A migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. Symptoms- Migraines, which affect children and teenagers as well as adults, can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome. Prodrome- One or two days before a migraine, you might notice subtle changes that warn of an upcoming migraine, including: Constipation, Mood changes, Food cravings, Neck stiffness, Increased urination, Fluid retention, Frequent yawning Aura- For some people, an aura might occur before or during migraines. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They're usually visual but can also include other disturbances. Attack- A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. During a migraine, you might have: Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides, Pain that throbs or pulses, Sensitivity to light, sound, Nausea and vomiting Post-drome- After a migraine attack, you might feel drained, confused and washed out for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated. Sudden head movement might bring on the pain again briefly.