A doctor has warned of the symptoms of one of the most disabling neurological conditions to be aware of.
Migraines impact some 37 million people in the US. They're actually the most common nervous system disorder, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Headache disorders - including migraines - cause so much illness and disability worldwide that, in 2019, they were ranked the third-biggest neurological health problem, right behind strokes and dementia.
Scientists measure this using something called DALYs (disability-adjusted life years), which basically combines how many people die early and how many years people live with the condition, reducing their quality of life.
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Around the world, 40 per cent of people - that's around 3.1 billion - had some headache disorder in 2021, with women being more likely than men to experience them.
Headaches are among the top three neurological issues at almost every age, from childhood, around age five, to age 80.
Dr Bazo Raheem, a consultant neurologist and headache specialist verified on the healthcare platform Doctify, has explained the four main stages of migraines and the symptoms that often accompany them.
Dr Raheem explained that migraine 'is much more than just a bad headache.'
"It is a long-term genetic neurological condition, which means it relates to the way the brain and nervous system work," he said.
"A throbbing headache with nausea and light/sound sensitivity is strongly suggestive of migraine but for many people it causes a wide range of symptoms that can change from one attack to the next."
Speaking on the symptoms, Dr Raheem explained that a helpful way to understand migraine is to think of it as a condition that moves through several phases, rather than just being a headache.
What are the symptoms and stages of migraines?
Early warning phase
This is the ‘build-up’ stage, Dr Raheem said, which can start hours or even a few days before the migraine pain.
People may not realize a migraine is coming, but they often notice changes such as excessive yawning, food cravings - especially sweet treats - tiredness, irritability, or fluid retention in areas like the ankles, feet, and legs. Needing to pee more and having a stiff neck could also signal an imminent migraine attack.
Recognizing can help with early treatment, Dr Raheem noted.
Aura phase
Around a third of people develop temporary neurological symptoms known as an ‘aura’, which can occur before or during the headache.
This might manifest as flashing lights, zig-zag patterns or blind spots in vision, tingling, numbness, or brief problems with speech or language.
According to Dr Raheem, aura usually lasts between 20 and 60 minutes.
Headache phase
This is what most people think of as ‘the migraine’ - the pain is typically moderate to severe, throbbing or pulsating, often one-sided, and worsened by movement such as walking or bending.
It can last from several hours up to a few days. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell often accompany the headache.
Less common types of migraine may cause dizziness, a spinning sensation known as vertigo, imbalance, double vision or even temporary weakness down one side of the body.
In some cases, physical changes might be visible to others - such as a drooping eyelid, a bloodshot eye, or tearing from the eye or nose.
Recovery phase
Even after the headache fades, many people do not feel back to normal for a day or so. This ‘migraine hangover’ can involve fatigue, poor concentration or 'brain fog,' mood changes or general weakness.
Dr Raheem noted that while these phases may not seem linked to head pain, 'they are very much part of the condition.'
Recognizing symptoms helps explain why migraine can affect daily life in such varied and sometimes unexpected ways - and why it is much more disabling than a standard headache.
Overall, migraines can last anywhere from two hours to three days. Understandably, they can also impact people's mental health, with the pain and stress of a migraine seriously impacting people's lives.
Dr Raheem concluded: "If migraines are interfering with your life, specialist review can reset treatment and reduce dependence on painkillers. Effective help is available, and the right treatment plan can make a real difference."
Of course, people are impacted differently by migraines, so make sure to see a doctor if you are worried.
Topics: Health, Mental Health, NHS, US News
Ellie Kemp