Much research still remains to be done. The symptoms of a migraine depend on the type of migraine. Although there is variability in the symptoms, the two types are quite distinct. Migraine without aura is characterized by a recurring headache that is located on one side of the head and lasts between 4 and 72 hours. The headache is usually throbbing and may be moderate to severe.
Activity usually makes the headache worse.
Migraine with aura is a recurring headache with neurological symptoms. These neurologic symptoms usually develop over the first 5 to 20 minutes of the headache and last for less than 60 minutes. Visual symptoms are the most common followed by sensory changes in the hands or face, weakness or trouble with speech. The headache usually starts after the aura and is similar to the headache in a migraine without aura. As always, a careful history and physical examination are the first steps in diagnosis.