How Long Does a Migraine Last?

A migraine episode causes a severe headache that might make you feel exhausted. The American Migraine Foundation estimates that 12% of Americans suffer from this neurological condition.

They may be tremendously crippling, appear out of nowhere, and last for an unforeseen period. After all, research indicates that migraines are the second most debilitating condition globally.

The American Migraine Foundation estimates that over 30% of women will experience a lifetime of migraines, three times more frequent in women than in males. Only 5% of those people have now been seen by a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A migraine grows worse and more incapacitating the longer it lasts. There many people ask, 'How long does a migraine last?'

Additionally, the more often the attacks occur, the less time the brain has to heal, and the more probable you will experience another migraine.

In this article, we will look into how you can recognize a migraine, how long a migraine lasts, what are the stages of a migraine and many more, so continue reading to know more.

Also Read: Treating Migraines: 13 Home-Based Methods To Try

What is a migraine?

The three most crucial aspects of migraine are severe to moderate head pain, accompanying symptoms including nausea, vomiting, light and noise sensitivity, and a high level of impairment.

The great majority of migraine sufferers are unable to do typical daily activities.

Although each person's migraine condition is unique, heredity is typically to blame. You have a 50% probability of having migraines if a first-degree relative, such as your mother or father, does.

In addition to genetics, migraines can be caused by head trauma, lack of sleep, missing meals, dehydration, excessive coffee, menstrual cycles, fluctuating hormone levels, and even the weather.

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How long does a migraine last?

Attacks from migraines can persist for 3 hours to 4 days. A migraine episode has four stages: prodrome, aura, headache phase, and postdrome.

There are typically four stages to a migraine attack. However, not everyone goes through each stage each time. If you go through any stages, start taking medicine immediately. The earlier you start treatment, the faster it can go away.

1. Prodrome

The prodrome is the first stage of a migraine attack, which can begin hours or even days before the real assault. Prodrome refers to the initial signs and symptoms that you could experience before a migraine, such as acute fatigue, hunger pangs, neck discomfort, lightheadedness, frequent yawning, mood swings, or irritability.

A prodrome often involves a repeating illness or set of symptoms. It alerts you to an impending attack.

2. Aura

Only 20% of people get an aura composed of neurological or visual symptoms that appear 30 to 60 minutes before a migraine. You could experience tingling, lack of mobility on one side of the body, and visual alterations, including blind patches, floaters, and light flashes.

3. Attack

The main event is a moderate to severe headache that is throbbing or stabbing. The pain usually begins on one side and then spreads to the other, and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise commonly follow. The duration of the attack might range from four to 48 hours.

4. Postdrome

Also referred to as the migraine hangover, postdrome is the period after a migraine attack when symptoms start to appear. This stage can continue for up to 24 hours, and people frequently feel exhausted, dizzy, irritable, and weary. People's general sense of exhaustion is the strongest indicator.

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Symptoms of Migraine And How They Are Recognized?

The symptoms of migraine are different for every person. However, moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain that is strong enough to interfere with daily living is a typical characteristic.

In addition to headaches, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, including impaired vision and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smell.

Some persons who have migraines do so with an aura. Visual abnormalities (bright spots, flashing lights), tingling in the limbs, trouble speaking, weakness, and numbing in your face or on one side of the body are signs of aura symptoms. The migraine aura is a warning and typically appears before the symptoms.

It is unclear what exactly causes headache problems like migraine. According to experts, these neurological conditions are caused by a mix of hereditary and environmental factors. The trigeminal nerve, blood vessels, neurotransmitters (the brain's endogenous chemicals that control pain), and inflammatory molecules are thought to be involved.

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What causes Migraine?

Many migraineurs can find particular causes for their headaches. Typical causes include:

• Women's hormone changes, such as those that occur after menstruation, throughout menopause, or in those who take hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement treatment.
• Food items (aged cheeses, salty snacks, chocolate) and beverages (alcohol, caffeine).
• MSG and other food additives are well-known migraine causes.
• Head trauma.
• Giving up meals.
• Stress on the mind.
• Sensory input, such as blinking lights, strong smells, and sounds.
• Poor sleep.

Also Read: Migraine – Causes, Triggers & Treatment

Treatment for Migraine

Prescription drugs and natural therapies can help alleviate migraines and lessen their intensity.

Home treatments consist of:

• Consuming more water.
• Napping.
• Sleeping in a silent, dark place.
• Applying an ice compress.
• Use a painkiller that is available over the counter, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

An individual might get prescription medicine from their doctor if home treatments fail to treat their symptoms.

A doctor may suggest the following medicines:

• Antiepileptics.
• Antidepressants.
• Beta-blockers.
• Serotonin blockers.
• Botox is a botulinum toxin.
• Antagonists of CGRP.

Also Read: Warning: 5 Foods to Avoid if You Suffer from Migraine

How long is too long if you have a migraine?

Depending on the kind of migraine you get, there comes a time when you should consult a doctor.

A migraine lasting more than 72 hours is called having status migrainosus. If your migraine has not reacted to any form of therapy, you should seriously consider visiting the emergency department or contacting your healthcare professional.

Also Read: What Triggers A Migraine Attack?

Conclusion

This article provides the answer to the question of how long does a migraine last. A migraine is a severe headache that can continue for hours or even days, followed by light sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.

Four to 72 hours might pass between the onset and end of a migraine. People may have different levels of migraine frequency, but between 2 and 4 headaches per month are the norm. While some people only get migraines once or twice a year, others do so occasionally.

A migraine's cause and symptoms might differ from person to person. But the attack frequently follows the same pattern.

Remember that using prescription or over-the-counter drugs for severe migraines too regularly might result in medication-overuse headaches when the medication aggravates migraine pain rather than alleviates it.