I had migraines start in my 50's ! The first episode, which I think was a migraine, I ended up in the ER with severe vertigo. I stayed dizzy a long time after and had balance therapy. They said this was labrythitis (sp?) but I don't think it was. I have had yrs of these "attacks" along with vision distortions. With these I get the zig-zags for about 20 min. then not a lot of pain. The next day if I bend over or cough I can feel it in my head. I wake up with the vertigo at times. Migraines they say run in families ... my brother had these and his went away which often times happens as you age... no such luck here!