Published on 11 November 2026
If you are a migraine sufferer, life can sometimes be a misery.
You will know that a migraine is far, far worse than an ordinary headache.
However, it is good to know that there are first-rate treatment options available.
Before considering these, it is worth assessing what constitutes a migraine along with possible causes.
Common migraine symptoms
- A severe and probably throbbing headache, often on one side of the head
- Nausea and, possibly, vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Visual disturbances
When to see a doctor
You should book an appointment if your migraines are:
- Severe or becoming worse
- Occurring more than once a week
- Difficult to control even though you are having treatment
- Regularly occurring around your period
When to call 999
You should call 999 if you have:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache
- Weakness on one side of your body
- Problems speaking
- Confusion, seizures
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
Migraines are complex
Migraines are complex neurological episodes that may occur in four distinct phases.
In the initial stage, called the prodrome, irritability and fatigue are common.
Some 25% of migraine sufferers then experience an aura. This may involve visual disturbances, hunger, tingling or numbness in the face, arms or legs, difficulty in speaking clearly, vertigo, dizziness and ringing in the ears.
As indicated, the migraine attack is likely to present as a throbbing pain in one side of the head. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and increased sensitivity to smells and physical touch.
In the recovery phase, called the postdrome, a sort of “hangover” may be experienced and involve mental exhaustion and difficulty in concentrating.
What is a vestibular migraine?
This is a type of migraine that causes episodes of dizziness, vertigo, problems with balance, and motion sensitivity. Sometimes there is little or no headache.
What is a menstrual migraine?
Linked to the menstrual cycle, this type of migraine usually occurs from two days before a period starts until about three days after it ends. It is thought to be triggered mainly by the natural drop in oestrogen levels that occurs around menstruation. It may last longer and feel more severe than migraines at other times of the month.
Triggers
Known triggers for migraine include:
- Stress
- A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods and drinks including red wine, matured cheese, chocolate, and products incorporating monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Weather or pressure changes.
Approach to treatment
As so many factors can influence your migraines, the approach to your treatment needs to be extremely carefully evaluated.
Lifestyle and trigger management are important. Specific medicines may be recommended. For chronic migraine, Botox injections could be an option.
How Benenden Hospital can help you
Benenden Hospital offers private migraine assessment and treatment through its neurology service.
The hospital’s neurologists can help diagnose migraine, identify triggers, rule out other neurological conditions, and develop a treatment plan.
Accessing treatment
You can contact Benenden Hospital’s Private Patient Team om 01580 363158. A GP referral is required for a neurology appointment.