Migraine: symptoms, triggers and when to get urgent help
How migraine differs from other headaches, what can trigger it, what the NHS lists for self-care and treatment, and which headaches need emergency help.
Migraine is a common neurological condition that typically causes a moderate or severe throbbing headache, often on one side of the head, along with other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The NHS says attacks typically last from 4 hours to 3 days. It is different from a tension-type headache, and it is worth knowing which you have.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have a headache with any of these.
- A sudden, severe headache that reaches full intensity within a minute or so
- Headache with confusion, weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, facial droop or seizures
- Headache with a stiff neck, high temperature, rash or dislike of bright light
- Headache after a head injury
What it can feel like
- A throbbing headache, often on one side, that may worsen with movement
- Nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound
- Some people notice early signs hours or a day beforehand, such as tiredness, mood changes or food cravings
- Some people get 'aura' before the headache, such as visual disturbance, pins and needles, dizziness or difficulty speaking
Common contributors
- The NHS lists triggers such as periods, stress, anxiety, tiredness, skipped meals, too much caffeine and lack of exercise
- Triggers differ from person to person, and a headache diary can help you spot yours
- Some people notice neck tension with a migraine, which can make it hard to tell it apart from a neck-related headache
General self-care
These are general comfort measures many people find reasonable. They are not a treatment plan, and what suits one person may not suit another.
- During an attack, resting in a dark, quiet room can help
- Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol are best taken as soon as the headache starts. The NHS warns that taking painkillers on more than two days a week can make headaches worse
- Between attacks the NHS suggests regular meals, regular sleep, regular exercise, limiting caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated and managing stress
- Keep a diary of attacks, possible triggers and what helps, and share it with your GP
When to see your GP
See your GP promptly, or call NHS 111, if you notice any of the following:
- A new headache pattern, particularly if you are over 50
- Headaches that are triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending or exercise, or that wake you at night
- Jaw pain when eating, a sore or tender scalp, or problems with your vision or eyes
- Headaches that are becoming more frequent or more severe
Consider seeing your GP if:
- Call 999 straight away for a sudden, extremely painful headache, or a headache with speech or memory problems, vision loss, double vision, drowsiness or confusion, a seizure, weakness on one side, a high temperature with a stiff neck or rash, or after a head injury. Do not drive yourself
- See a GP or call NHS 111 if an attack lasts more than 72 hours, an aura lasts more than an hour, or you are pregnant or have recently given birth
- See your GP if migraines are frequent, getting worse or not helped by your usual painkillers. Treatments include preventive medicines that a doctor can discuss
Where an osteopath fits in
There is limited good-quality research showing that hands-on treatment changes the course of migraine, so I do not claim that osteopathy treats it.
What an osteopath can usefully do is take a full history of your headaches, check whether your neck, jaw and shoulders are contributing, advise on triggers, sleep and activity, and recommend that you see your GP if your headache pattern does not fit a straightforward picture. Migraine itself is a neurological condition that is best managed with medical advice. If the assessment suggests you need your GP, a physiotherapist or a specialist instead, I will tell you.
If you would like your symptoms assessed, you are welcome to book an appointment. Osteopathic care is not right for everyone, and if something needs medical attention first, I will tell you.
Common questions
What is the difference between a migraine and a tension headache?
The NHS describes migraine as typically a throbbing headache, often on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, lasting 4 hours to 3 days. Tension-type headaches are more usually a dull, band-like pressure around the head without the sickness. A GP can help if you are unsure.
Can neck problems cause migraines?
Some people notice neck tension with a migraine, and some have headaches that come from the neck (cervicogenic headache). They are different conditions, and getting the pattern identified helps decide what to do.
When is a headache an emergency?
The NHS says to call 999 for a sudden, extremely painful headache, or a headache with speech or memory problems, vision loss, double vision, drowsiness or confusion, a seizure, one-sided weakness, a high temperature with meningitis symptoms, or a recent head injury.
Sources and further reading
Links open in a new tab. Sources were checked in October 2026.
Related guides
This page is general information to help you understand common aches and pains. It is not medical advice and cannot diagnose your problem. If you are worried about your symptoms, please speak to your GP or call NHS 111.