Migraine is classified into several types including 4,5,12
- Migraine without aura: Migraine occurs without warning signals and manifest in attacks lasting 4-72 hours
- Migraine with aura: Migraine consists of visual and/or sensory and or speech/language symptoms
- Migraine aura without headache: Typical migraine aura that is not followed by a headache
Migraine stages and symptoms
The main symptom of a migraine is usually intense headache that occurs at the front or on one side of the head.
Stages and symptoms of migraine 4,12
Preheadache stage (one to 24 hours):
Migraine symptoms may include changes in:
- Mood
- Energy
- Behaviour and appetite
Aura (5mins to 1 hour):
Migraine symptoms may include:
- Visual problems such as flashing lights
- Zig Zag patterns or blind spots
- Numbness or a tingling sensation like pins and needles which usually starts in one hand and moves up your arm before leading to a headache.
- Feeling dizzy or off balance
- Difficulty in speaking
- Loss of consciousness
Headache stage (4 to 72 hours):
Migraine symptoms may include
- Pulsating or throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea , vomiting and /or an enhanced sensitivity to bright light or loud sound
Resolution and Recovery stage (headache attack slowly fades away)
Migraine symptoms may include
- Feeling tired