Migraines can be extremely debilitating and painful. Unlike a normal headache, migraines typically involve throbbing pain on one side of the head as well as other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Knowing the various migraine symptoms and triggers can help sufferers better manage their condition.
Introduction
A migraine is more than just a bad headache. It’s an intense, throbbing pain that’s often accompanied by other debilitating symptoms. Migraines affect over 37 million Americans. They can be unpredictable and incapacitating, forcing many who experience them to lose time at work or school. Understanding the symptoms of a migraine is key to getting the right treatment and finding relief. This article will provide an in-depth look at the most common migraine symptoms, outlining the distinct phases of a migraine attack.
The Four Phases of a Migraine
Migraines tend to follow distinct phases, though not everyone experiences every phase. The four main phases are:
1. Prodrome
The early warning signs of an oncoming migraine attack is called the prodrome phase. This can begin hours or days before any head pain starts. Common prodrome symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes – depression or euphoria
- Food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Increased urination
- Yawning
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Paying attention to these subtle cues can help migraine sufferers anticipate an attack and take medication early to mitigate symptoms.
2. Aura
About 25% of those who experience migraines will have what’s known as an aura phase. Auras involve visual or sensory disturbances that signal the migraine is imminent. Common aura symptoms include:
- Visual disturbances – zigzag lines, flashing lights, blind spots
- Numbness or tingling in the face or extremities
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
The aura phase lasts around 30 minutes or less. It often transitions into a severe, one-sided headache.
3. Headache
This is the defining and most excruciating phase of a migraine attack. Symptoms include:
- Throbbing, pulsing head pain, often focused on one side of the head
- Pain that worsens with physical activity or straining
- Pain severe enough to interfere with daily activities
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
- Nausea and vomiting
Without treatment, the headache phase can last 4 to 72 hours. Most migraine headaches resolve on their own within 24 hours.
4. Postdrome
After a migraine attack, many experience postdrome symptoms. These include:
- Feeling fatigued or worn out after the migraine pain fades
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Mood changes – feeling euphoric or depressed
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Constipation or diarrhea
Postdrome symptoms may persist for up to 48 hours before the migraine episode is considered over. Getting adequate rest and restoring fluids and electrolytes can help the postdrome phase pass faster.
Common Triggers of Migraine Headaches
While migraines can occur without any obvious cause, identifying potential triggers can help sufferers prevent or manage migraine attacks. Common triggers include:
- Hormonal changes – menstruation, menopause, oral contraceptives
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Lack of sleep or jet lag
- Dehydration and skipping meals
- Sensory overload – bright lights, loud noises, strong smells
- Foods – aged cheeses, processed meats, red wine, artificial sweeteners
- Medications – vasodilators, oral contraceptives, sleeping pills
- Physical exertion – strenuous exercise, sexual activity
- Weather changes – high temperatures, high humidity, low barometric pressure
Keeping a migraine diary can help identify individual headache triggers to avoid. Working with a doctor to manage potential triggers is key to preventing migraine episodes.
When to See a Doctor
Recurring migraines or severe headache symptoms warrant medical evaluation. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience:
- Your first headache or first migraine with aura
- Headaches increasing in frequency or severity
- Migraines that do not respond to over-the-counter medications
- New headache symptoms after age 50
- Headaches waking you from sleep
- Neurological symptoms – loss of coordination, numbness, speech issues
- Headache following a head injury or blow to the head
A doctor can help rule out underlying medical conditions and provide effective treatment options. Getting ahead of migraine symptoms early improves quality of life for sufferers.
Treatment Options for Migraine Relief
While there is no definitive cure for migraines, a combination of lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers – Excedrin, ibuprofen, naproxen can relieve mild to moderate migraine pain when taken at the first sign of headache.
- Prescription medications – Triptans like sumatriptan rapidly alleviate migraine symptoms for many patients. Ergotamine drugs are also prescribed.
- Preventative medications – Beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs may be prescribed to reduce migraine frequency.
- Alternative therapies – Relaxation techniques, acupuncture, biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy are sometimes used to prevent and manage migraines.
- Lifestyle modifications – Stress management, regular sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can help prevent migraine attacks.
Consulting a doctor can help determine the right course of treatment. Keeping a migraine diary and learning to avoid triggers is also key to successfully managing symptoms.
Conclusion
Migraines involve moderate to severe head pain as well as other debilitating symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks occur in distinct phases, starting with subtle warning signs hours or days before the headache pain emerges. Identifying triggers like stress, hormones, foods, and medications can help prevent episodes. Doctors can provide medications and lifestyle tips to alleviate migraine symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life. Catching and treating migraine attacks early is key to minimizing their impact.