Doctors say it is difficult to predict how long an individual episode will last, but charting its progress may help
A migraine is a bad episode of headache that can last from a short duration to more than two days, depending on your circumstances. However, experts say it is extremely difficult to predict how long an individual episode will last, but charting its progress may help. Doctors usually think that migraine episodes in children may last for shorter periods, which is a minimum of one to two hours.
Many people with a history of migraines also experience aura for 10 minutes to an hour, leading to neurological changes like seeing zigzags or lights, difficulty speaking, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation, confusion, and even muscle weakness.
Migraine phases
According to doctors, migraine episodes are usually divided into four distinct stages—and while not everyone with migraine may have each of these phases during each episode, it is important to note where you stand when it comes to debilitating headaches. Phases include:
Prodrome
It is a warning phase with premonitory symptoms
Aura
It is a sensory symptom that precedes headache pain
Headache
It is the main attack
Postdrome
Also know as the recovery phase
Some of these phases may only last for a short time, whereas others may last much longer. You may not experience each phase with every episode you have. Keeping a migraine journal can help you track any patterns and prepare for what’s to come.
In most cases, symptoms of migraine resolve within three days, but in a few rare ones, these headaches can develop into a complication known as status migrainosus or intractable migraine—which includes prolonged headache, nausea, and other migraine symptom attacks that last longer than three days.
Many times, the symptoms can be so severe that they often lead to a hospital emergency room visit.
What factors influence the duration of migraine attacks?
Many factors trigger migraines and influence how long the symptoms would last; a few of these include:
Alcohol
Even red wine can trigger migraine symptoms—for at least 30 minutes to three hours after you drink it.
Dehydration
If you do not drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration, which is a trigger for many people with migraine.
Diet
Many foods and food additives—which include dark chocolate, monosodium glutamate, cured meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods, caffeine, and aspartame—can contribute to headaches.
Fatigue
If you are super tired and exhausted, you may start a migraine attack.
Hormonal changes
An imbalance and changes in hormones like estrogen can worsen migraine issues.
Lights
Bright or flashing lights are also a known trigger.
Odours
A few strong odours, like perfume or smoke, are associated with migraine attacks for some people.
Ways to lower chances of migraine
Medications
A few over-the-counter medications can help reduce the symptoms of migraine attacks.
Home remedies
- A few natural ways to lower the symptoms of migraine include taking a nap or resting in a quiet place, applying a cool compress or ice pack for at least 10 minutes, drinking water, dimming lights, and reducing noise.
- Exercise regularly, as constant physical activity helps improve your sleep and eases stress, which helps prevent migraines.
- It is a good idea to do trigger tracking by keeping a headache journal to know your headache timing, severity, and potential triggers like foods, medication, and other factors.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
