Migraines are very painful headaches that usually begin on only one side of the head and may become worse with exposure to light. Symptoms Migraines are commonly preceded by warning symptoms (prodrome), that may include depression, irritability, restlessness, loss of appetite, and a characteristic �aura��usually a visual disturbance such as flashing lights or a localized area of blindness that follows the appearance of brilliantly coloured shimmering lights. Migraines may also involve nausea, vomiting, and changes in vision.