Suffering from recurring headaches, nausea, or visual disturbances? These could be signs of a migraine. Learn about the 7 key symptoms from Dr. Abhishek Pathak, the top psychiatrist in Lucknow.
Migraines are more than just headaches—they can be debilitating and significantly impact daily life. Many people experience intense throbbing, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, but some symptoms, like neck pain and sinus issues, often go unnoticed. In this blog, Dr. Abhishek Pathak, the top psychiatrist in Lucknow, explains the seven key signs that you may be experiencing a migraine. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you seek the right treatment and manage your condition effectively.
7 Signs That You May Be Having a Migraine
Migraines are a common neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Unlike regular headaches, migraines are often severe, recurring, and accompanied by other distressing symptoms. Understanding the signs can help you differentiate between a typical headache and a migraine, allowing you to seek proper treatment.
Here are seven key symptoms that indicate you may be having a migraine:
1. Disabling & Recurring Headaches
Migraines are not just ordinary headaches. They are intense, recurring, and often so severe that they interfere with daily activities. If you frequently experience headaches that last for hours or even days, preventing you from functioning normally, you may be dealing with migraines.
2. Intense Throbbing Sensations on One Side of the Head
A hallmark symptom of migraines is a throbbing or pulsating pain, typically localized to one side of the head. The pain can be moderate to severe and is often described as a pounding sensation. However, some people may experience pain on both sides.
3. Pain Worsens with Light, Noise, and Smells
Migraines often cause heightened sensitivity to external stimuli. Bright lights, loud noises, and strong odors can worsen the pain, making it difficult to be in bright or noisy environments. Many migraine sufferers prefer to rest in a dark, quiet room to alleviate discomfort.
4. Aura: Visual Disturbances Before the Onset of a Migraine
Some migraine sufferers experience an “aura” before the actual headache begins. Auras are usually visual disturbances, such as:
- Flashes of light
- Zigzag patterns
- Blurred vision
- Blind spots
These symptoms typically appear 10–30 minutes before the migraine and serve as a warning sign that an episode is approaching.
5. Nausea and Vomiting
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting are common during migraines. The combination of intense pain and nausea can make it difficult to eat or drink, sometimes leading to dehydration. This is why staying hydrated and managing symptoms early is crucial.
6. Neck Pain
Many people do not associate neck pain with migraines, but it is a frequently reported symptom. According to a survey by the National Headache Foundation, 69% of migraine sufferers experience neck pain either always or frequently during an attack. The neck pain may occur before, during, or after the migraine and can feel like stiffness or soreness.
7. Sinus Symptoms (Stuffy Nose & Watery Eyes)
Some migraine sufferers mistake their symptoms for sinus headaches because they experience nasal congestion, a runny nose, or watery eyes. However, migraines are often misdiagnosed as sinus headaches, as studies show that up to 90% of people who think they have sinus headaches actually have migraines.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you frequently experience these migraine symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Migraines can significantly impact your quality of life, and early diagnosis can help you manage the condition effectively.
Dr. Abhishek Pathak, the top psychiatrist in Lucknow, specializes in helping patients identify migraine triggers and find the right treatment plan. Whether through lifestyle changes, medications, or therapy, migraine management is possible with the right approach.
Final Thoughts
Migraines are more than just headaches; they come with a range of symptoms that can be debilitating. If you notice disabling headaches, nausea, sensitivity to light, or visual disturbances, you may be experiencing migraines. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.
If migraines are affecting your life, don’t ignore them—consult Dr. Abhishek Pathak, a leading psychiatrist in Lucknow, for expert guidance and treatment.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact Dr. Abhishek Pathak today!