A migraine tends to be a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.

Symptoms

You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as:

• feeling very tired and yawning a lot
• craving certain foods or feeling thirsty
• changes in your mood
• a stiff neck
• peeing more

You may also get warning signs you're about to have a migraine (called an aura), such as:

• problems with your sight, such as seeing zigzag lines or flashing lights
• numbness or a tingling that feels like pins and needles
• feeling dizzy
• difficulty speaking

Causes

It's not known what causes migraines. Some people find certain triggers can cause migraines, such as:

• Starting their period
• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and tiredness
• Not eating regularly or skipping meals
• Too much caffeine
• Not getting enough exercise

Ways to reduce migraines

• Try sleeping or lying down in a darkened room during a migraine
• Try to avoid things you know trigger your migraines, such as certain foods
• Stay well hydrated and limit how much caffeine and alcohol you drink
• Try to keep to a healthy weight
• Eat meals at regular times
• Get regular exercise
• Get plenty of sleep
• Try to manage your stress

It can help to keep a migraine diary to help you work out what might trigger your migraines.

Adapted from Migraine