#Migraine after effects full#

Many migraineurs attribute the “hangover” to the migraine medications they have taken in an effort to end the agony. It is often described by sufferers as a hangover-like or zombie-like experience, which may take 24 to 48 hours or sometimes longer to resolve. The postdrome stage, also known as the post headache or recovery phase, occurs after the end of the headache phase. Occasionally, the migraine can last longer than 72 hours, at which time it’s considered status migrainosus-a medical emergency. Many migraineurs just want to withdraw to a darkened, quiet room. Additionally, the pain increases with physical activity and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, problems sleeping and increased sensitivity to light, sound or smell. The headache generally lasts from 4 to 72 hours. The pain can develop at any time, but it is not uncommon for individuals to be awakened by the pain.

The headache may be described as stabbing, throbbing or pulsating and graded as mild to severe and debilitating. The migraine attack stage, or headache phase, is characterized by pain that is unilateral (on one side) that can spread to the opposite side of the head to become bilateral. Interestingly, the migraine aura for each individual remains relatively consistent. Less commonly migraineurs may experience disturbances of hearing (e.g., ringing in the ears), taste or smell. A person’s language or comprehension may be temporarily affected. Some people experience sensory disturbances, such as tingling or numbness in the face, arms and/or legs. The most common type of aura results in visual disturbances, such as geometric patterns (i.e., zigzag lines), blurry vision, temporary vision loss or sparkling/flickering lights. These changes evolve gradually and can last for as little as 5 minutes and as long as 60 minutes or more. During this stage, a migraine sufferer usually experiences disturbances in one or more senses. It does not occur with every migraine, but anywhere from one-quarter to one-third of individuals experience migraine with aura. The aura stage serves as another warning of a potential migraine. Sensitivity to sound, which is referred to as phonophobia.Sensitivity to light, which is referred to as photophobia.Fatigue, confusion and/or difficulty concentrating.Muscle stiffness and/or cramping, especially in the neck and shoulder areas.Changes in mood-anxiety, depression or irritability.Changes in bowel habits-constipation or diarrhea.Migraine prodrome symptoms vary from person to person and may include: The majority of migraine sufferers will experience a prodrome, but it does not necessarily occur with every episode of a migraine.

#Migraine after effects full#

Individuals keeping a migraine diary and who have a great sense of self-awareness of the body may be able to take abortive medications and avoid additional triggers as well as utilize meditation, relaxation therapy, acupuncture or other behavioral techniques to lessen the severity and even prevent the full onset of a migraine.

It is the “calm before the storm” and lasts anywhere from a few hours to several days. The prodrome stage, also known as premonitory or warning phase, marks the beginning of a migraine.

There are four potential stages of a migraine that a migraine sufferer may experience: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome.