Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that can cause various symptoms. This includes recurrent headaches accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. The question that frequently arises is how long does migraine attack last and what it looks like. We spoke to our expert Dr Vipul Gupta - Chief – NeuroInterventional Surgery and Co-Chief Stroke Unit, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, who shared insights on the same.
Duration of a Migraine Attack
“The length of a migraine attack might vary greatly from person to person and even within the same person from attack to attack. A migraine attack can typically last several hours to several days,” said Dr Gupta. According to StatPearls, migraine is highly prevalent, affecting 12% of the population, with annual attacks occurring in up to 17% of women and 6% of men. Among children, migraines are more common in girls than boys.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, migraine attacks generally last between 4-72 hours, though it can extend beyond this duration. Migraines often occur most frequently in the morning, particularly upon waking. Some people experience migraines at predictable times, such as before menstruation or on weekends after a stressful work week.
Phases Of a Migraine Attack
The length of a migraine attack may vary depending on its phases. Dr Gupta explained each one of them as follows:
Prodrome Phase
The prodrome phase can start hours or even days before the headache starts. Mood swings, appetite desires, stiff neck, increased thirst, and frequent yawning are some possible symptoms.
Aura Phase
“If an aura is present, it usually appears before the headache and lasts for 10-30 minutes to one hour. Auras can cause sensory abnormalities, trouble speaking, and visual disruptions like flashing lights, blind spots, or zigzag lines. However, not everyone with migraines has an aura,” added Dr Gupta. According to the Office on Women's Health (OASH), only one in five people who experience migraines have an aura. This form of migraine is less common in women than in men.
Headache Phase
“This is the major phase of a migraine episode, which is often characterised by moderate to severe headache pain that pulses or throbs. The duration of the headache may vary from a few hours to multiple days,” said Dr Gupta. Along with the headache, other symptoms that may occur include nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).
Also Read: Migraine And Vomiting: Expert Explains The Relation Between The Two
Postdrome Phase
This stage, which comes after the headache goes away, is also referred to as the migraine 'hangover.' Fatigue, trouble focusing, mood swings, and chronic headaches or neck pain are some of the symptoms. This stage may continue for a whole day or perhaps longer in certain circumstances. Similar to the prodrome and aura phases, not everyone with migraines experiences postdrome, but it does occur in most cases (approximately 80%), as stated in the American Migraine Foundation.
Individual Variability
Dr Gupta highlighted, “It's crucial to remember that individual experiences could differ and that not all migraine attacks follow this pattern. The length and intensity of migraine attacks can also be influenced by several variables, including the usage of medication, stress levels, sleep patterns, and triggers, such as particular foods or environmental conditions. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, it's critical to speak with a healthcare professional if you suffer from severe or regular migraine attacks.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]