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A migraine usually feels like a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on 1 side. It's common and there are things you can try to help. Check if it's a migraine. A migraine tends to be a very bad headache with a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. You may get other symptoms just before a migraine, such as: feeling very tired and yawning a lot
- Retinal Migraine
Retinal migraines are less common than other types of...
- Retinal Migraine
- Overview
- How long will a migraine episode last?
- What to expect during the prodrome (warning) phase
- What to expect during the aura phase
- What to expect during the headache phase
- What to expect during the postdrome phase
- How to find relief
- When to talk with a doctor
- Takeaway
Migraine episodes may last anywhere from a few hours to multiple days. Seek medical attention if your symptoms last longer.
A migraine attack typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours but can also last longer. It can be difficult to predict how long an individual episode will last, but charting its progress may help.
Migraine episodes can usually be divided into four or five distinct stages. Not all people with migraine experience each of these phases during each episode. Phases can include:
•warning or premonitory phase
•aura (not all people with migraine experience this phase, and those who do may not experience it during every episode)
•headache, or main attack
•resolution period
Sometimes, migraine can begin with symptoms that have absolutely nothing to do with a headache.
These symptoms can include:
•craving certain foods
•increased thirst
•stiff neck
•irritability or other mood changes
About 25% of people with migraine experience aura. Aura symptoms typically happen before the headache, or main attack, occurs. It often occurs 10 to 30 minutes before the headache pain begins.
Aura symptoms can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour.
Aura can include a wide range of neurological symptoms. You may see:
•colored spots
•dark spots
•sparkles or “stars”
Most cases of migraine aren’t accompanied by aura symptoms. Migraine without aura moves directly from the warning stage into the headache stage.
Headache symptoms are typically the same for migraine with and without aura. They may include:
•pulsing pain on one or both sides of your head
•sensitivity to light, noise, odors, or even touch
•blurred vision
•nausea
Many migraine headaches gradually fade in intensity. Some people find that taking a nap can help relieve their symptoms. Children may only need to rest a few minutes to see results. This is known as the resolution phase.
As the headache begins to lift, you may experience the recovery phase. This can include a feeling of exhaustion or even of elation. You may also feel:
•moody
•dizzy
•confused
•weak
There isn’t one right way to treat a migraine. If your migraine episodes are infrequent, you may be able to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat symptoms as they occur.
If your symptoms are chronic or severe, OTC treatments may not be helpful. A doctor may be able to prescribe stronger medication to treat existing symptoms and help prevent future attacks.
If you’re experiencing a migraine episode for the first time, you may be able to relieve your symptoms with home remedies and OTC medications.
But if you’ve had multiple migraine episodes, you may want to make an appointment with a doctor. They can assess your symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
You should see your doctor right away if:
•Your symptoms began after a head injury.
•Your symptoms last longer than 72 hours.
•You’re 40 years old or older and are experiencing a migraine for the first time.
A migraine episode typically lasts anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
It consists of four or five phases during which you may experience other symptoms. During the headache phase, you may experience throbbing pain and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch.
- Natalie Silver
Apr 25, 2024 · Migraine attacks have four distinct stages—prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. Unique durations and symptoms mark each stage. For example, the headache phase lasts between four and 72 hours and is associated with a throbbing headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity.
- Colleen Doherty, MD
People also ask
How long does a migraine attack last?
How long does a migraine last without treatment?
What are the symptoms of a migraine attack?
How long does a headache last?
How long does a migraine aura last?
Do migraine symptoms come and go?
Jul 7, 2023 · A migraine usually lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. How often migraines occur varies from person to person. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month. During a migraine, you might have: Pain usually on one side of your head, but often on both sides. Pain that throbs or pulses.
Sep 26, 2023 · This is the last phase of a migraine episode, and some call it a migraine “hangover.” This phase can last up to 1–2 days . Around 80% of people with migraine experience it.
Sep 25, 2024 · sweating. poor concentration. feeling very hot or very cold. abdominal (tummy) pain. diarrhoea. dizziness (light headedness) Not everyone with migraine experiences all of these symptoms. Some people may experience them without having a headache. The symptoms of a migraine attack usually last between 4 hours and 3 days.
Jun 25, 2024 · So, a headache is one of the common symptoms of a migraine attack. Migraine attacks can also cause many other symptoms. Typically, headaches due to migraines: Last between 4 to 72 hours (unless they end sooner due to treatment). Affect one side of the head. Feel like a pulsating or throbbing pain.
