Diagnosis

•    The diagnosis of migraine without aura, according to the International Headache Society, can be made according to the following criteria, the "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 criteria":

•    5 or more attacks

•    4 hours to 3 days in duration

•    2 or more of - unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity

•    1 or more accompanying symptoms - nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia

Signs and symptoms

•    The prodrome, which occurs hours or days before the headache.

•    The aura, which immediately precedes the headache.

•    The pain phase, also known as headache phase.

•    The postdrome.

Triggers

•    Allergic reactions

•    Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes

•    Physical or emotional stress

•    Changes in sleep patterns

•    Smoking or exposure to smoke

•    Skipping meals

•    Alcohol

•    Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition

•    Tension headaches

•    Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates(like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)