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Timeline of a Migraine Attack

TIME OF A MIGRAINE ATTACK

Prodrome
Many people start having symptoms 24 to 48 hours before a migraine headache comes on. These may include increased yawning, a feeling of euphoria, depression, irritability, food cravings, constipation, and neck stiffness.

Aura
Only 20-25%% of people with migraine experience aura. Its effects last between 5-60 minutes and are completely reversible. Aura symptoms may include flashing lights or bright spots, zigzag lines, changes in vision, or numbness or tingling in the fingers of one hand, lips, tongue, or lower face. Auras may also involve other senses and can occasionally cause temporary muscle weakness or changes in speech.

Headache
The pain of a migraine headache usually begins gradually, intensifies over one to several hours, and resolves gradually at the end of the attack. It frequently affects only one side of the head.
The headache is typically dull, and steady when mild to moderate in severity; it becomes throbbing or pulsatile when more severe.

The pain of a migraine headache usually begins gradually, intensifies over one to several hours, and resolves gradually at the end of the attack. It frequently affects only one side of the head. The headache is typically dull, and steady when mild to moderate in severity; it becomes throbbing or pulsatile when more severe.

Postdrome
The final phase of a migraine attack which is often called the “migraine hangover.”

CAUSES OF MIGRAINE

1. Alcohol
2.Caffeine
3.Skipped Meals
4.Physical Exertion
5.Bright Light
6.Exessive Noise
7.Smells
8.Lack of Sleep
9.Stress
10.Weather

By Dr Wong Sing Keat, Consultant Neurologist & Physician