Migraines are chronic headaches that can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. They can cause significant pain for hours or even days. The cause and frequency of the headaches varies by individual and almost anything can trigger an attack. For some patients, certain foods or dietary changes trigger migraine headaches. For others, sleep disturbances and stress trigger attacks. Some women have migraines associated with their monthly periods. Some forms of birth control, like Depo-Provera, have been prescribed to reduce menstrual migraines. Migraines usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood. There is no cure but medications and stress-relief techniques can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Migraines can occur in four stages: the prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome.
Standard Migraine Symptoms
The most recognizable migraine symptom is a moderate to severe headache. The migraine headache may be confined to one side of the head, or affect both sides equally. For many people, the migraine headache originates behind one or both eyes. Migraine headache pain is often described as sharp and throbbing, and the pain usually increases with physical activity. Migraine patients also report nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. If there is eye involvement, the patient may experience a throbbing sensation and pressure behind the affected eye. In some cases, patients may confuse a migraine for a sinus headache due to pressure in the eye area.
Migraine Prodrome Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, 40 to 60 percent of people with migraines experience subtle changes anywhere from a few hours to a few days before an attack. These subtle changes are know as the prodrome phase. Some patients may experience feelings of intense energy or while other experience drowsiness or even depression. There may also be changes such as increased thirst or food cravings
Migraine Aura Symptoms
By the Mayo Clinic's estimation, approximately 20 percent of people with migraines experience another type of warning sign called an aura. The migraine aura usually occurs within an hour of a migraine attack and can include changes in vision and other sensory disturbances. Many patients see flashes of light or experience pins and needles in the extremities. It is possible to have a migraine aura without having a full-blown migraine attack. It is also possible to experience a migraine aura in the midst of a migraine headache.
Migraine Post-drome Symptoms
The post-drome occurs during the recovery phase, after the attack has passed. Some people feel drained and exhausted. In some rare cases, patients may feel euphoric.
