One-sided throbbing headache with nausea: what should you notice?

The NHS lists a throbbing headache, often on one side, feeling sick and sensitivity to light or sound among migraine symptoms. Some people also notice visual changes or tingling before the pain. Not everyone has the same set of symptoms, and other problems can cause headaches too.

If this is a familiar headache, note roughly when it started, how quickly it built up, where it hurts, whether movement makes it worse, and whether you felt sick or bothered by light or sound. Record how long it lasted and what you were able to do during it. You can tell a clinician these details without trying to diagnose yourself.

Get emergency medical help for a headache that begins suddenly and is extremely painful, or comes with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, a seizure, loss of vision or a very high temperature with a stiff neck. A headache after a significant head injury also needs urgent assessment. Do not spend time on an online guide first.

Seek prompt medical advice if a headache is new or clearly different for you, is getting worse, comes with vomiting or worrying eye symptoms, or if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. The NHS also advises urgent assessment for a migraine-like attack lasting more than 72 hours or aura symptoms lasting longer than an hour. In India, use local emergency services or an appropriate nearby health facility rather than UK helplines listed in the source.

If headaches are severe, frequent or hard to manage, arrange a medical conversation. Mention any medicines you take for pain and how often: using painkillers too often can itself make headaches harder to manage. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing medicines, especially if you have other conditions or are pregnant.

A short note about timing, sleep, meals, hydration, work shifts and any relation to your menstrual cycle may reveal a pattern. You do not need to identify a trigger before seeking care. A guide can help organise the story, but it cannot examine you or confirm migraine.