Acknowledging the stages of a migraine attack can aid in the management of the condition and the discovery of successful remedies. These may help to avoid or slow the progression of symptoms.
We’ll look at the stages of a migraine attack, how long they can persist, and when you should seek medical help.
Understanding migraine –
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent moderate-to-severe headaches and accompanying symptoms. Migraine attacks can occur seldom, as in episodic migraine, or extremely frequently, as in chronic migraine. A person may experience sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and vomiting during a migraine attack.
Women are three times as likely as males to suffer from migraines. The rates in children of various sexes, on the other hand, are generally similar. Female sex hormone levels, which rise during puberty, are thought to play a role in the difference between adults, according to scientists.
Migraine headaches can be preceded by warning signs and symptoms. Hormonal changes, particular foods and drinks, stress, and exercise are all triggers.
Migraine headaches can induce throbbing in one location that might be mild to severe. Nausea, as well as sensitivity to light and sound, are common side effects.
1. What are the stages of migraine?
The stages of migraine include 4 steps-:
1. Prodrome-:
This is the beginning of a migraine attack. It might start hours or days before a headache and include the following symptoms: yawning or exhaustion, inexplicable mood swings, trouble concentrating, reading, or speaking, depression, food cravings, muscle aches, sensitivity to light or sound, constipation or diarrhea, increased urination.
These symptoms might be difficult to diagnose for some people since they can be caused by a variety of different things, such as a lack of sleep or stress. If a person can recognize the early indicators of a migraine, they can take preventative measures.
A person should try following steps to calm down headaches-
- Preventive medications
- You should avoid migraine triggers
- Relaxation techniques.
2. Aura -:
Aura affects about 25% of migraine sufferers, according to Trusted Source. The aura phase might happen right before or during a headache. It could entail zigzagging lines or flashes of light visual disturbances, such as hearing a noise, potentially a ringing sound, that isn’t there physical sensations, such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, disturbances in language, such as difficulties finding or comprehending words.
The aura phase might continue for up to 60 minutes and can overlap with the headache phase.
3. Headaches-:
When a migraine episode proceeds to the headache stage, the pain usually begins slowly and gradually worsens. It gradually reaches a peak and then fades away.
The pain might vary in strength and location, but it usually begins on one side of the head. As the event progresses, it may spread or switch to other locations. Physical activity may aggravate the pain.
A person may also have symptoms at this stage such as sensitivity to light, noise, or scents nausea vomiting
A migraine can also occur without causing a headache. This is referred to as silent migraine. At this point, taking pain relievers may be beneficial. However, many people discover that medicine is most useful in the early stages.
4. Postdrome-:
This is the final stage of a migraine attack, also known as a migraine “hangover.” This stage can last anywhere from one to two days. It affects around 80% of migraine sufferers.
A person may experience the following emotions such as weak, exhausted, confused, dizzy, achy, etc.
After a migraine attack, some persons experience feelings of exhilaration or tremendous relief.
2. What is the average duration of a migraine headache?
Without medical care, the headache stage can persist anywhere from 4 to 72 hours, however, it can stay longer.
If a migraine attack lasts more than three days, even with medicine, the doctor may diagnose it as status migrainosus. This occurrence is a migraine complication, and physicians are unaware of why it occurs. Intractable migraine is another name for the disorder.
Changes to an existing migraine treatment plan or, in some situations, a hospital visit may be recommended by the doctor. Strong drugs can be used by doctors to relieve the agony of intractable migraine. Dexamethasone or nerve-blocking medicines are examples of these treatments.
3. How long does it take to get back on your feet?
The recovery time may take from 1 to 2 days once the headaches subside. The recovery time can depend on whether a person experiences postdrome, or migraine hangover, symptoms
People in the postdrome stage may benefit from staying hydrated by consuming enough water, avoiding direct sunshine or strong odors, practicing yoga or other forms of meditation, and avoiding needless stress.
If a migraine sufferer has been suffering from headaches for more than three days. As soon as possible, he/she should speak with the doctor personally.
Since headaches can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis. Anyone who is experiencing migraine symptoms for the first time should seek medical help.
Furthermore, anyone who experiences at least four migraine attacks in a month — or any episode that is disabling — should seek medical help. If a person experiences 15 or more days of headaches per month, with at least 8 of those days fitting the migraine criteria, a doctor may diagnose chronic migraine.
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