Migraine symptoms commonly include a throbbing headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience aura, such as flashing lights or tingling, but a symptom list cannot confirm that a particular headache is migraine. A sudden, extremely painful headache or new neurological symptoms need urgent medical attention.
The WHO headache disorders fact sheet describes migraine as a recurring headache disorder. This guide draws on that page and NHS guidance, checked on 11 November 2026 at 22:20 IST. Its purpose is to explain the terms readers encounter and help them describe symptoms clearly, without offering an individual diagnosis or a medicine recommendation.
| Question | Published guidance |
|---|---|
| What can an attack involve? | Head pain, nausea and light or sound sensitivity |
| How long can it last? | Commonly 4 hours to 3 days |
| Does everyone have aura? | No, it occurs in some people |
| What should not wait? | Sudden extreme pain or serious new symptoms |
What does a migraine attack feel like?
WHO describes pain that may be moderate or severe, pulsating, often on one side or behind the eye, and aggravated by normal physical activity. It also notes that migraine in children can be shorter, with abdominal symptoms more prominent. The description is broader than the idea that migraine is simply any strong headache after a tiring day.
WHO distinguishes other headache patterns too. Tension-type headache can feel like pressure or a tight band. Cluster headache can produce brief, extremely severe attacks around one eye. Those distinctions help explain why “headache” is a symptom description rather than a complete diagnosis. They are not enough to decide which disorder someone has without clinical assessment.
When describing pain, use ordinary words before trying to choose a label. Explain where it begins, whether it pulses or presses, what you were doing when it started and whether normal movement changes it. Include effects on reading, school, work or household tasks. That account is more useful than saying the pain is “definitely migraine” because a search result looks familiar.
What is migraine aura and how long does it last?
The NHS migraine page says some people experience warning symptoms called aura. These can include zigzag lines or flashing lights, tingling, dizziness or difficulty speaking. It says aura should not last longer than an hour. Migraine attacks usually last between 4 hours and 3 days, although other symptoms can begin before the head pain.
These timings describe published patterns, not a safe waiting period for unfamiliar symptoms. New difficulty speaking, weakness or loss of sight should not be casually assigned to aura at home. The same term appearing in an article cannot establish the cause of what is happening to you. Tell a medical professional exactly what changed and when.
The NHS advises medical review when attacks are severe, worsening, lasting longer than usual or occurring more than once a week. An attack beyond 72 hours, aura beyond an hour, or an attack during pregnancy or soon after birth needs urgent assessment. Readers in India should use local medical services rather than the UK contact numbers printed on the source page.
Which headache warning signs need emergency care?
The NHS general headache guidance flags a sudden extremely painful headache, seizures, weakness or numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking or walking, and loss of vision as emergency concerns. Headache after a recent head injury, or with a very high temperature and stiff neck, also needs emergency attention. Seek immediate medical help rather than continuing to compare symptom descriptions online.
That page also advises prompt assessment for headaches associated with eye problems, vomiting, or pain made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending or exercise. For children, a headache that worsens or wakes them at night needs attention. A caregiver should describe the child's behaviour and accompanying symptoms rather than expecting the child to provide an adult description of pain.
What should you record in a headache diary?
Both NHS pages discuss keeping a diary to identify patterns. A practical entry can record the start and end time, the character and location of pain, other symptoms and the effect on daily activities. Keep observations separate from guesses: “headache began after lunch” records an event; “lunch caused migraine” makes a conclusion the note cannot establish.
Bring the record to a consultation along with questions about changes in the pattern. Do not postpone urgent care to build a longer diary. Readers with an existing health condition should consult a qualified doctor about new headaches or changes to their routine. Treatment decisions and the interpretation of recurring symptoms belong in that consultation.
For related background, read our explainers on sleep routines, stress management skills and daily fluids. These topics may help organise a discussion about everyday habits. They do not explain every headache and should never replace assessment of warning signs.
