US Medical Term · symptoms
Migraine
Migraña
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Migraine |
| Spanish (Español) | Migraña |
| Chinese (中文) | 偏頭痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 편두통 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau nửa đầu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Migraine |
| Portuguese (Português) | Enxaqueca |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ไมเกรน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 片頭痛 |
What it means
A migraine is a type of intense, recurring headache usually felt as a throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, though it can affect both sides. Migraines often last four to 72 hours and can be severely disabling. They are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience an aura—visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots—before the headache begins. Triggers include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, sleep disruption, and strong sensory stimuli. Treatment includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. Managing triggers and following a preventive plan with your provider can reduce how often migraines occur.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I am having a migraine with throbbing pain on the left side of my head and nausea.
Tengo una migraña con dolor pulsante en el lado izquierdo de la cabeza y náuseas.
Before my migraines I see flashing lights and then the headache starts.
Antes de mis migrañas veo luces destellantes y luego comienza el dolor de cabeza.
Light and noise make my migraine much worse; I need to lie in a dark quiet room.
La luz y el ruido empeoran mucho mi migraña; necesito acostarme en una habitación oscura y tranquila.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G43 MigraineRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026