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About the Duration of Migraine Symptoms

According to MayoClinic.com, up to 17% of women and 6% of men have experienced a migraine. These debilitatingly painful headaches have symptoms that vary from sufferer to sufferer, but many symptoms, and their duration, are common over the four main phases of the migraine.

  1. Is It a Migraine?

    • Unlike less severe types of headaches, migraine pain usually begins on one side of the head and includes extreme sensitivity to light and sound, throbbing pain that worsens with activity, nausea and sometimes vomiting.
      Migraines generally fall into two categories: classic and common. Symptoms of "classic" migraine include an "aura" element, which causes the sufferer to see "positive auras," or light around the edges of his field of vision. Alternatively, classic migraine sufferers may experience a "negative aura" effect, characterized by blind spots or tunnel vision. Persons experiencing "common" migraines demonstrate other migraine symptoms without visual aura elements.
      Some migraine sufferers report that specific triggers, such as changes in the weather, strong odors, certain foods, changes in sleep patterns or dehydration correlate with the onset of migraine symptoms. For others, the onset of migraine symptoms does not seem to correlate with distinct triggers.

    The Prodrome Phase

    • The first phase of migraine symptoms, known as the "prodrome" phase, is generally marked by a set of vague symptoms that precede the onset of migraine pain by hours or even days. These symptoms may include changes in appetite or food cravings, an increased sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue and mood swings.

    The Aura Phase

    • For those who experience classic migraine, the prodome phase is typically followed by an "aura" phase, during which positive or negative visual auras appear. A sufferer with positive auras may see stars, zigzagging lines or shimmering lights at the edges of her field of vision. Negative auras may present as dark areas or tunnel vision, preventing the sufferer from seeing peripherally. The aura phase may begin 10 to 15 minutes before the onset of migraine pain.

    The Migraine Attack Phase

    • The "migraine attack" phase is marked, most notably, by pain. Common symptoms during the migraine attack phase include continuing visual symptoms, nausea with or without vomiting, throbbing pain on one side of the head, pain that increases with activity, severe light and sound sensitivity, numbness or tingly sensations in the facial area and paleness. A migraine attack may last anywhere from four to 72 hours.

    The Postdrome Phase

    • The final migraine stage, known as the "postdrome" phase, begins when the pain of the migraine subsides or ceases. Sufferers often report symptoms of fatigue and mental dullness during the postdrome phase, which can last from a few hours to several days.

    Can Migraines Be Prevented?

    • Many patients who suffer migraines may obtain relief from or management of symptoms through over-the-counter or prescription medications. Some are able to identify and avoid migraine triggers, thereby preventing the onset of some migraines.
      The best course of action for an individual experiencing migraine symptoms is consultation with his or her physician in order to determine which treatment or prevention methods will provide maximum relief.

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