A migraine can be much more than a headache. It may cause intense, throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound, making it difficult to work, travel or enjoy everyday activities. For some people, migraine attacks last for hours; for others, they can continue for several days.
Understanding migraine symptoms, causes and treatment options can help you recognise an attack, manage discomfort and identify when medical advice is necessary. Although there is no universal cure for migraine, appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments can help relieve symptoms and reduce the frequency of future episodes.
But what causes headaches, and how can you tell whether your pain is a migraine rather than an ordinary headache? In this guide, we explain the differences, explore common migraine triggers, discuss which foods may help and outline what to do if you experience a migraine while visiting or living in Barcelona.
Experiencing migraine symptoms or severe headaches?
Speak with a qualified English-speaking doctor about your symptoms, possible migraine triggers and whether further medical assessment or treatment may be appropriate.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice TodayIf you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss or a severe headache with fever and a stiff neck, call 112 immediately. Do not assume these symptoms are caused by migraine.
What causes headaches?
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck. It is a common symptom with many possible causes, ranging from temporary dehydration to an underlying medical condition.
Understanding what causes headaches is an important first step in finding the right way to manage them.
Common causes of headaches include:
- Tension and stress: Emotional stress and muscle tension can contribute to headaches, particularly around the forehead, temples, neck or shoulders.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids may trigger a headache, especially during hot weather or after physical activity.
- Lack of sleep: Poor sleep, irregular sleeping patterns or sleeping significantly more or less than usual may contribute to headaches.
- Skipped meals: Going for long periods without eating can trigger headaches in some people.
- Eye strain: Spending extended periods looking at screens or having an uncorrected vision problem may contribute to discomfort.
- Infections: Colds, flu and other illnesses can cause headaches, sometimes alongside fever or other symptoms.
- Caffeine changes: Consuming large amounts of caffeine or suddenly reducing your usual intake can trigger headaches.
- Medication overuse: Frequent use of certain pain-relieving medicines can lead to medication-overuse headaches.
Headaches can also occur as part of a migraine attack or another headache disorder.
The location, severity, duration and associated symptoms can provide useful clues about the cause. However, a healthcare professional may need to assess your symptoms to establish a diagnosis, particularly if the headache is new, severe or persistent.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurrent attacks involving moderate to severe head pain and other symptoms. It is not simply an ordinary headache that happens to be particularly painful.
Migraine pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating and may affect one side of the head, although it can occur on both sides. Physical activity, such as walking or climbing stairs, may make the pain worse.
During a migraine attack, you may also experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, and difficulty concentrating.
Some people experience warning signs before the headache begins. Others develop an aura, which may involve temporary visual disturbances, tingling sensations or difficulty speaking. Not everyone experiences these symptoms.
Migraine attacks can follow several phases:
- Prodrome: Early changes that may occur hours or even a couple of days before the headache, such as fatigue, food cravings, mood changes or neck stiffness.
- Aura: Temporary neurological symptoms that occur in some people before or during the headache phase.
- Headache: The phase involving migraine pain and potentially nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
- Postdrome: The recovery period after the headache, when you may feel exhausted, mentally foggy or unusually sensitive.
Not everyone experiences every phase, and symptoms can vary between attacks.
Migraine can affect people of any age. Although it often begins during adolescence or early adulthood, it can develop at other stages of life.
Recognising your typical symptoms can help you seek appropriate treatment earlier and identify patterns that may be contributing to your attacks.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
Migraine symptoms vary from person to person. Some people mainly experience head pain, while others have a combination of neurological, digestive and sensory symptoms.
Common migraine headache symptoms include:
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain: The pain may be moderate or severe and can affect one or both sides of the head.
- Nausea: You may feel sick or experience an upset stomach during an attack.
- Vomiting: Some people vomit, particularly during severe episodes.
- Sensitivity to light: Bright sunlight, indoor lighting or screens may make the pain worse.
- Sensitivity to sound: Ordinary noises may feel unusually loud or uncomfortable.
- Sensitivity to smells: Strong perfumes, smoke or other odours may worsen symptoms for some people.
- Worsening pain with movement: Walking, bending over or performing routine activities may increase discomfort.
- Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired before, during or after an attack.
- Difficulty concentrating: Some people experience mental fog, reduced concentration or difficulty finding words.
What is migraine aura?
Aura refers to temporary neurological symptoms that can occur before or during some migraine attacks. Visual disturbances are the most common type.
Possible aura symptoms include:
- Seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines or shimmering patterns.
- Experiencing blind spots or temporary changes in vision.
- Tingling or pins and needles that gradually spread across part of the body.
- Temporary difficulty finding words or speaking clearly.
Aura symptoms typically develop gradually and resolve within an hour. However, new or unusual neurological symptoms should not automatically be attributed to migraine.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop sudden weakness, facial drooping, new difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss or other symptoms that could indicate a stroke. A sudden, severe headache also requires urgent assessment.
If your symptoms are new, differ from your usual migraine pattern or last longer than expected, consult a healthcare professional.
Headache vs migraine: what’s the difference?
Understanding the difference between headache and migraine can help you recognise when your symptoms may need further assessment.
A headache is a general symptom with many possible causes. Migraine is a specific neurological disorder that can cause head pain alongside other symptoms.
Tension-type headaches and migraines are two common forms of headache, but they often feel different.
Feature | Tension-type headache | Migraine |
Type of pain | Often feels like pressure or tightness | Often throbbing or pulsating |
Pain intensity | Usually mild to moderate | Often moderate to severe |
Location | Frequently affects both sides of the head | May affect one or both sides |
Nausea | Usually absent | Common in some attacks |
Sensitivity to light or sound | May occur, but is generally less prominent | Often a significant symptom |
Effect of movement | Routine activity may not substantially worsen the pain | Physical activity may worsen the pain |
Duration | Can last from 30 minutes to several days | The headache phase commonly lasts 4–72 hours |
These are general patterns, not absolute rules. Symptoms can overlap, and not every migraine follows the same pattern.
For example, a migraine does not always cause one-sided pain, and some people experience migraine without a headache. Conversely, a severe headache is not necessarily a migraine.
If your headaches are recurring, becoming more intense or interfering with your daily activities, a medical assessment can help determine the likely cause and identify appropriate treatment.
Experiencing migraine symptoms or severe headaches?
Speak with a qualified English-speaking doctor about your symptoms, possible migraine triggers and whether further medical assessment or treatment may be appropriate.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice TodayIf you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss or a severe headache with fever and a stiff neck, call 112 immediately. Do not assume these symptoms are caused by migraine.
What causes a migraine?
The exact mechanisms behind migraine are complex and are not fully understood. Research suggests that migraine involves changes in brain and nervous system activity, including the pathways responsible for processing pain.
Genetics also plays a role. Having a close relative with migraine can increase your likelihood of experiencing it yourself.
However, what causes a migraine in one person may not be the same for someone else. Migraine attacks may be associated with several contributing factors, often referred to as triggers.
Common migraine triggers include:
- Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to attacks. Some people also experience migraine when stress levels decrease after a demanding period.
- Changes in sleep: Too little sleep, excessive sleep or an irregular sleeping schedule may trigger symptoms.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in oestrogen levels can influence migraine in some people, including around menstruation.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake may contribute to attacks, particularly during hot weather or exercise.
- Skipped meals: Going too long without eating or having irregular meal times can be a trigger.
- Sensory stimuli: Bright lights, loud sounds and strong smells may contribute to attacks in susceptible individuals.
- Weather changes: Some people report that changes in temperature, humidity or atmospheric pressure are associated with their migraines.
- Caffeine and alcohol: High caffeine intake, sudden caffeine withdrawal and alcohol may trigger attacks in some people.
- Certain foods: Some individuals identify particular foods or ingredients as triggers, although food triggers vary and are not the same for everyone.
It is important to remember that a trigger does not necessarily cause an attack every time. Several factors may combine, and some migraine episodes occur without an identifiable trigger.
Keeping a migraine diary can help you identify patterns. Record when your symptoms begin, how long they last, your sleep, meals, stress levels, menstrual cycle if relevant, medication use and any suspected triggers.
This information can be useful when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.
What are the different types of migraines?
There are several types of migraines, classified according to their symptoms and frequency. Identifying the pattern can help healthcare professionals recommend appropriate management.
Migraine without aura
This is a common form of migraine. It causes recurring headaches that may be moderate to severe, often with throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
The headache may affect one or both sides of the head and often worsens with physical activity.
Migraine with aura
Migraine with aura involves temporary neurological symptoms before or during an attack. These most often affect vision but can also involve sensation or language.
Aura symptoms generally develop gradually and resolve within 60 minutes. If you experience aura for the first time, or if it is different from your usual symptoms, seek medical assessment.
Chronic migraine
Chronic migraine is characterised by headaches on at least 15 days per month for more than three months, with migraine features or migraine-specific treatment on at least eight days per month.
Frequent headaches can affect work, sleep and quality of life. If you experience headaches on many days each month, consult a healthcare professional to discuss diagnosis and preventive options.
Menstrual migraine
Menstrual migraine is associated with hormonal changes around menstruation. Attacks may occur in the days before a period or during the first days of bleeding.
If you notice a consistent relationship between your menstrual cycle and headaches, recording the timing can help your doctor identify the pattern and discuss appropriate treatment.
Vestibular migraine
Vestibular migraine can involve dizziness, vertigo or a sensation of movement, sometimes accompanied by headache. Some people experience prominent balance symptoms even when head pain is mild or absent.
Because dizziness can have many causes, medical assessment is important, particularly if it is new or severe.
Migraine without headache
Sometimes called silent migraine, this presentation involves migraine-related symptoms, such as aura, without the typical headache pain.
New neurological symptoms should not automatically be considered migraine. A healthcare professional can help determine whether another cause needs to be excluded.
What about atypical migraines?
The term atypical migraine is sometimes used informally to describe migraine symptoms that differ from a person’s usual experience. It does not refer to one single type of migraine with a standard duration.
Unusual symptoms, a change in your usual headache pattern or symptoms that persist longer than expected warrant medical assessment. This is particularly important if you experience new neurological symptoms or a sudden, severe headache.
How long does a migraine last?
The duration of a migraine varies depending on the individual, the type of attack and whether treatment is effective.
In adults, the headache phase of an untreated migraine typically lasts between 4 and 72 hours. Some people experience shorter episodes, while others have prolonged symptoms or feel tired and mentally foggy after the pain has subsided.
A migraine attack may include several phases, so the entire experience can last longer than the headache itself.
The duration can be influenced by:
- The severity of the attack.
- How early appropriate treatment is taken.
- Whether nausea or vomiting affects your ability to take medication.
- Sleep disruption, dehydration or skipped meals.
- The frequency of your migraine attacks.
- Whether an underlying headache condition needs a different treatment approach.
People sometimes search for how long do atypical migraines last because their symptoms do not follow the pattern they expect. There is no single answer: an unusual migraine presentation does not have a specific, predictable duration.
If a migraine headache continues beyond 72 hours, seek medical advice. A prolonged attack may require assessment and different treatment. Do not simply wait for it to pass.
Seek urgent medical attention if the headache is sudden and extremely severe, differs significantly from your usual pattern, or occurs alongside fever and a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking or other concerning symptoms.
How to get rid of a migraine
If you are experiencing a migraine, you may want to know how to get rid of a migraine as quickly as possible. Although there is no guaranteed way to stop every attack immediately, several strategies can help relieve symptoms.
The most suitable approach depends on your symptoms, medical history, other medications and the frequency of your attacks.
1. Rest in a quiet, dark room
Bright lights, loud sounds and strong smells can worsen migraine symptoms.
If possible, rest in a quiet, dark room until the symptoms begin to improve. Limit screen use and avoid strenuous activity if movement makes the pain worse.
Some people find that a cool compress placed on the forehead or neck provides additional comfort.
2. Drink water and avoid skipping meals
Dehydration and irregular meals can contribute to migraine attacks in some people.
Drink water regularly, particularly if you have been sweating, travelling or spending time in hot weather. If you can tolerate food, consider a small, balanced meal or snack.
If you are vomiting repeatedly or cannot keep fluids down, seek medical advice because dehydration may become a concern.
3. Consider appropriate migraine medication
Medication can help relieve an acute migraine attack. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, options may include:
- Pain relievers: Some people benefit from medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Triptans: These migraine-specific medicines may be recommended for appropriate patients.
- Anti-nausea medication: A healthcare professional may recommend medication to manage nausea or vomiting.
- Other migraine-specific treatments: Depending on availability, diagnosis and individual circumstances, other medicines may be appropriate.
Treatment is often more effective when started early in the headache phase, according to the medicine’s instructions and your clinician’s advice.
Not every medication is suitable for everyone. For example, some pain relievers may be inappropriate for people with certain stomach, kidney or cardiovascular conditions, or during particular stages of pregnancy. A healthcare professional or pharmacist can advise on suitability.
Avoid taking pain relief too frequently. Overuse of certain headache medicines can contribute to medication-overuse headaches. If you regularly need acute medication, discuss a treatment plan with your doctor.
4. Identify and manage your triggers
Learning how to decrease migraines often involves recognising patterns and making realistic lifestyle adjustments.
Helpful measures may include:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule.
- Eating meals at consistent times.
- Drinking enough water.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or appropriate psychological support.
- Exercising regularly, as tolerated.
- Reviewing caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Identifying and reducing exposure to personal triggers where possible.
You do not need to eliminate every possible trigger. Focus on patterns that you can reliably identify, rather than making unnecessary restrictions to your daily life.
5. Understand when preventive treatment may help
If you experience frequent or disabling attacks, your doctor may discuss preventive migraine treatment.
Depending on your circumstances, options may include certain blood pressure medicines, some antidepressants, medicines originally developed for epilepsy, CGRP-targeting treatments or other specialist therapies.
Some people may also benefit from behavioural approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques and strategies to improve sleep.
Preventive treatment is different from medication used to relieve an attack that has already started. Your clinician can help determine which approach is most appropriate.
What foods are good for migraines?
There is no single diet that prevents migraine for everyone. However, regular, balanced meals and adequate hydration may help some people manage their symptoms.
If you are wondering what foods are good for migraines, consider the following general principles:
- Regular meals: Avoid skipping meals or going for long periods without eating.
- Whole grains: Foods such as oats, wholemeal bread and brown rice can form part of a balanced diet.
- Fruit and vegetables: A varied selection provides fibre, vitamins and minerals.
- Protein sources: Eggs, fish, beans, lentils, tofu and other suitable protein sources can help make meals more satisfying.
- Healthy fats: Olive oil, seeds and other sources of unsaturated fats can be part of a balanced eating pattern.
- Water: Maintaining adequate hydration may help if dehydration is one of your triggers.
Some people report sensitivity to particular foods or drinks, including alcohol, aged cheeses or processed foods containing certain additives. However, triggers vary, and a food that affects one person may not affect another.
Instead of eliminating multiple foods without a clear reason, keep a diary to see whether a consistent pattern emerges. If you suspect that your diet is contributing to frequent attacks, a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help you make appropriate changes without unnecessary nutritional restrictions.
When should you see a doctor for a migraine?
Many people with a known migraine pattern can manage some attacks at home. However, medical assessment is important if the symptoms are new, unusually severe, becoming more frequent or not responding to your usual treatment.
Arrange a medical consultation if:
- You experience recurring headaches that affect your everyday life.
- Your migraine attacks are becoming more frequent or severe.
- Your usual medication is no longer providing sufficient relief.
- Your headache lasts longer than 72 hours.
- You experience repeated vomiting or difficulty staying hydrated.
- You develop new or unusual symptoms, including a change in your typical aura.
- You are experiencing headaches for the first time, particularly if they are persistent or concerning.
When is a migraine an emergency?
A severe headache is not always a migraine. Some headache symptoms can indicate a serious medical condition requiring immediate assessment.
Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity within seconds or a minute.
- A headache accompanied by new weakness, facial drooping, confusion or difficulty speaking.
- Sudden loss of vision or significant new neurological symptoms.
- A severe headache with fever and a stiff neck.
- A severe headache following a significant head injury.
- A new, severe or unusual headache during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth.
If you are in Spain and suspect a medical emergency, call 112.
Do not assume that an unusual or severe headache is a migraine, even if you have experienced migraines in the past.
Need medical help for a migraine in Barcelona?
Experiencing a migraine while travelling can be particularly difficult. You may be away from home, unfamiliar with the local healthcare system or unsure where to seek medical advice.
If you are visiting Barcelona or living in the city, getting appropriate medical guidance can help you understand your symptoms and decide on the next steps.
At Medical Care Barcelona, international visitors, expatriates and residents can receive personalised medical care from qualified English-speaking doctors in Barcelona, with consultations also available in other languages.
Depending on your needs, consultation options may include:
- Online medical consultations: A convenient option for discussing non-emergency symptoms and obtaining initial medical guidance.
- Doctor appointments at home or in your hotel: An option for people who need medical assessment without travelling to a clinic, subject to availability.
- Private clinic consultations: An opportunity to discuss recurring headaches, migraine symptoms and possible treatment options with a healthcare professional.
A doctor can review your symptoms, medical history and current medication, consider whether further assessment is needed and discuss appropriate management.
If you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache or symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, call 112 rather than waiting for a routine consultation.
Do not let uncertainty prevent you from seeking medical advice. If your migraine symptoms are unusual, persistent or affecting your ability to enjoy your stay in Barcelona, a medical professional can help you understand your options.
Conclusion
Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause significant pain and a range of additional symptoms, including nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and temporary neurological disturbances.
Understanding the causes of migraine, recognising your personal triggers and knowing which treatments are available can help you manage attacks more effectively. Rest, hydration, regular meals and appropriate medication may provide relief, while preventive treatment may help people who experience frequent or disabling episodes.
There is no universal solution that works for everyone. If your headaches are recurring, unusually severe or changing in pattern, seek medical advice rather than assuming that every episode is a migraine.
For non-emergency medical concerns in Barcelona, Medical Care Barcelona offers consultation options for international patients, residents and visitors who need medical guidance during their stay.
Experiencing migraine symptoms or severe headaches?
Speak with a qualified English-speaking doctor about your symptoms, possible migraine triggers and whether further medical assessment or treatment may be appropriate.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice TodayIf you experience a sudden, extremely severe headache, new weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss or a severe headache with fever and a stiff neck, call 112 immediately. Do not assume these symptoms are caused by migraine.
