Understanding Migraine: Phases, Types, Symptoms, and Treatments

Migraine

One side of the head experiences recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsing pain, which is known as a migraine. The meninges, which are three layers of membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord, are where the activation of nerve fibres within the wall of brain blood vessels causes the pain.

Movement, regular exercise, and even sneezing or coughing can exacerbate headache discomfort.

The morning is when migraines most commonly happen, especially right after waking up. Some people experience migraines at regular intervals, such the weekend after a demanding workweek or just before menstruation. After a migraine, many patients experience weakness or exhaustion, although they typically have no symptoms in between attacks.

Four Phases of Migraine

1. Prodrome Phase

The prodrome phase starts a few hours to several days prior to the actual headache. During this stage, symptoms may include:

  • Variations in mood (angst, melancholy, exhilaration)
  • Cravings for food
  • Heightened urination and thirst
  • Weary and yawning
  • Stiff neck

These signals indicate that a migraine episode might be on the horizon.

2. Aura Phase

Although not everyone with migraines has an aura, those who do typically experience it before the headache and it can linger for anywhere from five to sixty minutes. The following are examples of reversible aura symptoms:

  • Visual anomalies, such as bright spots, zigzag lines, and flashes of light
  • Abnormalities of the senses (tingling or numbness in the hands or face)
  • Speech or language issues (slurred speech or trouble finding words)

Temporary alterations in the electrical activity of the brain give rise to auras.

3. Headache Phase

The primary stage of a migraine attack is known as the headache phase, and it is characterised by moderate to severe throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head. But it can have an impact on both parties. Typical characteristics of the headache phase consist of:

  • Pain made worse by moving around
  • Light and sound sensitivity (photophobia and phonophobia)
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Hazy vision
  • Dizziness or fainting (sometimes)

This stage may extend for several days or just a few hours.

4. Postdrome Phase

This stage, which comes after the headache has passed, is often referred to as the migraine hangover. People may feel exhausted or depleted, but they usually get better over the course of the following day. Typical signs and symptoms include:

  • Weary
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Variations in mood (either exuberant or slightly melancholy)
  • There may be persistent light and sound sensitivity
  • Weakened muscles

Individuals differ in the intensity and duration of the postdrome period. Individuals who are aware of these phases may be better able to identify and treat migraines. Depending on the stage and intensity of symptoms, several treatment plans may be used.

Types of Migraine

1. Common Migraine, or Aura-Free Migraine

  • The most prevalent kind of migraine is this one.
  • Usually results in one side of the head experiencing moderate to severe throbbing pain, though it can affect both sides.
  • Lacks aura, which are particular warning signs.

2. Aura-Driven Migraine (Classic Migraine)

  • Involves particular warning signs called aura, which typically appear before or alongside the headache phase.
  • Aura symptoms can include tingling or numbness in the senses, difficulties speaking, and visual problems including blind patches and flashes of light.
  • The subsequent headache phase may resemble an aura-free migraine.

3. Persistent Migraine

  • Defined as having migraine-like headaches for at least eight days out of every fifteen, and experiencing migraines on at least fifteen of those days.
  • Compared to acute headaches, chronic migraines can have a substantial impact on everyday life and may necessitate alternative treatment strategies.

4. Period Migraine

  • Takes place in connection with a woman’s menstrual cycle.
  • Usually occurs immediately prior to, during, or following menstruation.
  • These migraines are thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels.

5. Hemiplegic Migraine

  • Hemiplegia, or transient paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, occurs during or after the aura phase in this rare variety.
  • Similar symptoms make it possible to confuse it for a stroke, but it usually goes away in a few hours to days.

6. Ocular Migraines, or Retinal Migraines

  • Involves momentary blindness in one eye or visual abnormalities, usually lasting less than an hour.
  • Sometimes preceded by a migraine attack, but not always followed by a headache.

7. Migraine Vestibular

  • Include symptoms similar to migrainous headaches, such as vertigo (a spinning sensation), dizziness, and balance problems.
  • May or may not have signs of an aura.

Individual differences exist in the frequency, intensity, and particular symptoms of these migraine types. A healthcare provider’s accurate diagnosis is crucial in identifying the right course of action and therapy for each patient.

Symptoms of Migraine

  • Headache: Usually a moderate to severe pulsating or throbbing pain, which can affect one or both sides of the head. When you move, the pain gets worse.
  • Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): A lot of migraineurs have light sensitivity, which can make their pain and headaches worse.
  • Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia): Phonophobia, or sensitivity to sound, is a condition in which loud noises or particular sound pitches can aggravate migraine sufferers.
  • Nausea and/or Vomiting: Often accompanying migraines, nausea and/or vomiting are gastrointestinal symptoms that add to the pain.
  • Aura: Particular warning signs that, in some kinds of migraines, might appear either before or during the headache phase, including:
    • Visual disturbances: Seeing shimmering lights, blind areas, zigzag lines, or bursts of light.
    • Sensory alterations: Paresthesia, or tingling feelings in the hands, arms, or face.
    • Speaking difficulties: Slurred words or difficulty pronouncing words.
  • Aura without Headache: Aura symptoms can occasionally appear without the headache phase that follows. A quiet migraine or acephalgic migraine is what this is called.
  • Additional Signs and Symptoms: A migraine may also result in:
    • Exhaustion and lightheadedness
    • Deficiency
    • Alterations in appetite
    • Inability to concentrate

These symptoms can vary in length and severity. During an episode, migraines can have a major negative influence on everyday activities and quality of life. It’s critical that anyone exhibiting these symptoms get evaluated by a doctor.

Treatment of Migraine

Treatment Techniques

  • Acute Medications: Painkillers like ibuprofen or prescription drugs like triptans that are taken as soon as a migraine starts to relieve symptoms.
  • Preventive Medications: Usually taken to lessen the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, especially in people who experience severe or frequent attacks.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Modifications to one’s way of life include controlling triggers, adhering to a regular sleep pattern, drinking plenty of water, and relaxing.
  • Alternative Therapies: For certain people, acupuncture, biofeedback, or particular diets (such the ketogenic diet) may be considered.

Impact

During attacks, migraines can have a major negative influence on everyday functioning, employment, and social interactions. A multidisciplinary strategy combining neurologists, general care physicians, and occasionally experts in pain management or behavioural health is typically necessary for the therapy of migraines.

Conclusion

A complicated neurological disorder called migraine is typified by recurrent moderate to severe headaches, which are sometimes accompanied by nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and, in rare instances, aura—visual abnormalities. Prodrome, headache, aura (sometimes), and postdrome are the stages it goes through. There exist multiple varieties of migraines, each exhibiting unique symptoms and traits, such as aura-positive and -negative, menstrual, hemiplegic, chronic, and other forms. Acute medicine for symptom alleviation, preventive medication for recurrent attacks, lifestyle modifications, and occasionally alternative therapies are all part of the treatment. Migraines can have a substantial influence on day-to-day activities, thus managing them requires a customised, interdisciplinary approach.