiences aura develops a headache afterward.

 

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Ocular or Retinal Migraine
Causes visual disturbances or temporary blindness in one eye. Although rare, it should always be evaluated by a doctor to rule out underlying eye disease.

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Ophthalmoplegic Migraine
A rare subtype that affects the muscles around the eye, leading to double vision or drooping eyelids.

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Chronic Migraine
Defined as having headaches on 15 or more days each month, with at least 8 days showing migraine features. Often associated with medication overuse.

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Variants and Childhood Types

• Abdominal migraine (commonly seen in children)

• Hemiplegic migraine (causes temporary weakness on one side)

• Alice in Wonderland syndrome (distorted perception of size or space)

 

 

Causes and Triggers

Migraines are believed to result from a combination of genetic, neurological, hormonal, and environmental factors.

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Genetics
Family history is a strong risk factor. Specific inherited gene variants may influence how the brain processes pain and responds to triggers.

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Neurological and Vascular Factors
Altered brain chemicals (like serotonin and CGRP) and changes in blood flow are key contributors.

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Hormonal Influences
Hormone fluctuations, especially estrogen, significantly affect migraine patterns—especially in women.

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Sleep Rhythm Changes
Both too little and too much sleep can increase migraine risk. Consistent sleep patterns are important.

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Dehydration or Missed Meals
Skipping meals or not drinking enough water are recognised triggers.

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Sensory Overload
Bright lights, loud noise, strong smells, and visual clutter (e.g. screens) can overwhelm the brain.

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Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers

• Stress or anxiety

• Poor or irregular sleep

• Dehydration

• Strong sensory inputs (light, noise, scent)

• Weather shifts, especially barometric pressure

 

Food and Drink Triggers

• Alcohol (especially red wine)

• Aged cheeses, processed meats

• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame), MSG

• Excess caffeine or withdrawal

 

 

Symptoms

 

Migraine attacks often progress through four phases, although not everyone experiences them all.

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1) Prodrome (hours to 1–2 days before pain)

• Fatigue, yawning, or food cravings

• Mood changes or brain fog

• Stiff neck or tight shoulders

• Increased sensitivity to light or sound

 

2) Aura (about 5–60 minutes for some people)

• Visual symptoms: flashing lights, shimmering shapes

• Numbness or tingling

• Trouble speaking

• Dizziness or vertigo

 

3) Headache phase (4–72 hours)

• Throbbing pain (often one-sided)

• Worsens with movement

• Nausea, vomiting

• Light and sound sensitivity

• Pressure around eyes, scalp tenderness

 

4) Postdrome (hours to a day after pain)

• Fatigue or a "migraine hangover"

• Brain fog, mood swings

• Lingering sensitivity to stimuli

 

If your symptoms change suddenly, are severe, or don’t match your usual pattern, seek medical advice.

 

 

Migraines in Women

 

Hormonal changes often influence migraine patterns. Women are around three times more likely to experience migraines than men.

 

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• Menstrual migraine: Linked to hormonal drops before menstruation.

• Pregnancy: May improve for some, worsen for others (especially early on).

• Perimenopause/menopause & HRT: Estrogen shifts can intensify or reduce attacks.

• Contraceptives: Effects vary by individual.

 

Tracking cycles and symptoms can reveal patterns to discuss with a clinician.

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Migraines in Children

 

Around 1 in 10 children have migraine-like headaches, though symptoms may differ from adult cases.

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• Shorter attacks, often on both sides

• Pallor, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting

• More likely to have motion sickness

• Related syndromes like abdominal migraine are more common in kids

 

A symptom diary (noting food, sleep, stress) can be useful when discussing concerns with a paediatrician.

 

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Always seek urgent care if you experience:

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• Sudden, severe headache ("thunderclap")

• Vision loss, speech issues, or weakness

• Rapid change in headache pattern or frequency

• Headache with fever, stiff neck, or rash

 

Disclaimer

This page is intended for general information about migraines and headaches. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health professional for concerns about migraines or any persistent symptoms.