- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Migraine, Without Aura
May also be called: Migraine Without Aura; Migraine; Common Migraine
A migraine is a recurring headache that causes intense throbbing in part of the head. Warning signs, called auras, sometimes signal that a migraine is coming on. A migraine without aura is a migraine headache that happens without an aura.
More to Know
Sometimes, warning signs (auras) — such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines, and blind spots — will signal that a migraine is coming on. Many people get migraines without auras. In addition to pain, migraine headaches can cause nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells.
Migraines, with or without auras, can make it very hard to do everyday tasks and can last anywhere from hours to several days. Students with migraines might miss school and have trouble doing schoolwork because of headaches.
There is no definite known cause for migraines, but they are thought to be related to changes in the brain. Genes might play a role because migraines also tend to run in families. Many things can trigger a migraine headache, such as tiredness and poor sleep, stress, not eating or drinking enough, and hormonal changes.
A doctor can prescribe medicines to help ease migraine symptoms. Lying down in a quiet, dark place and drinking fluids can be very helpful.
Keep in Mind
Migraines are common. While they can be disabling, forcing students to miss school and activities, most can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. The best treatment is, when possible, avoiding triggers that bring on the migraines.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.