Migraine headaches are characterized by throbbing, pulsating pain — often on one side of the head. It can be moderate to severe and last four to 72 hours. These attacks often are accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases, people experience aura before or during a migraine. These are symptoms of the nervous system and can include flashes of light, blind spots or tingling on one side of the face or on the arm or leg.