What is the hallmark symptom of a migraine headache?

What is the hallmark symptom of a migraine headache?

• A. Bilateral pain
• B. Duration of 30 minutes
• C. Nausea or vomiting
• D. Increased tolerance to physical activity

Answer: (C)

The hallmark symptom of a migraine headache is nausea or vomiting. Migraines are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms that can include nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. These symptoms are part of the broader set of migraine features, which may also include sensitivity to light and sound, as well as an aura before the headache begins. The presence of nausea or vomiting differentiates migraines from other types of headaches, making it a key symptom to identify. While bilateral pain is more typical of tension-type headaches, migraines often present with unilateral (one-sided) pain. The duration of 30 minutes does not accurately reflect the typical course of a migraine, which can last anywhere from several hours to a few days. Lastly, increased tolerance to physical activity is not associated with migraines; rather, physical activity typically exacerbates the pain in individuals suffering from a migraine. Therefore, nausea or vomiting stands out as the definitive symptom in diagnosing migraines.

The hallmark symptom of a migraine headache is nausea or vomiting. Migraines are often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms that can include nausea and, in some cases, vomiting. These symptoms are part of the broader set of migraine features, which may also include sensitivity to light and sound, as well as an aura before the headache begins. The presence of nausea or vomiting differentiates migraines from other types of headaches, making it a key symptom to identify.

While bilateral pain is more typical of tension-type headaches, migraines often present with unilateral (one-sided) pain. The duration of 30 minutes does not accurately reflect the typical course of a migraine, which can last anywhere from several hours to a few days. Lastly, increased tolerance to physical activity is not associated with migraines; rather, physical activity typically exacerbates the pain in individuals suffering from a migraine. Therefore, nausea or vomiting stands out as the definitive symptom in diagnosing migraines.