Question

What are the five components of a classic migraine headache?

Answer 1

Headache, nausea and vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, visual disturbances and sometimes weakness

Explanation:

A migraine is a severe headache, typically lasting between 4 and 72 hours. The pain is often severe and throbbing, and sometimes only in half of the head.

Migraines are caused by a spasm then excessive dilation of a blood vessel in the brain. Triggers of migraines include stress, missed meals, menstruation (in women) and certain foods or drinks (such as cheese, chocolate and wine).
Recent research has shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin plays a role too (it is responsible for the diameter of the blood vessels)

The headache is usually accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting as well as light and noise sensitivity. Migraines can be with or without "Aura". This means that some people experience visual disturbances, like flashing lights, blurry vision, wavy lines in vision or other sensual issues (some even report feelings of numbness or tingling). These will last for up to an hour before the headache begins.
Other temporary neurological symptoms may occur - such as weakness in one side of the body.

Migraines are also described to have 4 phases - Prodrome, Aura, Headache, Postdrome (remember using " P-aint A-ll H-edges P-ink). The prodrome acts almost like a warning of what's to come, with mild symptoms (like tiredness, mild headaches or poor concentration) showing up hours, or even days, before the migraine.
Postdrome occurs after the serious symptoms and leaves you feeling a bit rubbish! (e.g. fatigue, low mood, poor concentration).

So, in conclusion:
Throbbing, one sided headache
Aura/ visual and sensory disturbances (in some people - but not all)
Nausea and vomiting
Light and noise sensitivity
Other neurological symptoms (e.g. weakness)

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can do anything else:)