Symptoms of Migraine Headache
The symptoms associated with migraine differ from person to person. It also depends on the type of migraine. However, five phases of symptoms have been identified:
- Prodrome: This is the phase before the migraine attack. This phase is characterised by symptoms like –
- Change in mood (feeling "high", irritable, or depressed)
- Subtle change of sensation (a funny taste or smell)
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Aura: This phase precedes the headache phase. This phase is characterised by visual disturbances. The different types of visual disturbances are –
- Occurrence of a hole (scotoma) in the visual field, also known as a blind spot
- Occurrences of geometric patterns or flashing, colourful lights
- Lose vision on one side (hemianopsia)
- Headache: Usually, during the migraine attack, the pain appears on one side of the head. However, 30-40% of migraines occur on both sides. The headaches are at times accompanied by a throbbing. Almost 80% of migraineurs feel nauseated and some vomit. Approximately, 70% of migraineurs become sensitive to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). This phase last from 4 to 72 hours.
- Headache termination: In case if the headache is left untreated, the pain subsides with sleep.
- Postdrome: After the disappearance of the pain, symptoms like inability to eat, problems with concentration or fatigue may remain for some time.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 15, 2010
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Articles in Migraine headache