A migraine headache is an intense,
throbbing, moderate to severe headache, usually on one
side of the head. It usually is around the eyes. It
may last as long as several hours to 4 days and can
be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The frequency
can be as often as several times per week or as infrequent
as once a year. A minority of migraine headache patients
have an "aura" that precedes the pounding
headache. The aura is described as bright spots of light,
zig-zag lines and/or temporary visual loss. The sense
of smell and taste may be affected at this time as well.
There may also be numbness/tingling in the hands or
face, speech difficulty, weakness in your arm or leg
and mental confusion. The aura may last a few minutes
to 1/2 hr and is then followed by the headache.
