In India, migraines account for 28.8%[1] of headaches, which is higher than the global prevalence of 14.7%[2]. Another key fact is that women are 2-3 times more prone to migraines than men, particularly in their reproductive years.
So, what is a migraine, and how do you identify if your headache is a migraine? A migraine is a headache on one side, typically accompanied by pulsation or severe throbbing pain. The pain may aggravate with movement. Migraine attacks can be intense enough to disrupt your daily activities.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the typical symptoms of a migraine. Knowing these signs can help you identify your condition and seek the necessary treatment to improve the quality of your life.
Migraine Symptoms
Migraines can affect just anybody, irrespective of age and gender. A migraine often advances in 4 stages, all of which have distinct symptoms. However, it is important to understand that not every individual with migraine experiences all the stages.
The four stages of migraine are:
- Prodrome
- Aura
- Attack
- Postdrome
Prodrome: Stage 1 & its Symptoms
A migraine often starts giving subtle signs 24-48 hours before it actually hits. These symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Mood changes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Food cravings
- Stiffness in the neck
- Frequent urination
- Trouble focusing
- Fluid retention
- Increased yawning
- Exhaustion
- Nausea
- Increased appetite
Aura: Stage 2 & its Symptoms
A person may experience an aura before or during a migraine. An aura refers to temporary symptoms in the nervous system. These are typically visual, but they can also include other disturbances. Each symptom progresses gradually and intensifies over a time period ranging from a few minutes to an hour.
Here are some examples of aura signs:
- Changes in vision, such as seeing flashes of light, bright spots, or even shapes
- Loss of vision
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Tingling in a leg or an arm
- Feeling of being touched
- Numbness or weakness in the face or one side of the body
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty speaking
Attack: Stage 3 & its Symptoms
How long does a migraine last? If not treated, it can continue from somewhere between 4 and 72 hours. The frequency of migraines varies from person to person. Some individuals may have very occasional migraines, while others may have them many times a month.
During a migraine attack, you may experience:
- Pain generally on one side of the head, although both sides may also be affected
- Throbbing or pulsating pain
- Light, sound, odour, and touch sensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
Postdrome: Stage 4 & its Symptoms
This is the time when your migraine attack is over. Here’s how different people may feel for up to 24 hours:
- Exhausted and drained
- Confused
- Nausea and dizziness
- Stiffness in the neck
- Sense of relief & happiness
- Brief pain upon sudden head movement
Also read: Migraine in Kids: What Parents Should Know
What is a Migraine Like?
Migraines may range from mild to intense. Symptoms may vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms:
- Throbbing or pulsating headache
- Pounding feeling
- Dull pain
- Headache starting on one side and shifting to the other side
- Pain around the temple or eyes or temple
- Pain around your face, jaw, sinuses, or neck
Also read: Migraine vs. Headache: How to Tell the Difference
How Frequent are Migraines?
How often do migraines strike? It varies from person to person. While some people may have it just once a year, others may have to bear it once every week. The average is 2 – 4 a month. Migraine attacks may slowly get better as you grow older.
Also read: Why Does Migraine Keep Coming Back? Know Its Causes
When to Consult a Doctor
Sometimes, people tend to take migraines as severe headaches. If you experience migraine symptoms often, maintain a record of your attacks, the triggers, and what you did to manage the attack. Afterwards, you can discuss it with your doctor.
If you get headaches in routine, but suddenly there is a change in pattern or intensity, do talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- A sudden, unbearable headache
- Headache after an injury to the head
- Headache starting after age 50
- Headache worsens after exertion, coughing, sudden movement, or strain
- Headache accompanied by confusion, double vision, difficulty walking, a fever, neck stiffness, or numbness or weakness in any part of the body. It could indicate a stroke.
Sohana Hospital is a leading super-speciality facility in the tricity with the best neurologists in Chandigarh. Be it a normal headache, a migraine attack, or something extremely critical like a stroke, the hospital has the latest diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatment approaches.
The aim is to help you manage your condition in the best possible way. We focus on improving your quality of life with personalised and compassionate treatment.
So, if you or anybody you know experiences any migraine symptoms, do reach out for expert care at Sohana Hospital.
Earlier treatment = faster improvement, enhanced efficiency, and a better life.
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