Migraine headache. Conceptual computer artwork showing women with migraine headaches in expressions of pain. Superimposed over the image are illustrations of targets and parts of the brain. Migraine is a severe headache that lasts from two hours to two days. It is accompanied by disturbances of vision and/or nausea and vomiting. It affects children and adults but is more common in women. Most sufferers have recurring attacks at varying intervals. There is no single cause of migraine. Attacks can by triggered by stress, food (especially cheese, chocolate and red wine), bright lights or noise.