Migrainesare severe headaches that occur with throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head.
Separating one from a mere “bad headache” involves understanding the distinctive symptoms that a migraine can trigger.
The headache phase is the most common, while the aura is the least common.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
Prodrome
The prodrome stage is characterized by premonitory symptoms of an impending migraine.
It can begin hours or days before a migraine episode reaches its peak intensity.
Most people who experience a migraine feel some prodromal symptoms.
Taking migraine medication during this stage may stop the episode from progressing.
You may also experience other symptoms along with the head pain.
Activities such as walking, riding in a car, or exercising can make the symptoms worse.
Childhood Migraines
Children also experience migraines, and the symptoms can differ from those of adults.
They could be signs of another medical condition.
But if migraines are the cause, your child can take medication to help prevent and treat episodes.
Uncommon Symptoms
Rare symptoms are typically associated with migraine subtypes.
The most common complications are related to medication use.
This condition is unlikely to resolve with your regular prescription.
Seek medical attention because you may need treatment with intravenous (IV) medication.
Migrainous infarction: An infarction in the brain is a bang out ofstrokecaused by lack of blood flow.
A migrainous infarction begins with migraine symptoms that can eventually involvestroke symptomsand may produce permanentneurological effects.
The physiological reason for this complication is not well understood.
When to See a Healthcare Provider/Go to the Hospital
Migraines do not normally require emergency medical attention.
The stages include prodome, aura, headache, and postdrome.
The headache phase is the most common while aura is the least common.
The variant nature of the symptoms makes a bit easier to tell one stage from one another.
If you’re new to migraines, it might help to keep a list of the symptoms with you.
In the headache stage, you may encounter hot flashes or chills and sensitivity to light or sound.
The postdrome stage may trigger dizziness, muscle aches, or a stiff neck.
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