SIGNSÂ AND SYMPTOMS
Phases of Migraine HeadacheÂ
A migraine attack starts gradually, over minutes to hours and can last for hours if untreated. It never happens suddenly. Usually, there are three phases that can be identified. The first is the pre-headache phase. The second is the headache phase. The third is the post-headache phase. If an aura is present, it usually takes place between the first and second phases. A useful chart of the phases of migraine can be found on the American Migraine Foundation website.Â
1. Pre-headache (prodrome) phase.This phase can start almost 72 hours prior to the headache attack. This phase may be hard to recognize. Symptoms may carry through an aura phase and beyond. Most common symptoms include:
-
- Changes in mood
- RestlessnessÂ
- FatigueÂ
- Yawning Sensitivity to sound
2. Headache phase. Time during which actual head pain happens, with or without other symptoms. Â
3. Post-headache (postdrome) phase: During the post-headache phase, individuals can feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or feel changes in mood.Â
Symptoms of Migraine AttacksÂ
Common symptoms experienced by persons with migraine disorder during an attack include:Â
- Pain in the head, behind the eyes, or in the neckÂ
- Sensitivity to lightÂ
- Sensitivity to soundÂ
- Nausea and/or vomitingÂ
- Vision changesÂ
- DizzinessÂ
- LightheadednessÂ
- Scalp tendernessÂ
- Difficulty concentratingÂ
 Individuals who experience migraine with aura can experience additional symptoms.
Migraine with aura symptoms can include:Â
- WeaknessÂ
- Numbness or tinglingÂ
- Speech difficultiesÂ
- Slurred speechÂ
- Visual distortionsÂ
Migraine can be diagnosed by a medical professional based on a history of symptoms and an exam.Â
CAUSES
Migraine is one of the most common disorders in the world. It is also one of the most underdiagnosed disorders. Migraine disorder can affect people of all ages. However, it usually starts in the early teenage years. Some migraine attacks begin in young children. They may be briefer in duration and not associated with as many signs or symptoms as are typically seen. Â
Migraine disorder often runs in families. The genes that cause inherited hemiplegic migraine have been identified. However, no other specific genes have been associated with migraines at this time. The underlying cause of migraines is still unclear. Â
Environmental factors play a role. There are various aspects of a person’s daily life that can worsen headaches. These things can affect the frequency and duration of headaches. These factors are called migraine triggers. Â
Below are common migraine attack triggers and how to avoid them:Â
Sleep
It is important to get enough quality sleep. Regular sleep-wake cycles can help. Regular bedtimes and waking times will help establish a good pattern. It is important to maintain these cycles even on the weekend. For children and teenagers, around 8 or 9 hours is usually needed.Â
Hydration
Food
It is important to eat regular meals every day. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Missing meals can trigger headaches for some people. Some are able to identify particular food triggers for headaches. Commonly reported food triggers include bananas, strawberries, chocolate, red wine, strongly flavored cheeses, processed meats, and foods with MSG. It is best to eat healthy food. Limit sugary foods and beverages.
Stress
Everyone has stress in life. It is a very common trigger. Learning to identify and manage stress is crucial. There are many ways to manage stress. They include: Â
- Time managementÂ
- ExerciseÂ
- Talking about stressorsÂ
- Breathing exercisesÂ
- VisualizationÂ
- Relaxation techniquesÂ
- YogaÂ
- CounselingÂ
Caffeine
Using caffeine on a regular basis can increase your risk for severe headaches when you don’t use it. This is due to your body becoming used to it. Try to avoid caffeine in general. However, the occasional soda or beverage with caffeine will not be harmful. For some people, caffeine can be helpful at the start of a headache.Â
Posture
Poor posture can lead to more headaches. Good posture will help avoid excessive strain on many muscles. It can reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Be sure to avoid looking down too long. Screens, smart phones, and tablets can cause a person to look down too much. When using screens, reading, or doing homework, try to use a comfortable posture and take regular breaks.
Exercise
OUTLOOK
Migraine headache disorder does not result in death. However, migraine attacks can negatively impact quality of life. This is especially true for children or teens who experience frequent or severe migraines. Migraines can affect their work or school performance, mood, behavior, and relationships.
A study by the World Health Organization lists migraine as the third leading cause of disability in 15- to 49-year-olds. Headache accounts for more disability time in years than all other neurological disorders combined.
With proper support and treatment, a child with migraine disorder should have no difficulty performing well in school. Migraines do not affect development. They do not affect the ability to learn. If a child has frequent attacks, then it might be helpful to inform the school or teacher. This can help minimize triggers during the school day. For instance:
- Allowing a child to carry a water and use the restroom frequently can prevent a dehydration trigger.Â
- Allowing the child to wear sunglasses while outside for recess can prevent a light trigger.Â
- Allowing a child to stay indoors on a very hot day can prevent a heat trigger.Â
- Allowing a child with migraines to access to timely treatment in the nurse’s office is important.Â
- Rest breaks can also help prevent migraine. Â
It is entirely possible to function independently as an adult with migraine disorder. Some people with migraines do outgrow them as adults. However, there is always a risk that a migraine attack could be triggered in the right circumstances.
ResourcesÂ
ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPSÂ
American Migraine Foundation
Working alongside the American Headache Society, the American Migraine Foundation’s mission is to mobilize a community for patient support and advocacy, as well as drive and support impactful research that translates into treatment advances for patients with migraine and other disabling diseases that cause severe head pain. The website includes a Pediatric Migraine Resources section which includes videos, articles, and podcasts.
AMF also hosts a private Facebook group, Move Against Migraine, with over 28,000 members.
Miles for Migraine
The mission of Miles for Migraine is to improve the lives of people with migraine and other headache disorders, and their families, by raising public awareness about this disease, and helping to find a cure. Miles for Migraine produces fun walk/run events, typically a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K races to raise money for migraine research. They also host parent support programs, teen support, youth events, and educational events for kids and teens impacted by migraine and other headache disorders. Miles for Migraine has a private Facebook group for parents or caregivers of a child with migraine or headache disorder. Â
Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients
The mission of the Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP) is to improve the lives of people with migraine, cluster, and other headache diseases by aligning coalition organizations and empowering patient voices. Exploring treatment, navigating insurance options, and connecting with others can all be found on their website. For students, parents, and teachers learn about resources through the Migraine at School program.
National Headache Foundation
The mission of the National Headache Foundation is to further awareness of headache and migraine as legitimate neurobiological diseases. In support of that mission, the NHF looks to achieve these key goals:
- Advocacy – Represent people living with headache disorders in efforts with the public, insurance providers, and governmental agencies.
- Awareness – Increase public awareness regarding headache disorders and its impact on the individual, their families, and society.
- Education – Serve as the premiere resource by providing information to patients, health care professionals, and the media.
- Research – Support research into the potential causes of headache disorders and treatments.
Please see the Children’s Headache Disorders page and Pediatric Headache for information specific to children. The Migraine University page includes information for the causes of headache disorders in college students.
Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation
The mission of Danielle Byron Henry Migraine Foundation is to raise awareness and provide support and access to treatment for those living with migraine disease, especially young adults and children. A new program, Migraine at School, is a collection of the best resources for students, parents, and educators.
Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) solicits resources from the community to be included on this webpage through an application process. CNF reserves the right to remove entities at any time if information is deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with the mission, vision, and values of CNF.Â
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