Migraine Symptoms and Stages

There are 4 general symptom stages of a migraine attack. It is good to know so that you know what to expect and it could perhaps help you to cope better:

Stage 1: Preheadache, or prodrome

Preheadache symptoms often begin hours or days before migraine headache pain. These symptoms may include the following:

• Fatigue or other changes in behavior
• Mood changes
• Food cravings
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Sensitivity to light or sound

Stage 2: Migraine Aura

Aura typically begins 20 to 60 minutes before the headache phase (stage 3) and usually fades before the headache begins. Sufferers may experience visual symptoms, such as seeing:

• Flashing lights
• Zigzag lines
• Blank spots before their eyes

Stage 3: Migraine Headache

This stage involves intense head pain that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light (also called photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (also called phonophobia).

• The pain can last anywhere from several hours to as long as several days
• The pain may be on one or both sides of the head

Stage 4: Postheadache, or Postdrome

The period following the headache. Some sufferers may experience 1 or more of the following symptoms.

• Tiredness
• Head pain
• Cognitive (mental) difficulties
• Hungover/hangover feeling
• Gastrointestinal symptoms

Learn more about how and what you can do to reduce the impact of the attack.
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