Know About The Phases Of Migraine

Migraine is one of the most common and annoying types of headache. Like other headache types, this one too comes with its own set of symptoms. The symptoms of migraine are diverse and vary from one person to the other. These symptoms have been categorized into five different phases.

Phase I- Prodrome
This phase refers to the symptoms before the onset of headache pain. Approximately 30 % to 40 % of people who suffer from migraine, deal with prodrome. Ideally, this phase commences anywhere between 24 to 48 hours prior to the onset of pain. Some of the common symptoms that a migraine patient may deal with during the Prodrome phase include:

* Changes in mood
* Muscle tension
* Fatigue
* Depression
* Constipation
* Fluid retention
* Feeling cold
* Increased urination

Phase II - Aura
Aura is a kind of visual disturbance that patients experience prior to the development of headache. This phase begins a few minutes before the headache starts. Here again, the kind of visual disturbance experienced by migraine patients may vary from one individual to the other.

Phase III - Headache
This is the phase where the migraine patient actually deals with the pain. Pain associated with migraine headache usually occurs on one side of the head. Migraine headache are often characterized by unbearable pain. In addition to the pain, migraine sufferers also deal with sensitivity to smell, sound and light during this phase. Some patients also deal with nausea and vomiting. Lying down in an isolated and dark room can help offer some relief from the pain. Since this phase is quite unbearable, medical intervention may be required.

Phase IV - Headache termination
Irrespective of whether you use a medication or not, the pain associated with migraines is going to subside in some or the other time. The time taken for the headache to terminate may vary from one individual to the other.

Phase V - Postdrome
Even after the pain associated with migraine has subsided, patients continue to suffer from an array of symptoms. This phase is known as postdrome. This phase could last for several days or weeks depending upon the intensity of the headache. Some of the common symptoms of this phase include fatigue, anxiety, depression, tenderness of the scalp, weakness, irritability amidst several others. If this phase continues for long and the symptoms refuse to subside, it is suggested that you consult your health care provider.

While these are the default phases of a migraine headache, it is not necessary for every migraine patient to go through these phases.
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