In most of those who have a prodrome, the pattern and headache location remain the same with each migraine. Migraine headaches may occur frequently for long periods but then disappear for many weeks, months, or even years. Prevention and Treatment Migraine attacks may last for several hours or days if not treated. For some people, the headaches are mild and easily relieved with nonprescription analgesics. In this case, common analgesics usually don't relieve the headaches, which may relent only after a period of rest and sleep.
Some people feel irritable during migraine attacks and seek seclusion, often in a dark room.
Because the headache and major symptoms of the migraine don't occur until after the constricted artery dilates, the prodrome provides a warning period during which drugs may prevent the headache. Caffeine in high doses also helps prevent blood vessels from dilating and is often given in combination with analgesics or ergotamine. New drugs, such as eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and zolmitriptan, enhance the effects of serotonin, low blood levels of which are thought to bring on migraine attacks. These drugs are more effective than aspirin or acetaminophen in relieving migraine symptoms, but they are much more expensive. Ergotamine and the new drugs can be dangerous and must not be used more often than prescribed.