Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine and How to Manage
Migraine episodes can manifest differently, with symptoms varying based on the type, duration, and frequency of headaches. Recognizing these individual patterns is crucial for effective management.
Episodes evolve through four distinct stages—prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome—though not everyone experiences all stages. Understanding these phases can help in anticipating and managing the progression of a migraine.
While over-the-counter and prescription medications can alleviate migraine pain, lifestyle adjustments like yoga, dietary changes, and acupuncture may also aid in prevention. A migraine journal can further assist in identifying triggers and patterns for better management.
Symptoms of migraine may depend on several factors, such as the type, duration, and frequency of headaches.
Migraine episodes may last up to 3 days if left untreated, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. They're usually caused by the activation of nerve fibers in the blood vessels of the brain.
A migraine usually evolves in four separate stages, which each have different symptoms. These stages include:
prodrome (premonitory) stage
aura (visual symptoms or tingling) stage
headache (main attack) stage
postdrome (recovery) stage
Not all people who get migraine headaches experience all of the stages.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms of migraine headaches.
Prodrome stage
The prodrome stage of a migraine may start up to 2 days before your migraine headaches begin, according to the International Headache Society (IHS).
Symptoms that indicate a migraine may be coming include:
fatigue
mood changes, such as anxiety or depression
neck stiffness
nausea
tight or sore neck
frequent yawning
Learn more about pre-migraine symptoms.
Aura stage
The migraine aura stage happens right before or during a migraine headache. It's estimated that 1 in 4 people with migraine experience aura symptoms.
The most common aura symptoms are visual disturbances, which may include:
seeing bright spots, flashes, or zigzag lines
seeing dark spots
experiencing vision loss, tunnel vision, or foggy vision
Other symptoms of aura may include:
tingling sensations in an arm or leg described as 'pins and needles'
muscle weakness
hearing loss
difficulty speaking
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Migraine auras may last up to 1 hour, but the symptoms are completely reversible.
Learn more about migraine aura.
Main headache stage
The migraine headache stage includes the headache and other symptoms. If left untreated, it may last up to 3 days.
During an attack, you might experience the following symptoms:
pulsating or throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
worsening pain during physical activity
nausea and vomiting
abdominal pain or heartburn
loss of appetite
lightheadedness
blurred vision
fainting
If you have a migraine headache, you may feel the need to lie down in a dark, quiet room to escape from light, sounds, and movement. You may find that sleeping can help relieve a migraine headache.
Postdrome stage
During the postdrome (recovery) stage, you may feel tired and drained for up to 2 days as the migraine episode fades slowly.
Other symptoms may include neck stiffness and trouble concentrating.
Learn more about migraine postdrone stage.
Migraine headaches in children and teens
Around 10% of children and teens experience migraine headaches.
Symptoms are usually similar to migraine headaches in adults, but children are more likely to also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Migraine headaches vs. other types of headaches
There are many different types of headaches, which makes it possible to confuse a migraine headache with others.
However, there are key differences between them:
Tension headaches: These cause mild to moderate pain and feel like a tight band around your head. They often disappear within a few hours. You may also experience sensitivity to light.
Cluster headaches: These also cause severe pain, but they occur in short, episodic attacks that last days, weeks, or months. A cluster headache may last between 15 minutes to 3 hours and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as eye redness, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Sinus headaches: Approximately 90% of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are, in fact, migraine headaches. Although rare, a sinus headache is caused by infection and causes thick nasal discharge that may be green or yellow.
If you experience recurring headaches, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for you.
Emergency symptoms to look out for
If you experience any of the following symptoms, get immediate medical attention. These may be a sign of a life threatening complication:
you experience a sudden, extremely painful headache
difficulty speaking
difficulty remembering
vision loss or blurry vision
fatigue, faintness, or dizziness
seizure
fever
weakness or drooping on one side of your face or body
Management
Treatment for migraine headaches will depend on the severity, frequency, and type of migraine you experience.
If you're experiencing a migraine headache, treatments to help relieve pain may include:
over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen (Tylenol)
prescription medications, such as triptans, CGRP antagonists, and ergotamines
If you experience frequent migraine headaches, a healthcare professional may prescribe prevention medications, such as:
CGRP monoclonal antibodies
beta-blockers
calcium channel blockers
some antidepressants
some antiseizure medications
Some natural remedies, such as yoga, dietary changes, and acupuncture, may also help with migraine prevention. However, more research is needed to fully support their benefits.
Keeping a migraine journal can also help you track when you experience headaches, and identify any patterns or triggers. At an appointment, you can show this to a doctor so they can better understand your condition better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of a migraine?
There's no single trick to get rid of a migraine quickly. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription acute migraine medications as soon as you experience symptoms may help relieve a migraine. Natural remedies, such as applying a cold compress to your forehead and lying down in a dark, quiet room, may also help.
Can migraine headaches be something more serious?
In rare cases, migraine headaches with aura may indicate complications like stroke. Get immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache) or a migraine headache with aura symptoms that last longer than 1 hour.
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