migraine symptoms
Know the 4 stages of migraine headaches
While everyone experiences migraines in different ways, there are 4 general migraine symptom stages. Learning to recognize these stages can help you understand what to expect—and help your family, friends, and colleagues better cope—when an attack occurs.
Stage 1: Preheadache (also called prodrome)
Migraine symptoms often begin hours or days before migraine pain. Early symptoms may include
- 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
- Flashing lights
- Zigzag lines
- Blank spots before their eyes
What you can do
- Keep your migraine medication handy—the earlier you take your medication the more effective it may be
- Implement your plan of action and inform family, friends, and work
- Find a quiet, dark room to relax
Stage 3: Headache
Debilitating head pain that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting:
- The pain can last from 4 hours to as long as 72 hours
- Most people feel pain on one side of the head or the other; however, it’s not uncommon to feel it on both sides
What you can do
- Keep your migraine medication handy—the earlier you take your medication the more effective it may be
- Avoid unnecessary activity
- Find a quiet, dark room to relax
Stage 4: Postheadache (also called postdrome)
The period following the headache. Some sufferers may experience one or more of the following
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Feelings of euphoria
- Intense well-being
What you can do
- Make notes about your migraine attack and possible triggers in your migraine diary
(PDF — 239KB)
- Review your migraine plan of action and make any necessary adjustments
- Thank the people who helped while your headache was at its worst
- Keep your migraine medication handy in case the headache returns