Migraine attacks don’t look the same for everyone. Symptoms, triggers, and even duration vary widely. Most last 4 to 72 hours, according to the National Headache Foundation, but some end sooner, or drag on longer.

Migraines often unfold in stages, though not everyone experiences all of them:

Prodrome:
Hours or days before an attack, you might feel moody, tired, crave certain foods, or yawn excessively.

Aura: About a third of migraine sufferers experience visual disturbances (kaleidoscope-like patterns), tingling, numbness, or speech changes.

Headache:
The classic phase, moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually one-sided, with nausea, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.  It can last up to 72 hours.

Postdrome:
The “migraine hangover.” For a day or two, you may feel drained, foggy, or even strangely euphoric.

Catching early signs can sometimes shorten a migraine. Helpful
strategies include:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Rest in a dark, quiet place.
  • Limit activity.

Try relaxation techniques, massage, or a cold compress.

Treatment Options include OTC medications: Aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or Excedrin Migraine. (It is not a good idea to self-treat migraines if they are unusually long or you’re having them for the first time.)

Common Prescription drugs:

  • Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, etc. – best taken early.
  • Gepants (Nurtec, Ubrelvy, Zavzpret) – a newer option that doesn’t constrict blood vessels.
  • Ditans (Reyvow) – another alternative for people who can’t take triptans.
  • Other treatments: Diclofenac, ergots, or nerve-stimulating devices.
  • Taking migraine meds too often can backfire, causing rebound headaches.
    You should limit your use to no more than two days per week. A migraine lasting longer than 72 hours may be statusmigrainosus, a severe form that often requires hospital treatment.

   Some people benefit from preventive options, such as:

  • Daily medications originally for blood pressure, depression,
    or epilepsy.
  • CGRP antibodies (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti).
  • Gepants (Nurtec, Qulipta).
  • Hormone therapy (for menstrual-related migraines).

   If your migraines are frequent, long-lasting, or worsening, see a neurologist or headache specialist.