What it means
A headache disorder in which attacks last from hours to days. The pain is often throbbing and on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people have an aura first, such as flashing lights or zigzag lines. Triggers include stress, lack of sleep, skipped meals, hormones and some foods. Treatment includes drugs to stop attacks (such as triptans) and drugs to prevent them.
For the nurse
During an attack, a dark, quiet room and early treatment help. Teach clients to keep a headache diary to find triggers. A sudden "worst headache of my life" or headache with weakness or confusion is not a typical migraine and needs urgent review.
At a glance
| Spanish | migraña |
|---|---|
| Also written | migraines, migraine headache |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
nausea
An uneasy feeling in the stomach with the urge to vomit.
beta blocker
A drug that blocks the effects of adrenaline on beta receptors, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.