In brief
A common condition affecting the brain that causes attacks of severe, throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head. It is more common in females.
- healthdirect lists dietary supplements such as magnesium, riboflavin or coenzyme Q10 among ways to help prevent a migraine attack.
- If you have a sudden, severe headache, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
- Several small studies found magnesium supplements can modestly reduce how often migraines happen.
How it works
Some people have an aura first, a disturbance of vision, speech or sensation up to an hour before the headache. Triggers include missing meals, certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, alcohol and coffee, too much or too little sleep, weather changes, hormonal changes around periods or menopause, screens, bright lights, loud noises or strong smells, and stress.
Resting in a quiet, dark room and taking pain relief early can help stop an attack. Triptans are especially good at treating migraine pain, and anti-nausea medicines can help. You cannot stop yourself developing migraine, but preventive medicines can reduce how often and how severely attacks happen, along with enough sleep, a healthy diet and weight, and regular exercise.
Looking after it
Call triple zero (000) for a sudden, severe headache, or a headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or changes in vision.
Connections
4 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Migraine has been studied with
- Magnesium Supported
Several small studies found magnesium supplements can modestly reduce how often migraines happen.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Magnesium fact sheet for consumers; NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals
- Coenzyme Q10 Emerging
healthdirect lists coenzyme Q10, with magnesium and riboflavin, among supplements some people take to help prevent migraine.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Migraine
Migraine can be worsened by
Too much or too little sleep is a migraine trigger.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Migraine
Migraine is linked with
Migraine causes a severe, throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Migraine
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Sources read on 13 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.