![A migraine headache causes symptoms such as severe head pain and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Migraines do not, however, cause a fever or chills. Fever and chills may be red flags of another condition if accompanied by other signs such as night sweats, weight loss, or a sudden](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/mobile/hp_promo/fever-sick.jpg?output-quality=75)
A migraine headache is a neurological disorder that is different from other types of headache disorders, that causes severe head pain along with sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
Symptoms of migraine may occur in five phases:
- Prodrome: warnings before a migraine
- Mood changes
- Subtle changes in sensations such as an unusual taste or smell
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Aura: visual disturbances that precede the headache phase
- Blind spots (scotomas)
- Geometric patterns or flashing, colorful lights
- Loss of vision on one side (hemianopsia)
- Headache
- Headache termination
- Postdrome: other signs can linger after the pain goes away
- Inability to eat
- Problems concentrating
- Fatigue
Certain headache “red flags” may be signs of another condition that is not a migraine. See your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Fever, chills (migraines do not cause fever and chills)
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Changes in frequency, severity, or features of the migraine usually experienced
- Thunderclap headache (may be described as “the worst headache of your life”)
- An extremely severe headache that occurs within minutes: this is a medical emergency – call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department immediately
- A headache that changes significantly in intensity with changed position
- Headache that occurs from exertion, such as while sneezing, coughing, or straining
- New headache
- Chronic headache in the same location
- Headache that does not go away
- Worrisome neurologic symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, change in consciousness, significant difficulty walking, or other concerning symptoms
- These may be signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency — call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department immediately
What Causes Migraines?
The cause of migraines is not known, but genetics and environment are factors.
Triggers for migraines include:
- Stress
- Anger
- Poor sleep
- Hunger/skipping meals
- Exposure to smoke
- Bright lights
- Certain smells
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal from caffeine/suddenly stopping medications that contain caffeine
- Weather changes or changes in barometric pressure
- Certain foods and drinks, such as chocolate, foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), and alcohol
- Depression
- Hormone changes in women
- Some prescription medications, such as nitroglycerin and estrogen
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
What Is the Treatment for Migraines?
Treatment for migraine headaches includes:
- Non-medical treatments
- Ice
- Heat
- Hydration
- A dark room/covering your eyes
- Deep breathing
- Massage
- Rest
- Biofeedback
- Pain relievers
- Aspirin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Analgesics containing caffeine often work best
- Other medications
- Triptans
- Trigger point injections
- OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
- Ergotamine preparations
- Anti-nausea medications
- Selective serotonin 1F receptor agonist
- Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) antagonists
- Neuromodulation
- Peripheral nerve blocks
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References
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/migraines-in-adults-beyond-the-basics?search=migraine&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-treatment-of-migraine-in-adults?search=headache%20treatment&source=search_result&selectedTitle=7~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=7
https://www.migraineagain.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-migraine-fast/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/migraines-in-adults-beyond-the-basics?search=migraine&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-treatment-of-migraine-in-adults?search=headache%20treatment&source=search_result&selectedTitle=7~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=7
https://www.migraineagain.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-migraine-fast/