K.R.
It does sound like a migraine. I've been getting them since I was 14. You do need to watch for triggers, I would suggest keeping a food diary of everything she eats and then when she gets one, look at what she ate for the 2 or 3 days preceeding the migraine. The last poster mentioned anything with yellow coloring. Mine is red coloring. Not natrual red like strawberries, but Red 40, Red 3. These are in foods and medications so before this was discovered it seemed as if there was nothing specific becasue it is in SO much stuff. Doritos, cherry pie filling, Big Red, Butterfinger...the list goes on and on. I have to read labels of everything, even things I would not think would have it - white frosting. Yes white, it has Red 40 in it for some crazy reason. I don't get them very often now because I am very diligent about it. Mine used to put me out of commission for 2 days and no prescription migraine meds ever worked for me. My doctor finally just prescribed something that would help me sleep through it. I have recently realized that I also get them if I am exposed to strong fumes from cleaning products or paint etc. So, yes take her to the doctor, it is so miserable to live with.