Khaberni - Migraine is more than just a transient headache, it is a complex neurological disorder that may come with nausea, vomiting, and severe sensitivity to light or sound, affecting millions of people around the world.
Experts affirm that a migraine attack typically goes through four distinct stages, and understanding these stages can help sufferers recognize the symptoms early and manage them better.
Migraine affects millions around the world, but few people understand the different stages of a migraine attack.
Early Warning Stage
The first phase is known as the prodrome or warning stage, and it may begin about 24 to 48 hours before the onset of the headache. During this period, early signs that indicate the approach of a headache appear.
This stage is associated with abnormal activity in the hypothalamus area of the brain, which is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, body temperature, and mood.
The most prominent symptoms of this stage include:
Difficulty concentrating
Strong cravings for certain foods
Mood swings
Sleep disturbances
Noticing these signs presents an opportunity for early intervention before the attack progresses.
Aura Stage
The second phase is called the aura, and it is a collection of temporary neurological symptoms that may affect vision, sensation, or speech.
Visual symptoms are most common, such as:
Seeing flashes of light
Wavy or zigzagging shapes
Blind spots in the field of vision
Some people may also experience numbness in the face or limbs, or temporary difficulty speaking.
Studies indicate that this phenomenon is linked to a slow wave of electrical activity that spreads in the brain and affects the function of certain areas. It is estimated that only about 30% of those suffering from migraines experience the aura.
Headache Stage
This stage is the most vivid and painful, where the throbbing or pulsating headache usually affects one side of the head.
Other accompanying symptoms may include:
Nausea or vomiting
Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
Pain worsening with movement
This stage can last from four hours to three days if untreated, and the pain is associated with the activation of the trigeminal nerve and the release of chemicals in the brain that are perceived as pain.
Post-Headache Stage
After the pain subsides, the sufferer enters a phase known as the postdrome or 'migraine hangover,' during which the brain works to return to its normal state.
Common symptoms in this stage include:
Severe fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of exhaustion or mental fog
These symptoms may last for hours or even a full day after the headache ends.
How to Deal with the Attack?
Experts recommend monitoring early symptoms and carrying pain medications or anti-nausea drugs to use at the onset of warning signs. Early rest and taking appropriate medication may also help reduce the severity of an attack or prevent its progression.
If attacks recur more than four times a month, doctors may recommend regular preventive treatments to reduce their occurrence.
