What are the symptoms of migraines?

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

Updated on June 15, 2025

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Migraine has a relatively high incidence among many young people, and it is a type of vascular pain, with the following clinical symptoms during the pain episodes.

Firstly, the pain usually occurs on one side of the head, but it is important to note that it can also be bilateral. Do not assume it is not a migraine just because the patient experiences pain on both sides of the head.

Secondly, the nature of the pain is throbbing headache, and the patient will have a clear sensation of pulsating blood vessels.

Thirdly, the patient will experience photophobia, phonophobia, unwillingness to move, and routine activities can exacerbate the headache.

In addition, the patient may also exhibit clinical symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, as well as visual abnormalities, such as seeing unusual flashes of light, and may be accompanied by restlessness.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

44sec

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How many days can a migraine recover?

For most cases of migraines, patients generally recover within three days. If migraine-specific medications are administered, recovery can be faster, with symptoms significantly alleviated within a day. If a migraine persists for more than three days without recovery, it is known as a status migraine, and specific migraine medications need to be used, such as ergot preparations or triptan drugs, which are effective. Some patients with prolonged migraine duration may need sedatives and drugs to reduce intracranial pressure for symptomatic treatment. Patients with migraines must ensure adequate rest, ensure good sleep, and maintain stable emotions. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

57sec

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What causes migraines?

Migraine is a very common type of headache, particularly among young people. The specific causes and mechanisms of migraine are not very clear at present. The main reasons are attributed to the following: First, vascular dysregulation, where abnormalities in the contraction and dilation of brain blood vessels can disrupt the regulation of blood supply to the brain, leading to headache attacks. Second, abnormal neuron discharges, where some people experience unusual discharges in the neurons of the cerebral cortex, causing migraines. Third, some experts believe that issues with the trigeminal ganglion can cause migraines. Additionally, migraines are closely related to excessive tension, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and poor physical condition. Therefore, migraine sufferers should pay attention to rest, ensure good sleep, maintain a stable mood, and avoid excessive stress.

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Written by Tang Li Li

Neurology

1min 3sec

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What to do about migraines?

Migraine is a very common neurological disorder, generally related to dysfunction in vascular contraction and expansion, abnormal neurotransmitter secretion in the brain, and trigeminal nerve dysfunction. If a patient experiences recurring headaches, they can visit the department of neurology for a comprehensive examination using cranial CT or MRI. Once intracranial organic diseases are ruled out, a diagnosis of migraine can generally be confirmed, and related treatment can be administered. If a patient experiences frequent headaches, but they are not severe, long-term oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine can be prescribed, typically for a course of at least 28 days. If the headaches are severe but occur less frequently, temporary oral administration of pain relief medication may be recommended, commonly using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

41sec

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migraine symptoms

The typical symptoms of migraine include unilateral pulsating headaches, usually located in the temporal area, where the patient can feel a pronounced throbbing of blood vessels. However, some patients may experience bilateral fluctuating headaches; bilateral headaches should not exclude the diagnosis of migraines. Patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and clinical manifestations such as aggravation of headache during routine activities, and may also exhibit symptoms of restlessness and unease. Additionally, some patients may experience visual auras, such as flashing lights or black spots in front of their eyes, before a migraine attack.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 4sec

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Can migraine be treated with hot compress?

Patients with migraines are not advised to use heat compresses, as the heat may promote the dilation of blood vessels both inside and outside the skull, possibly worsening the migraine or even triggering an attack. Some people may experience migraines when taking hot baths, which is based on the same principle. Migraines are primarily caused by a dysfunction in the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, resulting in severe pain that is typically moderate to severe in intensity. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, a pulsing sensation in the blood vessels, and clinical symptoms such as photophobia (sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound). In terms of treatment, it is important to rest and provide the patient with a quiet environment, free from loud noises and bright lights. Appropriate pain relief medications should be taken, and if nausea and vomiting occur, antiemetic medications should be administered as well. Most symptoms will quickly subside, but it is important to focus on prevention.