Migraines typically happen in several stages and can occur with or without a headache. There are four stages of migraine headaches, but not every migraine case occurs with all the stages. With that in mind, the four stages of migraines are as follows: - Premonitory or prodrome stage: this stage can last several hours and often occurs with such symptoms as fatigue, food cravings, feeling thirsty, mood changes, and neck stiffness. This stage does not occur with every migraine headache. - Aura stage: this stage can last anywhere from five minutes to an hour and can occur with a broad range of symptoms, including visual disturbances such as dark spots, colored spots, zigzag lines, or sparkles, as well as numbness, tingling, dizziness, vertigo, memory changes, confusion, fainting, or feelings of fear. When there is no aura phase, the migraine is referred to as migraine without aura. - Attack stage: the attack stage involves an intense and throbbing or pressing headache that usually starts on one side of the head and spreads to the other side, although it can also occur on both sides of the head or all over the head. Other symptoms during this stage could include nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Some migraines can occur without the attack stage and are referred to as silent migraines. - Postdrome stage: this stage of a migraine can last hours or days and is often referred to as a “migraine hangover,” as the effects of the migraine linger with similar or mirrored symptoms to the premonitory or prodrome stage. We welcome you to schedule an appointment with us at Catalyst Medical through our website or by giving us a call! We serve patients from Edinburg TX, McAllen TX, San Juan TX, Alamo TX, Pharr TX, Palmhurst TX, Mission TX, Alton TX and Hidalgo TX.