A migraine episode may have up to four distinct stages or phases, each of varying duration:
prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. But not everyone experiences all the stages all the time.
Migraine affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, including children. Migraine isn’t just a headache; it’s a neurological condition with neurological symptoms.
Symptoms of migraine can include:
severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head
visual disturbances
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
heightened sensitivity to light, smell, or touch
tingling or numbness in the face or extremities
Migraine can be a chronic condition that severely affects quality of life, making it a serious health concern. Knowing the stages of migraine can help you address the symptoms early and potentially help minimize its effects.
Stage 1: Prodrome
The prodrome stage, also called the premonitory phase, can begin 1 to 2 daysTrusted Source before the headache itself.
Not everyone experiences prodrome. Females are more likely to experience it than males
SymptomsTrusted Source can include:
food cravings
fatigue
depressed mood
hyperactivity
irritability
neck pain or stiffness
trouble concentrating
sensitivity to light or sound
yawning
Halting migraine
The key to stopping a migraine episode is early recognition and treatment. Treatments are more likely to be successful when you start them early rather than waiting to see if the symptoms get worse.
If a doctor has prescribed a medication like a gepant or triptan for your migraine, taking it during the prodrome stage can help stop a migraine episode.
Stage 2: Aura
Not every migraine episode has an aura. About one-quarterTrusted Source of people with migraine experience aura but may not experience it with every episode.
Those who have migraine with aura experience neurological symptoms (the aura) 5 to 60 minutes before the headache. In some cases, these symptoms may continue during the headache phase.
Visual symptoms, like flashing lights, zigzag lines, and blind spots, are most common in auras. Other aura symptoms can include:
numbness or tingling in the face or limbs
impairments or disturbances in taste, smell, or touch
weakness in the face or limbs
partial vision loss
changes in speech.
Source :https://www.healthline.com