Approximately 20% of Migraineurs experience aura. As with the prodrome, Migraine aura, when the Migraineur is aware of it, can serve as a warning, and sometimes allows the use of medications to abort the attack before the headache phase begins. As noted earlier, not all Migraine attacks include all phases. Although not the majority of attacks, there are some Migraine attacks in which Migraineurs experience aura but no headache. There are several terms used for this experience, including "silent Migraine," and "acephalgic Migraine."
The Headache
The headache phase is generally the most debilitating part of a Migraine attack. It's effects are not limited to the head only, but affect the entire body. The pain of the headache can range from mild to severe. It can be so intense that it is difficult to comprehend by those who have not experienced it. Characteristics of the headache phase may include:
- headache pain that is often unilateral — on one side. This pain can shift to the other side or become bilateral.
- Although Migraine pain can occur at any time of day, statistics have shown the most common time to be 6 a.m. It is not uncommon for Migraineurs to be awakened by the pain.
- This phase usually lasts from one to 72 hours. In less common cases where it lasts longer than 72 hours, it is termed "status migrainosus," and medical attention should be sought.
- The pain is worsened by any physical activity.
- phonophobia — sensitivity to sound
- photophobia — sensitivity to light
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- nasal congestion and/or runny nose
- depression, severe anxiety
- hot flashes and chills
- dizziness
- confusion
- dehydration or fluid retention, depending on the individual body's reactions
The Postdrome
Once the headache is over, the Migraine attack may or may not be over. The postdrome (sometimes called postheadache) follows immediately afterward. The majority of Migraineurs take hours to fully recover; some take days. Many people describe postdrome as feeling “like a zombie” or “hung-over.” These feelings are often attributed to medications taken to treat the Migraine, but may well be caused by the Migraine itself. Postdromal symptoms have been shown to be accompanied and possibly caused by abnormal cerebral blood flow for up to 24 hours after the end of the headache stage. In cases where prodrome and/or aura are experienced without the headache phase, the postdrome may still occur. The symptoms of prodrome may include:
