Headache... or Migraine?

After headache pain, NAUSEA tops the list of associated migraine symptoms.

Nausea is the symptom most commonly reported by migraine sufferers. Doctors often look for this symptom in making a diagnosis of migraine, as up to 90% of patients experience it at the very beginning of a migraine attack.

Vomiting and visual problems such as sensitivity to light may also occur.

Some people even experience warning signs called "auras", typically before the headache pain begins. The presence of aura can affect the way you see, including seeing zigzags or flashing lights and colours. Things may appear in different locations or appear distorted in size or shape.

In addition, you may have muscle weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis), or difficulty communicating (aphasia). You may become hypersensitive to feel and touch.

In fact, migraines are often made worse by even routine physical activity, and sufferers are twice as likely to miss work or other activities during an attack as those who experience headache alone.