Many individuals that suffer from migraines can distinguish four different stages with each attack, but it is important to note that every individual who suffers from migraines may experience the stages differently, with some individuals not experiencing all 4 stages every time. The stages often go as follows: Prodrome: Many people who suffer from migraines have some early indicators that an attack may be coming at this stage. These indications can be very subtle, often including just minor changes in mood, specific cravings, changes in bowel movement and urination frequency, and neck stiffness. Auras: Experiencing auras either before or during a migraine attack is common among many people who frequently suffer from migraines, often being visual phenomena of bright flashes of light or shapes, but can also include trouble speaking, numbness or tingling in the face or one side of the body, or vision loss. Attack: This stage includes the actual experiencing of the migraine, often lasting anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and can occur as frequently as several times per month. Post-drome: Following a migraine attack, many people will experience feeling confused or drained for a few hours. During this time, it is possible for some triggers to bring on sensations of pain again briefly, such as sudden movements of the head. If you get migraines or headaches, the medical experts at Reddy Urgent Care offer customized treatment options to relieve your discomfort and improve your general well-being. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Bixby Knolls, Downtown Long Beach, and Paramount, CA. We serve patients from Belmont Shore, Shoreline Village, The Pike Outlets, Downtown Long Beach Station, The Westin Long Beach, Signal Hill, and Long Beach Boulevard, California.