A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow Pictures Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow Pictures Take the Migraines Quiz

Medical Author:

Robert A Hauser, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Migraine Headaches

Migraine pain may be localized to one side of the head, behind the eye, the back of the neck, or about the face. The pain is associated with nausea and sometimes vomiting. Patients become sensitive to light (photophobia) and certain smells (osmophobia). Intermittent dizziness may occur. Some patients, called migraineurs, may develop an "aura," that is, a feeling that comes on before the headaches begin. These auras may be associated with visual changes, such as spots, tunnel vision, or wavy lines. The headaches may last up to three days and may occur several times per week or as infrequently as once or twice a year. Women are more prone to migraines than men.