We hear a lot of painful stories from our patients with migraines. An entire migraine episode can feel like going through a hellish roller coaster ride. It’s draining and sickening, way worse than a typical headache.
A migraine attack doesn’t begin when the headache strikes. It can start as an innocent yawn before the other symptoms burst. Migraines could even kick off way earlier than others think. This is because the brain and the body experiences internal changes before you feel the first signal of the attack.
This blog will discuss what happens in the prodrome stage, the beginning phase of a migraine. Keep reading until the end as we will introduce you to a natural option for migraine relief in Park Ridge, NJ.
Prodrome Phase of Migraine
The prodrome stage indicates the beginning of a migraine attack. Unfortunately, many migraineurs underestimate the warnings of the prodrome stage. Little do they know that recognizing the early signs can help them prepare for the approaching, much severe migraine symptoms.
If you’re seeking migraine relief in Park Ridge, NJ, you probably have these questions in mind:
- “Is it too early to relieve a migraine attack in the prodrome phase?”
- “What are the primary signs of a prodrome phase?”
- “Can we prevent a full onset of migraine attack if we take action in the first phase?”
- “Do all migraine patients go through this phase?”
- “Who are the most vulnerable to prodrome symptoms?”
Symptoms
During this stage of a migraine, a patient can feel various mental and physical symptoms, including:
- Yawning
- Craving for certain foods
- Stiffness in the muscles
- Diarrhea
- Mood changes
- Tiredness
- Fatigue
- Sleepiness
- Irritability
- Loss of energy
- Appetite changes
- Muscle tenderness
- Nausea
The symptoms of the prodrome stage can last up to an hour or a day but vary from patient to patient. Nevertheless, learning the symptoms can be helpful as it prepares the patient for a full-blown migraine attack.
Women and older people are at higher risk of experiencing the prodrome symptoms of migraines. If you have a diagnosis of hemiplegic migraine or constantly experiencing severe migraine symptoms, you are more likely to deal with the prodrome signs.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
How to Manage Severe Prodrome Symptoms
Managing the severity of migraines in the prodrome stage is all about timing. Prodrome symptoms take place hours before the full-blown attack. Therefore, you can still have time to prevent it from happening. In addition, taking early measures can significantly increase your chances of reducing the intensity of migraine symptoms.
So, how can you make your migraine symptoms milder in the prodrome stage? Try any of these care options for migraine relief in Park Ridge, NJ.
- Taking acute medications
- Minimizing or avoiding your migraine triggers (stress, food, alcohol, cigarette, noise, and light)
- Being more mindful and present in your surroundings
- Listening to relaxing music
- Doing some yoga or meditation
The Other Stages of Migraine
Predicting when your migraine attack is going to happen could be tricky. Since you now have an idea about the first phase of a migraine, let’s introduce the succeeding three stages.
Aura Phase
This phase of a migraine attack does not necessarily happen for everyone with migraines. The aura stage occurs before a migraine attack. Migraine patients who are going through an aura phase rarely experience headaches. Aura usually lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, varying from person to person.
Most common symptoms in the aura phase of a migraine include:
- Visual disturbances or changes in sight– A person experiencing the aura phase of migraine can see sparkles, dark spots, zigzag lines, or colored spots.
- Weakness and fatigue
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Speech changes
- Hearing problems
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Fainting (although rarely)
Attack Phase
Some refer to this stage as the “headache phase.” The attack stage involves a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. In rare cases, migraine patients feel pain all over their heads, making even the slightest movement so painful.
Here are some of the most common symptoms that occur in the attack phase:
- Pain in the head
- Extreme sensitivity to light and sound
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Chills and fever
The effects of migraine in the attack phase are not limited to the head. One could also feel the symptoms all over their body. This phase can be disabling for some people as the pain drains their energy to perform basic things such as walking, working, and exercising.
Postdrome Phase
Unfortunately, there’s still another phase following the attack stage of a migraine. This means that the suffering is not yet entirely over. The postdrome step is like the hungover stage for migraine sufferers. Its symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Changes in mood
- Concentration problem
- Stiffness in the neck
Get Migraine Relief in Park Ridge, NJ With Specific Chiropractic
There are a couple of risk factors that might trigger a migraine attack. One of which is head and neck injury that causes spinal misalignment. When this happens, a person could experience various symptoms–and migraine symptoms could be one! It’s because the spine closely influences our brainstem and central nervous system.
To correct misalignments in the spine, specific chiropractic is needed. Our licensed and trusted Park Ridge chiropractor is dedicated to bringing hope to migraine patients like you. Dr. Andrew O’Neill uses a specific corrective technique to improve spinal misalignment and posture.
He goes far beyond giving relief to your migraine problems. He also helps educate and empower people to achieve a healthcare goal that supports fast recovery. Schedule an appointment with him.
To schedule a consultation with Optimal Health Family Chiropractic, call (201) 505-8984, or just click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Attacks
Can migraine be cured?
There are medications that can help prevent or stop migraines but there’s no cure yet.
Is coffee good for migraine?
Yes, caffeine can help. Caffeine is one of the most popular ingredients in pain relievers. It can make them as much as 40% more effective.
How long can migraine last?
Migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Migraines might occur rarely or strike several times a month.