Learn to identify the key signs and stages of migraines, including prodrome, aura, pain, and postdrome phases. Recognizing these symptoms helps in managing and preventing severe episodes. Understand the variability in symptoms and triggers to better cope with migraines.

Identifying Key Symptoms and Stages of Migraines

Migraines are episodic neurological events characterized by severe headache pain often accompanied by autonomic symptoms. Many individuals report experiencing an aura phase before the headache begins. The severity, duration, and frequency can vary significantly among sufferers. When a migraine endures beyond 72 hours, it is classified as status migrainosus.

A typical migraine goes through four stages, though not everyone experiences all of them.

These stages include:

Prodrome Phase
This early stage lasts from a few hours to two days and may be triggered by diet, caffeine, or stress. Symptoms include mood fluctuations, fatigue, irritability, and digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea.

Aura Phase
Characterized by neurological symptoms, such as visual disturbances like zigzag lines or flickering near the center of vision, or sensory changes like tingling sensations that often start on one hand and spread to the face. Speech difficulties may also occur.

Pain Phase
Marked by intense headache pain, which may worsen with activity. Neck stiffness and discomfort are common. Stress frequently acts as a trigger for this stage.

Postdrome Phase
After the headache subsides, individuals might feel residual head pain, cognitive issues, mood shifts, fatigue, digestive problems, or weakness. Sleep disruptions can also contribute during this period.