Migraines can be quite a challenge, but understanding their duration and different phases can help you manage them better. Let's take a closer look at how long migraines last and what happens during each stage.
The Different Stages of a Migraine
A migraine typically consists of four to five phases: the warning phase, aura (which doesn't always happen), the main migraine attack (headache), resolution, and recovery.
These phases vary in length, and you may not experience all of them during every migraine. Keeping track of your symptoms in a migraine journal can help you anticipate and manage future episodes.
1. The Warning Phase
Migraines can begin with symptoms that have nothing to do with a headache. These early warning signs might include food cravings, increased thirst, neck stiffness, irritability, mood changes, fatigue, and anxiety. The warning phase can last from 1 to 24 hours before the aura or headache phase kicks in.
2. The Aura Phase
About 15-25% of migraine sufferers experience an aura phase. The aura occurs before the headache and includes various neurological symptoms. During this stage, you might see colored spots, dark dots, sparkling lights, zig-zag lines, and flashing lights.
You might also experience numbness, tingling, weakness, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, difficulty speaking, and hearing issues. In rare cases, some people faint and partially lose feeling during the aura phase. Aura symptoms usually appear within 5 minutes to an hour.
Although aura symptoms often precede migraine headaches in adults, in children, they may only happen during the headache phase or not at all. In some cases, aura symptoms might come and go without causing a headache.
3. The Main Headache or Migraine Attack
Most migraines do not come with aura symptoms. In migraines without aura, the main headache or attack follows the warning phase directly. The headache symptoms are generally the same for migraines with and without aura, including throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, light, noise, smell, and touch sensitivity, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, and pain that worsens with physical activity.
For many, these symptoms can be so severe that they interfere with daily activities. This phase is the most unpredictable, lasting anywhere from several hours to several days.
4. The Resolution Phase
After the migraine attack, many people experience a gradual reduction in pain. For some, a 1-2 hour nap can provide relief. In children, this phase might be as short as a few minutes. This phase is known as the resolution phase.
5. The Recovery Phase
As the headache starts to subside, you'll enter the recovery phase. During this time, you may feel tired, down, dizzy, confused, or weak. In many cases, recovery phase symptoms mirror those from the warning stage. For example, if you lose your appetite during the warning phase, you might feel hungry during the recovery phase. These symptoms can linger for a day or two after the headache.
If your symptoms are particularly severe, consult your doctor for suitable medications. And as always, stay informed by exploring more articles on Fitie!
Source:
Breitowich, A. (2022). How Long Do Migraines Last? Here's What Doctors Say. Women’s Health. [online]. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a40850164/how-long-do-migraines-last/
Silver, N. & Weatherspoon, D. (2020). How Long Do Migraines Last? What to Expect. Healthine. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/how-long-do-migraines-last