Migraine is a neurological disorder that generally involves repeated headaches. Some people also have nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Most people suffering from migraine headaches do not have any warning before it occurs. However, some people have a visual disturbance called an aura before the headache starts. These headaches are often classified based on whether they include this early symptom. Most of these headaches do not have this aura stage.
This type of head pain is caused by abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by stress or food, among other causes. It seems to involve various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding membranes.
When this disorder begins with visual disturbances (aura), these warning symptoms may occur anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours before the headache. The visual changes are common in one or both eyes. They may occur in any combination:
- Seeing zigzag lines
- Seeing flashing lights
- Other visual hallucinations
- Temporary blind spots
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
onset of this disorder without the aura stage
Common symptoms that may occur include:
Throbbing, pulsating headache