Migraines are intense, often disabling headaches characterized by throbbing pain usually felt on only one side of the head. They may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines usually last between 4 hours and 3 days. They are often preceded or accompanied by auras, which are visual or sensory signs such as flashes of light, zigzags or tactile sensitivity. The exact causes of migraines are still unknown, but they can be triggered by various factors, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, lack of sleep or the weather. Treatment for migraines involves medications to relieve pain and prevent attacks, as well as lifestyle changes to avoid triggers. Although migraines are more common in women, they can affect anyone, and their impact on quality of life can be significant. Understanding and managing migraines is crucial for people who experience them regularly.
The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood, but it is considered a neurological condition involving temporary changes in the brain, including pain pathways and brain chemicals. Genetic factors play an important role, making some people more susceptible than others. Migraine triggers can vary from person to person and include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes (especially in women), sleep disruptions, weather conditions, and even certain medications. Migraine is often triggered by a combination of factors rather than a single cause.
To calm a migraine, it is often recommended to rest in a quiet, dark place. Using cold or warm compresses on the forehead or neck can also relieve pain. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be effective for some. Specific migraine medications, such as triptans, can be prescribed by a doctor. Avoiding known triggers, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques can also help manage symptoms. For severe or frequent migraines, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan.
It is important to see a doctor if you notice a significant change in the pattern or severity of your migraines, or if they suddenly start to affect your daily life. Concern is also warranted if the migraine is accompanied by unusual symptoms such as neck stiffness, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. A migraine that feels like your “worst headache ever” requires immediate medical attention, as does a migraine that doesn’t go away or gets worse despite treatment.
Differentiating a migraine from a stroke can be difficult because some symptoms are similar. However, stroke is usually characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, blurred vision, difficulty walking, or severe headache without known cause. In contrast, migraine develops more gradually and is often preceded by signs such as aura. If in doubt, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as a stroke is a medical emergency.
Migraine is a specific type of headache characterized by throbbing or pounding pain, often on only one side of the head. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can also include auras. In contrast, a tension headache, the most common type, usually causes constant, oppressive pain around the head, like a tight band. Tension headaches do not usually cause nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
The most effective medication for migraine varies from person to person. Triptans are often considered effective in treating migraine symptoms once they have started. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain transmission. Other options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. For the prevention of migraines, medications such as beta blockers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. It is important to consult a doctor to find the medication best suited to your case.
Certain foods and drinks can trigger migraines in some people. It is advisable to avoid foods containing tyramines, such as aged cheeses, processed meats, and certain fish. Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol, especially red wine and fermented drinks, can also be triggers. Foods high in monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners like aspartame, and highly processed foods or foods high in nitrates should also be consumed with caution. Keeping a food diary can help identify specific migraine triggers.
Medically reviewed by Arnaud, Doctor of Pharmacy Last updated: 24 August 2026 Migraine is a neurological condition characterised by episodes of headache, usually on one side, which are throbbing in nature, worsened by physical exertion and accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light. It differs from tension-type headache, which is much more common and causes … Read more
Doliprane, often the first response to pain, is a widely-used paracetamol-containing medicine. But how effective is it for headaches, fevers and even social pain? This article looks at its uses and limitations, and explores the natural alternatives available from online pharmacies. [ Warning: The information in this blog post is provided for general information purposes … Read more
Homeopathy can treat all kinds of everyday ailments, from fever to muscle and joint pain. This alternative medicine also alleviates neurobiological disorders and helps people addicted to tobacco to kick the habit. This method is non-aggressive, which puts it in the category of alternative medicine. Its principle is not only to make a product low … Read more
“Are you on your period or what? It’s a question women could do without, but one they’ve all been asked when they’re a little more irritable than usual. The reason for this prejudice is that many women are on edge or become hyper-emotional when they have their ‘ragnagnas’. But given all the stresses they have … Read more
Have you ever had the feeling of having butterflies in your stomach? If so, then you now understand that there is a link between the stomach and the head. Let’s take a closer look! The impact of the stomach on mental health There is indeed a link between mental health problems and gut dysbiosis. In … Read more
Headaches are pains in the cranial region. They are one of the most frequent reasons for consulting a doctor. Also known as “headaches” or “cephalalgia”, they have a wide variety of causes, of varying degrees of severity (cranial trauma, hypertensive crisis, stroke, taking certain medications, etc.). They are caused in particular by the activation of … Read more
Illustrious since antiquity, peppermint was first described in England in 1696 and subsequently cultivated in Germany and then in the Netherlands around 1750. Traces of its cultivation date back nearly 4,000 years . In Edfu, Egypt, hieroglyphs found on the walls of a temple indeed allow us to consider that the Egyptians used mint to make a number … Read more
About 3000 years ago, in the ancient Egypt of the pharaohs, the marjoram was dedicated to the god Osiris . Renowned then as a digestive antiseptic , it was also renowned for its action in colds. Dioscorides also recognized in it properties against headaches . This plant is native to Cyprus and Turkey and is otherwise known as garden marjoram, spreading throughout the Mediterranean basin. Cultivated … Read more
If the hops were not approached medicinally speaking by the Ancients, it is because they probably did not yet know its qualities. Pliny mentions a hop used as a vegetable. In fact, the first achievement attributed to hops is not about medicine. It was customary, from the ninth century, in Germany, to use hops, especially in the manufacture of beer . Indeed, … Read more
In the past, feverfew was known as Chrysanthemum parthenium . If we have since kept its adjective, this chrysanthemum has disappeared in favor of a tanacetum which borders on tansy, while this previous substantive brought it closer to the vast tribe of “chrysanthemums” , a word forged thanks to two Greek roots: chrysos , “Gold” and anthemos , “flower”. A little history Cazin , evoked a Matricaria parthenium , whose plate … Read more
The virtues of chamomile flowers have been known since the dawn of time. Although not of Roman origin, tradition has it that it was named so because a German botanist and physician Camerarius rediscovered it in the 16th century in Rome. The flower head is used in herbalism, traditionally to facilitate digestion . In liquorice, it gives a bitter flavor to aperitifs. The … Read more
Magnesium is involved in the proper functioning of a number of vital mechanisms: bone structure, nervous system, electrolyte balance, psychological balance, etc. Yet almost one person in five has a magnesium deficiency. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium is 420 mg per day for men and 360 mg for women. Hence the importance of … Read more
Magnesium chloride is a natural remedy that deserves our full attention because of its many health benefits. In this article, we explore the benefits of this essential compound, its preventive and curative uses, and the precautions to be taken. Whether used as a preventive or curative measure, magnesium chloride is an extremely interesting remedy. Revolutionary … Read more
Ophthalmic migraines often occur after exposure to bright, aggressive light or excessive noise, or are caused by heat and/or stress. It is a common condition affecting children, men and women alike. Although ophthalmic migraines can be very incapacitating at the time of the attack, they are not serious. It is similar to a classic migraine … Read more
Summer is a season that brings its share of pleasures, but also its share of challenges for our health. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or just outdoor activities in your own area, it’s essential to have your care kit well-prepared to deal with the unexpected that may arise. In this article, we will review the essential … Read more