A migraine is an intense, throbbing headache that can make you feel truly miserable. Unlike an ordinary headache that might make your head ache a little, a migraine pounds so hard it can make you feel sick to your stomach, sensitive to light and sound, and unable to focus on anything else. Some people see strange flashing lights or zigzag patterns before a migraine starts, like a warning signal that the pain is coming.

Migraines often hit one side of the head rather than the whole head, and they can last for hours or even days. A student with a migraine might need to lie down in a dark, quiet room because normal classroom noise and fluorescent lights can feel unbearable. Some people get migraines from certain foods, stress, or changes in sleep patterns, though doctors still don't fully understand what causes them.

If someone says they have a migraine, they're describing something much more serious than a regular headache. While regular pain relievers might help mild headaches, migraines often need special medication and rest to go away.