A Closer Look at the Stages of a Migraine

Contrary to what you might believe, migraines are more than just severe headaches. Afflicting approximately 15% of adults in the United States, migraines can impact people of all ages and are often undiagnosed and insufficiently treated. 

That’s why it’s vital to understand the stages of a migraine to help you get the right diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Learn about migraine stages from our team of migraine specialists at AllCare Chiropractic.

Migraine 101

Your migraines might have begun in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, meaning you’ve spent your adult life combatting the disruptive symptoms of migraines, possibly without knowing. Symptoms of migraines can include any of the following:

• Visual disturbances
• Sensitivity to sound or light
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Radiating pain
• Thirst
• Exhaustion
• Speech difficulties

These symptoms vary depending upon the migraine stage you’re in. Not everyone who gets a migraine headache experiences all migraine stages.

As to the cause of your migraines, likely triggers include:

• Weather changes
• Hormone fluctuations
• Dehydration
• Poor sleep
• Food allergies
• Alcohol or caffeine withdrawal
• Jaw or tooth pain
• Spine misalignment

The stages of migraine are prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Here’s a closer look at each stage:

Prodrome

The first indication something is amiss typically occurs during the first migraine stage. 

Watch for mood changes or food cravings that coincide with neck stiffness or pain and increased thirst. If you aren’t sure, it might be a good idea to track your daily eating habits, pain levels, and moods to monitor what occurs just before a migraine begins. 

Aura

Auras can occur before or during a migraine attack and involve vision impairments, flashes of light, or bright orbs in your line of sight. Other symptoms include:

• Speech, visual, or hearing difficulties
• Weakness or numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Shakiness

Auras can last up to a few days.

Attack

During a migraine attack, you may feel excruciating pain that radiates on one or both sides of your head. This pain may throb or pulse and lead to nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Post-drome

When your migraine is over, in addition to relief, you may feel confused, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Practicing self-care is important at this stage; rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Also, consider migraine treatment, including chiropractic adjustments, from AllCare Chiropractic as part of your post-drome migraine recovery. 

If you’re experiencing the debilitating and disruptive effects of a migraine, schedule a visit with a specialist to help you manage your condition. Give us a call or book online today.