Overview
Migraine is a common neurological condition that occurs in recurring attacks. An attack can last from hours to a few days, usually with symptom-free intervals in between. Some people experience a so-called aura with visual or sensory disturbances before the headache. How often and how severely attacks occur varies greatly from person to person.
Common causes
The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but a family predisposition often plays a role. Attacks are frequently promoted by certain triggers. These include stress or the relaxation that follows it, irregular sleep, skipped meals and a lack of fluids. Many people also report hormonal fluctuations, certain foods and stimulants, as well as changes in the weather. A headache diary can help identify personal triggers.
When to see a doctor
A medical evaluation makes sense for headaches that appear for the first time, feel unusual or change in character, as well as for frequent attacks. Seek medical advice promptly if you need painkillers more and more often or if everyday activities are severely affected. In the case of a sudden, extremely severe headache, paralysis, speech or consciousness disturbances, high fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a fall, call the emergency number 112 immediately.