Phases of a Migraine Attack

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Migraine attacks progress sequentially through five phases; migraine sufferers may experience some or all phases:

• Phase 1. The early, or prodrome, phase of a migraine, occurs hours to several days before the onset of the headache. During this phase, 50% to 80% of migraine sufferers experience the following symptoms: drowsiness, irritability, euphoria, thirst, food cravings, increased urination, and sensitivity to light, sound, and/or odors.
• Phase 2. During the aura phase, 10% to 20% of migraine sufferers experience a 10- to 60-minute aura that usually, but not necessarily, is visual. The visual aura assumes many variations, including silver streaks, white lights, double vision, blind spots, and distortion of all linear objects.
• Phase 3. Headache pain gradually emerges in the headache phase of a migraine attack. Pain quality is usually throbbing and focused on one side of the head, although, in some cases, the pain may be steady and experienced on both sides of the head.
• Phase 4. Headache pain gradually diminishes during the resolution phase.
• Phase 5. During the recovery, or postdrome, phase of migraine attacks, sufferers may experience limited food tolerance and fatigue.