Migraine: Symptoms, Triggers, Warning Signs, Treatment Options and Where Homoeopathy Fits
Dr. Meenakshi Shriwas, BHMS MD PhD 2026-05-10Updated 1 Nov 2026⏱ 9 min read
Migraine is far more than "a bad headache". It is a neurological condition that can bring throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and days lost from work or study. Many people live with it for years without a clear diagnosis. This guide explains how migraine differs from other headaches, what triggers it, how a headache diary helps, the warning signs that need urgent care, the treatment options, and where homoeopathic care fits.
What a migraine attack is like
A typical migraine causes moderate to severe, often throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head, lasting from 4 hours to 3 days. It is usually worse with movement, and comes with nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or smells. Many people want to lie down in a dark, quiet room.
The phases of migraine
Warning phase — hours or a day before: yawning, food cravings, neck stiffness, mood change.
Aura (in about a third of people) — zigzag lines, flashing lights or blind spots, sometimes tingling, lasting 5–60 minutes.
Headache — the main attack.
Recovery — feeling drained or "hungover" for a day.
Migraine, tension headache or sinus?
Tension-type headache feels like a band of pressure on both sides, without nausea, and does not usually stop daily activity. Many headaches thought to be "sinus headaches" turn out to be migraine, especially when they come with nausea or light sensitivity and without a blocked nose or fever.
Common triggers
Missed meals, too little or too much sleep, stress — and the let-down after stress, periods and hormonal changes, bright or flickering light, strong smells, dehydration in hot weather, alcohol, long screen time and, in some people, particular foods. Triggers differ from person to person and often add up.
Keep a headache diary
Note the date, time, how long the attack lasted, its severity, what you ate, sleep, stress, periods, and every medicine taken. Two to three months of entries often reveal a pattern and show whether painkillers are being used too often.
Beware of medication-overuse headache
Taking painkillers on more than about 10–15 days a month can itself make headaches more frequent. If you are taking pain relief that often, discuss a plan with your doctor rather than stopping suddenly on your own.
Warning signs — get urgent medical help
A sudden, severe "worst-ever" headache that peaks within a minute.
Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or confusion.
New weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, loss of vision or fits.
A new headache after age 50, after a head injury, or during pregnancy.
Headaches that are steadily getting worse.
Treatment options
Doctors may prescribe medicines to take early in an attack, anti-sickness medicines, and — when attacks are frequent — preventive medicines taken daily. Regular sleep, meals, hydration, exercise and stress management support any treatment. Prescribed medicines continue as advised.
Common myths
"Migraine is just a bad headache." It is a neurological condition with symptoms beyond pain.
"Strong painkillers every day are the answer." Frequent painkiller use can worsen headaches.
"Migraine means something serious in the brain." Most migraines are not caused by any structural problem, though red flags must always be checked.
"Children do not get migraine." Children can have migraine, sometimes as tummy pain or vomiting episodes.
Where homoeopathic care fits
Many people with recurring migraine seek homoeopathic care alongside lifestyle measures and their doctor's treatment. In the consultation Dr. Meenakshi reviews your headache diary, triggers, the character and timing of attacks, periods and hormonal changes, sleep, digestion, stress and the medicines you use. Care is individualised; red flags are always referred, and prescribed medicines continue unless your doctor advises otherwise. Progress is reviewed at each follow-up. More: migraine — clinic page.
Watch: Dr. Meenakshi Explains
Migraine is more than "just a headache"
Videos are for general awareness and are not a substitute for a consultation. Videos play from YouTube. @askdrmeenakshi
Struggling With Migraine?
Book a consultation and bring a two- to three-month headache diary if you can.
Moderate to severe throbbing pain, often one-sided, lasting hours to days, with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound, suggests migraine. A doctor can confirm it and rule out other causes.
Can migraine be linked to my periods?
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Yes. Many women have attacks around their periods, linked to the fall in oestrogen. A diary that includes cycle dates helps the doctor plan care.
Is it safe to take painkillers for every migraine?
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Occasional use as prescribed is fine, but using them on more than about 10–15 days a month can cause medication-overuse headache. Discuss frequent use with your doctor.
Can I take homeopathic medicine with my migraine tablets?
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It is usually taken alongside. Continue prescribed medicines unless your doctor advises a change, and tell both doctors what you take.
Do I need a brain scan for migraine?
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Usually not. A scan is advised when there are red-flag symptoms or the pattern is unusual.
Can children have migraine?
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Yes. In children it may appear as shorter headaches, tummy pain or episodes of vomiting. A paediatrician should assess frequent headaches in a child.
