Migraine symptoms happen in certain stages, though you might not have them all. Migraine prodromeA day or two before you get a migraine, you might notice:A brief period of CrankinessAnxietyMoodinessLess of an appetiteConstipationFood cravingsStiff neckYawning a lotYou’re thirstier and pee moreAuraThese symptoms can show up shortly before or during a headache. They usually start slowly and build. They normally last 20 minutes to an hour. You might notice:Visual symptoms like flashing lights or zigzag or wavy lines. They often start around an hour or less before the headache hits.Loss of visionPins and needles feeling in an arm or legWeakness or numbness on one side of your bodyTrouble talkingHearing sounds that aren’t thereMovements you can’t controlMigraine attackThis is the headache itself. Most of the time:It’s usually a moderate to severe throbbing or pulsing pain.It affects one side of your head or one .It can last from 4 to 72 hours.You may be extra-sensitive to light; so much so that you may need to retreat to a darkened room.You may also be sensitive to smells, sounds, and touch.You might feel sick to your stomach or throw up.You could get lightheaded or faint.Your vision might get blurry.Migraine postdromeThis is the last phase. It usually lasts about 24 hours after the headache ends. You might feel:ElatedDrained and washed outConfusedMoodyDizzySensitive to light and soundHeadache DiaryGetting a handle on your migraine attacks starts with keeping a headache diary. Keeping track of your symptoms: Helps you recognize your migraine triggersShows you any patterns there may be to your attacks Tracks how long your headaches last and how severe your symptoms are Allows your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis Lets you and your doctor know how well your treatment is workingYou can experiment with what information is most helpful to include in your diary. These things may help you form a clear picture of your headache patterns:The date, including the day of the weekThe time your headache startsWhere the pain isHow long it lasts How severe it is (You can use a number scale, or describe a range, such as mild to severe.)Symptoms that go along with the headache (For example, vision problems, upset stomach, or light sensitivity)Any special conditions that may be a trigger (For example, stressful situations, changes in your sleep pattern, your menstrual cycle, or medications you’ve taken)You can keep a diary in whatever way is easiest for you. You can write your symptoms down in a notebook, make a spreadsheet on your computer, or download a tracking app for your phone. You can also print this migraine headache diary and use it to keep track of headaches or migraines. Date Time headache began Time headache ended Warning signs (aura) Location of pain Type of pain (pressing, throbbing, piercing, etc.) Intensity of pain* (circle one number to the right)1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 101 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Other symptoms (, vomiting) Medication taken/other treatment Effect of treatment How headache affected my normal routine Hours of sleep the night before the headache What I ate before the headache (caffeine, diet soda, , chocolate, hot dogs, food with artificial sweeteners, processed foods) Activities before headache occurred Important or stressful events that occurred today (Can include weather) Comments Get Emergency Medical Help Right Away if You Have:Abrupt, severe headachesConfusion or trouble talking or understanding what others sayHeadaches that begin for the first time after age 50Headaches that start when you’re active, straining, coughing, or having sexChanges in your visionA body part that is numb, weak, or that you can’t moveTrouble with balance and walkingA fever or stiff neckProlonged vomiting with a headacheHeadaches that start after an injuryHeadaches that are more severe than or different from your regular headache patternA new headache and you are pregnant A seizure or you pass outSourcesUpdate HistorySharePrintSOURCES:National Headache Foundation.Mayo Clinic: “Migraine.”American Migraine Foundation: “Living with Migraine,” “Chronic Migraine,” “Thunderclap Headache,” “Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal with Them,” “Changes in Headache Symptoms: When to be Concerned,”The Migraine Trust: “Keeping a headache diary.”Stanford Medicine: “Headache Diary.” American College of Emergency Physicians: “Headache.”SharePrintNext In MigraineShow more articles More on Migraine & Headaches Recommended FEATURED Top doctors in , Find more top doctors on Search Related LinksPoliciesAboutFor Advertisers © 2005 - 2025 WebMD LLC, an company. All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. , A migraine is a headache that can cause intense throbbing pain or a pulsing feeling, usually on one side of the head. It often happens with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound., Migraine Headaches A migraine is much more than a bad headache. It can cause debilitating, throbbing, one-sided head pain that can leave you in bed for days. Movement, lights, sounds and other triggers may cause symptoms like fatigue, nausea, vision changes, irritability and more..