A migraine isn’t just an average headache. Migraines are strong, pounding headaches typically on one side of the head.
Migraines usually include several other symptoms. They’re sometimes preceded by warning symptoms called an aura. These symptoms may include flashes of light, visual “floaters,” or tingling sensations in your arms and legs.
Migraine episodes, which can last for hours or days, can greatly affect your life. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Trusted Source migraines are experienced by 12 percent of the U.S. adult population. Many of these migraines are caused by the activation of nerve fibers in the blood vessels of the brain.
The classic migraine evolves through four separate stages. Each stage has different symptoms. These stages include:
- the prodrome (premonitory) stage
- the aura (visual symptoms or tingling)
- the headache (main attack) stage
- the postdrome (recovery) stage
Not all people who get migraines experience all of the stages.
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The premonitory or prodrome stage can start anywhere from one hour to two days before your migraine begins. Symptoms that may indicate that a migraine is coming on include:
- fatigue
- mood changes, such as anxiety or depression
- thirst
- craving for sugary foods
- tight or sore neck
- constipation
- irritability
- frequent yawning
The aura stage happens right before or during a migraine. Auras are usually visual disturbances but can involve other sensations. Symptoms build up gradually and last for about 20 to 60 minutes. About 30 percent of people who experience migraine have migraine with aura.
Symptoms of an aura can include:
- seeing bright spots or flashes of light
- vision loss or seeing dark spots
- tingling sensations in an arm or leg described as “pins and needles”
- speech problems or inability to speak (aphasia)
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
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The attack stage includes headache and other symptoms. It can last for a few hours to a few days.
During an attack, you might experience the following symptoms:
- pulsating or throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- extreme sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
- worsening pain during physical activity
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain or heartburn
- loss of appetite
- lightheadedness
- blurred vision
- fainting
If you have a migraine, you’ll often feel the need to lie down in the dark and quiet to escape from light, sounds, and movement. This is one of the main differences between migraines and other types of headaches. Fortunately, you may find that sleeping for an hour or two can help end an attack.
During the recovery (postdrome) stage, you may feel tired and drained. The migraine fades slowly. Some people report feelings of euphoria.