Migraine headaches are typically associated with which sensory sensitivities?

Migraine headaches are typically associated with which sensory sensitivities?

• A. Photophobia, phonophobia, and allodynia
• B. Hearing loss
• C. Nausea only
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (A)

Migraines commonly involve heightened sensitivity to sensory input, not just one type of symptom. The best answer reflects three key sensitivities often reported during migraine attacks: light sensitivity (photophobia), sound sensitivity (phonophobia), and increased sensitivity to touch or other non-painful stimuli (allodynia). Central nervous system changes during a migraine can amplify sensory signals, making normal light, noise, or even gentle touch feel uncomfortable or painful. Hearing loss is not typical of migraines, so that choice doesn’t capture the common sensory changes. Nausea can accompany migraines but is not a sensory sensitivity. Dizziness can occur with migraines, but it isn’t the defining sensory sensitivity either. Therefore, photophobia, phonophobia, and allodynia together best describe the sensory sensitivities associated with migraines.

Migraines commonly involve heightened sensitivity to sensory input, not just one type of symptom. The best answer reflects three key sensitivities often reported during migraine attacks: light sensitivity (photophobia), sound sensitivity (phonophobia), and increased sensitivity to touch or other non-painful stimuli (allodynia). Central nervous system changes during a migraine can amplify sensory signals, making normal light, noise, or even gentle touch feel uncomfortable or painful.

Hearing loss is not typical of migraines, so that choice doesn’t capture the common sensory changes. Nausea can accompany migraines but is not a sensory sensitivity. Dizziness can occur with migraines, but it isn’t the defining sensory sensitivity either. Therefore, photophobia, phonophobia, and allodynia together best describe the sensory sensitivities associated with migraines.