Mayo Clinic defines a headache as pain in any region of the head. A headache can occur on one or both sides of the head, and can cause sharp pain, dull aches, or a throbbing sensation.  Migraines are a type of headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, and can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea or vomiting.  A migraine attack can last for hours to days, and may be preceded by an aura, which can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots; tingling in the face or arm; or difficulty speaking.  Migraines are rated under the rating criteria for Miscellaneous Diseases of Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders, and can be evaluated at 0%, 10%, 30%, or 50% based on the severity, duration, and frequency of your symptoms. A veteran who meets the criteria for a 50% evaluation for migraine headaches will manifest very frequent and prolonged attacks, while a veteran warranting a 0% rating might experience less frequent attacks (less than one in two months over the last several months).

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