To more fully understand migraine headaches it is important to understand that that are four different migraine stages take place during an actual migraine “attack”. Understanding how each of these migraine stages affect the migraine sufferer as well as the symptoms that take place during each of these migraine stages will affect the treatment that should occur during each of those migraine stages.
1) Prodrome – the first of the migraine stages will usually occur one to two days before the actual migraine attack takes place. During the first of the migraine stages symptoms that most commonly appear include constipation, diarrhea, depression, food cravings (especially those that are high in sugar or salt), irritability, hyperactivity, as well as neck or back stiffness. However, on the other hand some migraine sufferers can experience opposite symptoms that include giddiness, happiness, or extra energy during the first of the migraine stages.
2) Aura – the second of the migraine stages is usually defined as being visual in nature but can also include sensory, motor, and even verbal disturbances. The second of the migraine stages is referred to as the Aura stage and it will usually begin gradually but will tend to build over time and most commonly lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. The symptoms that occur during the second of the migraine stages include visual occurrences (such as seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light), sensations including pins and needles (usually in the arms or legs), and loss of vision, as well as speech or language problems.
3) Attack – the third of the migraine stages is where the most pain and discomfort is felt by the individual. The symptoms that occur during the third of the migraine stages (also referred to as the attack stage) can include pain in the head (usually unilaterally and often either pulsating or throbbing in nature), Nausea, Vomiting, Blurred Vision, Diarrhea, Lightheadedness, fainting, as well as sensitivity to light, sounds, and sometimes even smells. The third of the migraines stages usually peaks and will then subside lasting anywhere from 2 – 71 hours among adults or 1-48 hours among children.
4) Postdrome – The Postdrome is the fourth and final of the migraine stages. In this stage individuals usually experience symptoms that present as feelings of being drained or washed out, reporting impaired thinking or concentration, as well as experiencing tenderness in the head, neck, as well as the stomach. Other symptoms that can be felt during the final of the migraine stages are gastrointestinal symptoms, mood changes, and even weakness (often referred to as the feeling of getting over the flu virus).
Tags: aura, headache, migraine stages, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, postdrome, prodrome
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