Migraine headaches can be an extremely painful experience - and each person experiences it differently.
The exact causes aren't known, but they're related to blood vessel contractions and changes in the brain, as well as abnormalities in certain areas of the brain.
The level of pain varies from person to person, as well as the length - that can range from four to 72 hours.
There are five different stages of a migraine headache, and most people will experience at least two of these.
Here's a look at the different stages and what to expect during each: Predome - This is the first phase of a migraine and is sometimes experienced before the headache even begins.
It can start anywhere from a few hours to a few days before the migraine, and usually causes irritability, depression, or euphoria.
Others experience fatigue, muscle stiffness, and a lack of hunger or cravings for certain foods.
Aura - The second phase occurs less than an hour before a migraine and usually causes some of the symptoms listed above or blurry vision.
It can also be characterized with an increased or altered sense of smell, tingling in the face or hands, or a sensitivity to touch.
Headache - This stage is when the actual migraine is felt.
It usually appears on one side of the head and begins with a throbbing pain that becomes more intense over time.
They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Some people will begin to sweat; others will feel cold.
This is also when major symptoms occur like fainting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
It's also been found that more than 80% of people feel nauseated during this time.
Headache Termination - All people experience this phase in which the symptoms start to go away.
The actual headache will begin to hurt less - for some, it will go away completely.
For others, the symptoms won't be 100% gone, but aren't nearly as strong.
Postdrome - This is the final stage of a migraine headache, when the body recovers from the pain its just been through.
In this stage, some will continue to have a minor headache.
Some will feel dizzy and lose their appetite; others will actually feel refreshed, and perhaps even euphoric.
Now that you've learned the five stages of a migraine headache, let's take a closer look at some of your treatment options.
Treating your migraine headache If you have very severe, recurring migraine headaches, your doctor may recommend a medication.
Treatments like this are usually considered if your migraines are seriously affecting your quality of life or you have uncommon conditions like a prolonged aura.
There are two types of drug treatments - abortive and preventive.
Here's what each mean: Abortive - This type of medication is designed to help stop the pain after it starts, and is especially useful for those who have nausea or vomiting with their migraine.
They're designed to stop a migraine when you can feel it coming on, or once it's begun.
These can be taken by mouth, nasal spray, or even self-injection.
Preventive - This medication is prescribed if a person's migraines are extremely severe or occur frequently - more than once per week.
They aim to lessen the severity of the attacks and can be taken daily.
If your migraine headaches are mild to moderate, or occur just a few per month, you may want to consider natural treatments before turning to medication.
These natural treatments are also ideal for those who are unable to take preventive drugs because of prior health conditions, side effects, or negative drug interactions with other medications.
Here are a few methods that may help relieve your pain: • Take a warm bath or shower.
• Apply an ice pack to the part of your head that hurts, or try your forehead, back of your neck, or temples.
• Apply a gentle, rotating pressure to the painful area of your head using your index finger and thumb.
Apply pressure for 7-15 seconds, then release.
Repeat as needed.
• Relax or lie down in a low-lit room.
Close your eyes and focus on releasing the tension in your neck, back, and shoulders.
• Have a friend rub your back or treat yourself to a massage.