newlifeoutlook
Symptoms

The Phases of Migraines and Getting Through Migraine Postdrome

Oct 17, 2017
  • Medical Information
  • Practical Solution
A mature woman is experiencing migraine pain

What are the Phases of Migraines? And Surviving Migraine Postdrome

As a migraineur, I didn’t realize that the migraines I was suffering from had phases – which was pretty eye-opening to me, and explained a lot!

According to the US National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health, migraines are divided into four phases – the premonitory (or prodrome) phase, the aura, the headache phase, and the postdrome.

Migraine Phases

Premonitory or Prodome

The premonitory or prodrome phase is the initial phase of a migraine – and occurs hours or even days before pain occurs. Migraine.com estimates that 30% to 40% of migraineurs exhibit the premonitory phase – helpful because it serves as warning that a migraine will occur.

Symptoms of the premonitory phase may include:

  • Neck pain
  • Sleepiness
  • Food cravings
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating

Aura

The aura is the next phase of a migraine, and it is estimated that only 25% of migraineurs suffer from auras. The aura is typically a visual symptom, but occasionally there are other symptoms associated with an aura, and they may include:

  • Alice in Wonderland syndrome (a rare form of aura where there is a distortion of body image and perspective)
  • Olfactory hallucinations
  • Vertigo
  • Visual disturbances, such as blurriness, wavy lines, blank or blind spots
  • Auditory hallucinations

Headache

The headache phase is the classic migraine that we all know and are so familiar with.

We find migraines to be debilitating – but sometimes migraines don’t last as long as the other phases – the prodrome, aura, and postdrome – and in the grand scheme, are not quite as debilitating as the other phases.

However, the migraine can cause symptoms in other parts of the body as well:

  • A headache, which can be unilateral or bilateral, and can have qualities such as pulsating or throbbing
  • Headaches that may last anywhere from four to 72 hours in adults, and one to 72 hours in children
  • Osmophobia (sensitivity to odors)
  • Phonophobia (sensitivity to sound)
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Confusion
  • Dehydration
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Neck pain
  • Vertigo

What is Migraine Postdrome?

The postdrome phase is the phase that occurs after a headache actually happens. It can occur for one to two days. The symptoms that occur are typically non-headache symptoms and may include:

  • Tiredness
  • Poor mood, concentration and/or comprehension
  • Decreased intellect levels

Do these symptoms sound familiar? Many people describe this phase as a “migraine hangover” – because that is exactly what it feels like, a hangover!

The issue with migraine postdrome? As migraineurs, we all know it exists! However, it has been poorly studied and thus, poorly documented.

In fact, studies of migraines go back for years, but studies about migraine postdrome only go back to 2004. “The postdrome, while disabling for many patients, has not been prospectively documented, and is not defined in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD).”

The Research About Migraine Postdrome

In a research study, migraine patients from four headache centers were recruited.

The criteria were that they had to have non-headache symptoms, besides classic migraine symptoms such as auras, nausea and vomiting, phonophobia and photophobia. These people were recruited for a three-month electronic diary study, which aimed to document non-headache symptoms in all four phases of the migraine.

You May Also Like:Could Vision Loss Mean Retinal Migraine?
Related Search Topics (Ads):
  • Drugs For Migraine Relief
  • Migraines Pain Medicines
  • Chronic Migraine Help
  • Migraine Prescriptions

The diaries were programmed to alarm once daily, and the participants were asked to answers a series of questions about their current symptoms. They were also asked to make voluntary entries in their electronic diary as needed.

The results were quite interesting. Of the 120 participants, 23 participants were excluded because they had fewer than three migraines during the study period.

“Of the remaining 97, there were 9 protocol violators: 1 did not usually experience 2–8 migraines per month, 5 recorded diary entries on fewer than 80% of days, and 3 took excluded medications: flunarizine or valproate. Twelve patients withdrew before the end of the study with diary fatigue, though all had usable data with more than 3 migraine headaches in the study period and were included in the analysis.”

Ultimately, 85% of the participants suffered from non-headache-related symptoms after a headache dissipated. Of this 85% of participants, 66% had symptoms in 90% of their headaches, and the postdrome was lasted for at least one day in 49% of the participants.

  • 1
  • 2
Next

Next page: Learn what causes migraine postdrome, and tips for getting the most out of your migraine recovery days.

Barbara Leech
Barbara is a mom of four who has battled Lupus for more than 29 years. She considers herself a survivor of all things: lupus, divorce, starting over. See all of Barbara's articles
More Articles by Barbara
Krystina Ostermeyer
Krysti is a practicing RN who also enjoys writing about health and wellness. She writes for a variety of NewLifeOutlook communities, as her ten years of nursing experience has enabled her to help many people with a variety of chronic conditions in her career. See all of Krystina's articles
More Articles by Krystina
Resources
  • Migraine.com (Migraine Phases)
  • Migraine Again (What is This Strange Feeling after the Migraine Stops?)
  • Migraines Help (Postdrome: What You Need to Know About the Final Migraine Stage)
  • US National Library of Medicine (The Migraine Postdrome)
Print This

We all have a voice,what's your story?

We learn from each other. Share your story to let others with know they’re not alone.

Share Your Story

MigraineNewsletter Sign-up

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, and updates from your community!

Subscribe Now

Join our private Facebook Group

to ask questions, get answers, and find support from fellow Warriors!

Join the Discussion
Print This
ConnectWithUs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook™ All rights reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 NewLifeOutlook | Migraine