Not all migraines come on all at once. Some take place in stages. In fact, some symptoms may appear up to 24 hours before the intense head pain begins. Also, symptoms may continue even after the actual migraine ends.
Unfortunately, migraines that occur in stages increase the length of time that that the patient suffers. Let’s take a look at each phase of such a migraine so that you can identify one. Then we will consider a natural treatment option.
Prodrome Phase – This takes place before head pain begins. Symptoms may include:
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Euphoria
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Fatigue
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Muscle Stiffness
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Constipation or Diarrhea
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Food Cravings
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Sensitivities to noise or smell
About 3 in 5 migraine sufferers experience these symptoms. The prodrome phase can begin hours or even a couple of days before the next phase.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and headaches download our free e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.
Aura Phase – Aura usually occurs just before the head pain begins. Aura comes on gradually and generally lasts under an hour. Only about 1 in 3 migraine sufferers experience this phase. During the aura phase, a patient may experience:
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Dizziness
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Motor Control Problems
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Speech Problems
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Numbness and Tingling
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Vision Problems
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Partial Blindness
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Hallucinations
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Blurring
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Zigzag Lines
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Pain Phase – This is the phase that most people identify as the actual migraine. Pain may last for several hours or up to three days. The pain may come on gradually and be accompanied by neck pain. Head pain can range from moderate to severe. Physical activity often makes the pain worse.
Postdrome Phase – The first three phases can sometimes cause lingering effects. The effects can include:
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Weakness
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Cognitive Difficulties
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Mood Swings
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Fatigue
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Gastrointestinal Problems
Natural Treatment for Migraines
Migraines can be a debilitating condition, but they do not need to rule your life. Upper cervical chiropractic can help. This is because a misalignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae at the top of the neck is often the underlying cause of migraines.
Dr. Miguel Flores is an upper cervical chiropractor in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Flores has been specially trained to identify and correct such misalignments. When the upper cervical neck is realigned , migraines are often reduced or even eliminated.
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