Migraine Stages – And How To Recognize Them

Many individuals are considered chronic migraine sufferers. So many individuals in fact that research shows that almost 30 million Americans suffer from migraine, with females experiencing migraine headaches three times more often than males.  As most people know there are many different factors that can affect migraine headaches from the triggers, to the warning signs, to the symptoms that occur, however, many individuals may not be aware that a migraine attack is actually divided up into four different migraine stages. Knowing what these migraine stages are and how each of the migraine stages will affect the migraine sufferer can aid in the migraine sufferer of knowing where they stand during an attack and how best to treat their symptoms depending on which of the migraine stages they are in at the time.

Stage One – The Prodrome Stage.

The symptoms that occur during the first migraine stages can occur anywhere from one to two days before the actual migraine attack begins. The indications that take place during this migraine stages usually include constipation, depression, diarrhea, food cravings (especially those that are high in sugar or salt), hyperactivity, irritability, obsessive yawning, as well as neck stiffness.  However, some individuals may experience contradictory symptoms and instead have indications such as being giddy, happy, and full of energy. The course of treatment that should be taken as soon as the first of the migraine stages occurs is to (1) reduce stress and (2) begin any of the treatment options that will help to ward off the migraine attack before it hits in full forse.

Stage Two – The Aura Stage.

This is the second phase of the migraine stages involving the presence of auras – which can be defined as being visual in nature but could also involve sensory, motor, or even verbal disturbances. This phase is one that will normally begin slowly but then builds up over time and most frequently lasts about 10 to 30 minutes.  Some of the symptoms comprise: Visual occurrences (such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light), loss of vision, sensations including pins and needles (usually in the arms or legs), as well as speech or language problems. The course of action which should be taken during the second of the migraine stages is to (1) find a quiet, dark, and cold room where relaxation can take place, and (2) If preventative medications are at hand they should be taken immediately.

Stage Three – The Attack Stage.

Of all of the migraine stages this phase is where the most discomfort and painful indications are noted among migraine sufferers. In the attack phase the most common indications are pain in the head (usually unilaterally and often either pulsating or throbbing in nature), sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes even smells, Nausea, Vomiting, Blurred Vision, Diarrhea, Lightheadedness, as well as sometimes fainting. The course of action which should be taken during the third of the migraine stages is to (1) keep any pain medications close at hand, (2) avoid any unnecessary activity, (3) rest and relax in a quiet, dark, and cold room whenever possible.

Stage Four – The Postdrome Stage.

The final of the migraine stages individuals often have symptoms such as being drained or washed out, can experience tenderness in the head, skull, and neck, as well as stomach. Many migraine sufferers will have cognitive difficulties and even gastrointestinal symptoms as well. The best course of action during the last of the migraine stages is to (1) not overdo it, and (2) track the foods and environmental occurrences that took place before the migraine took place to find any possible triggers.

Tags: Acupuncture, aura, Chronic migraine, Feverfew, headache, migraine attack, migraine stages, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, postdrome, prodrome