Migraine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Migraine?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions, treats migraine that is hard to control. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is migraine?
Migraine is a recurring type of headache. It causes moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing. The pain is often on one side of the head.
Migraine is more than a bad headache. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, changes in mood, and feeling extremely tired.
About 12% of Americans get migraines.
Symptoms
There are four phases of migraine. You may not go through every phase each time.
- Prodrome, the early warning phase. Signs can include food cravings, unexplained mood changes, and uncontrollable yawning.
- Aura. Only some people have an aura. Aura symptoms usually affect vision, like seeing dots, zigzags, or sparks. An aura usually lasts no more than an hour.
- Headache. The pain usually starts slowly and gets worse.
- Postdrome, the recovery phase. People are usually exhausted after a migraine episode.
Migraine attacks usually last between 4 hours and 3 days.
Causes and who gets it
It is not known exactly what causes migraine. It happens when there are changes to nerves and blood vessels in the brain. You are more likely to get migraine if a close family member has it.
Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy seem to be one important trigger.
Triggers differ from person to person and include:
- Too much or not enough sleep.
- Low blood sugar or skipped meals.
- Bright or flashing lights.
- Strong smells.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor reviews your health history and does physical and neurological exams, which are checks of your brain and nerves. The doctor may ask when your headaches start, how long they last, and what triggers them.
Scans such as an MRI or a CT scan are not usually used to diagnose migraine. A doctor might order one if they suspect another condition that causes headaches.
A headache journal can help a doctor find the type of headache and the best treatment.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for migraine, but treatments can help manage symptoms. The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent more attacks.
Quick steps to ease symptoms may include:
- Resting in a quiet, dark room.
- Putting a cool cloth or ice pack on the forehead.
Short-term medicines are taken as soon as symptoms begin.
Short-term treatment may include:
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen, which can ease the pain of less-severe migraine.
- Triptans, a common prescription treatment for migraine.
Doctors who treat migraine can explain the possible side effects of headache medicines. Try not to take painkillers for more than 2 days a week, because this can cause more headaches.
People who have migraine attacks once a week or more are usually prescribed treatment to prevent them. Finding the right medicine may take time. Preventive approaches may include:
- Anticonvulsants, medicines used to treat seizures.
- Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, medicines often used to treat high blood pressure.
- Some antidepressants.
- Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) for chronic migraine, which means 15 or more headache days a month.
Some people find meditation, relaxation techniques, yoga, or acupuncture helpful. For some people, changes to everyday habits can reduce or prevent migraine. These include exercising, eating regular meals, and drinking enough water.
Many dietary supplements sold for migraine have not been thoroughly tested. Talk with your doctor first, because some medicine and supplement combinations can cause dangerous side effects.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your migraine attacks are severe, getting worse, or lasting longer than usual. Also see a doctor if you are finding it hard to control your migraine.
Ask for an urgent appointment if an attack lasts longer than 72 hours, if aura symptoms last longer than 1 hour at a time, or if you are pregnant or just had a baby.
Call 911 if you or your child have:
- A headache that came on suddenly and is extremely painful.
- Problems speaking or remembering things.
- Loss of vision, or blurred or double vision.
- Drowsiness or confusion.
- A seizure.
- A very high temperature and signs of meningitis.
- Weakness in the arms or legs on one side of the body, or one side of the face.
- A recent head injury.
Do not drive yourself to the emergency room.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can review your symptoms and triggers, check your medicines, and help you keep a headache journal. They can refer you to a neurologist if your migraine is hard to control.
Common questions
Is migraine the same as a bad headache?
No. Migraine is a health condition that is more than a bad headache. People may also have nausea and be sensitive to light and sound.
Can migraine be cured?
No, there is currently no cure for migraine, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing more attacks.
How long does a migraine attack last?
Usually from 4 hours to 3 days.
Do migraines run in families?
Yes, often. You are more likely to get migraine if you have a close family member who has it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
