Migraine Stage 3: Pain
This stage is the one most people, both migraineurs and non-migraineurs, think of when they hear the word “migraine.” When we say “migraine is more than just a headache,” it’s because there are three other stages and much more to this stage than JUST the headache pain. Sometimes, a migraineur may not have head pain during this stage but exhibits other symptoms, called a “silent migraine.” To clarify, we use the term “migraine attack” to refer to migraines and “headache” to refer to this stage only.
What are the symptoms?
- Excruciating throbbing head pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea, stomach ache, stomach upset, loss of appetite
- Vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
- Vertigo or faintness/lightheadedness
- Hot and cold flashes, perspiration
- Cognitive confusion
- Visual distortions
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Depression, anxiety, and/or nervousness
How long does this stage last?
Anywhere from 4-72 hours!
What are your pain stages normally like? How many of these symptoms do you experience? Do you experience the same symptoms every time you get a migraine attack?
The rest of my series on migraine stages:
Migraine stage 1: Prodrome
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