A migraine headache is an intense, throbbing, moderate to severe headache, usually on one side of the head. It usually is around the eyes. It may last as long as several hours to 4 days and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The frequency can be as often as several times per week or as infrequent as once a year. A minority of migraine headache patients have an "aura" that precedes the pounding headache. The aura is described as bright spots of light, zig-zag lines and/or temporary visual loss. The sense of smell and taste may be affected at this time as well. There may also be numbness/tingling in the hands or face, speech difficulty, weakness in your arm or leg and mental confusion. The aura may last a few minutes to 1/2 hr and is then followed by the headache.