what distinguishes a migraine from a ‘bad headache’, and how come sometimes a sufferer can throw up and all symptoms instantly go away? What’s happening there? Some sort of release of pressure?
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Common headaches are caused by pressure on the membrane covering the brain (the meninges): the brain tissue itself has no pain receptors. A migraine is caused by vascular spasms within the brain structure, so the brain thinks part of it is dying from lack of oxygen. Symptoms vary depending on where the spasm is, but nausea is common. Vomiting can then cause a rush of blood to the head due to raised blood pressure, which then convinces the brain it is no longer hypoxic.
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