From Early Warning to Exhaustion: How Does a Migraine Attack Progress?

SadaNews - Migraine is more than just a passing headache; it is a complex neurological disorder that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and severe sensitivity to light or sound, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Experts confirm that a migraine attack typically goes through four distinct phases, and understanding these phases may help those affected to recognize symptoms early and manage them more effectively.

Migraine affects millions around the world, but few people understand the different phases of a migraine attack.

Early Warning Phase

The first phase is known as the prodrome or warning phase, and it can begin about 24 to 48 hours before the attack. During this period, early signs emerge indicating that a headache is approaching.

The occurrence of this phase is associated with abnormal activity in the hypothalamus region of the brain, which is responsible for regulating functions such as sleep, appetite, body temperature, and mood.

Among the most prominent symptoms of this phase are:

 Difficulty concentrating

Intense cravings for certain foods

Mood swings

Sleep disturbances

Noticing these signs provides an opportunity for early intervention with treatment before the attack progresses.

Aura Phase

The second phase is called aura, which consists of temporary neurological symptoms that may affect vision, sensation, or speech.

Visual symptoms are the most common, such as:

 Seeing flashes of light

 Wavy or zigzag patterns

 Blind spots in the visual field

Some individuals may also experience numbness in the face or limbs, or temporary difficulty speaking.

Studies indicate that this phenomenon is linked to a slow wave of electrical activity spreading in the brain, affecting the functions of certain regions. It is estimated that about 30% of those affected by migraines experience aura.

Headache Phase

This phase is the most clear and painful, characterized by a throbbing headache that often affects one side of the head.

It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

 Nausea or vomiting

 Severe sensitivity to light and sound

 Pain worsening with movement

This phase can last from four hours to three days if untreated. The pain is linked to the activation of the trigeminal nerve and the release of chemicals in the brain interpreted as pain.

Post-Headache Phase

After the pain subsides, the sufferer enters a phase known as postdrome or "hangover migraine". During this phase, the brain works to return to its normal state.

Common symptoms in this phase include:

 Severe fatigue

 Difficulty concentrating

 Feeling exhausted or mentally confused

These symptoms may persist for hours or even a whole day after the headache has ended.

How to Manage the Attack?

Experts recommend monitoring early symptoms and carrying pain relievers or anti-nausea medications to use at the onset of warning signs. Early rest and appropriate treatment may help reduce the severity of the attack or prevent its progression.

If attacks occur more than four times a month, doctors may recommend preventive treatments to regularly reduce their occurrence.