Stages of Headache

Migraine is the headache type with the best-described stages. Other headaches follow simpler courses.

Migraine stages

1. Prodrome (hours to a day before): mood change, yawning, food cravings, neck stiffness or tiredness.
2. Aura (in some people, up to an hour): flashing lights, zigzag lines, blurred vision, tingling or trouble finding words. It then fades.
3. Headache (4 to 72 hours): throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
4. Postdrome (up to a day after): feeling drained, foggy or washed out.

Treatment works best when taken early, at the start of the headache phase.

Tension-type headache

It builds gradually, lasts from 30 minutes to several days and usually eases with rest and simple measures.

Cluster headache

It occurs in cluster periods lasting weeks to months, with attacks daily, followed by remission for months or years.

Chronic headache

Headache on 15 or more days a month for over 3 months is called chronic. It needs a proper medical plan.

When the pattern changes

A headache that becomes steadily worse, changes in character, or is joined by new symptoms such as weakness, vision loss or confusion needs urgent medical review. Call 112 or 102 if severe or sudden.

Key point

Knowing the stage of an attack helps you treat it early and plan around it.

Before your appointment

Keep a headache diary for a few weeks, noting when headaches start, how long they last, their location and type of pain, and possible triggers such as sleep, meals, stress, periods and screen time. List all medicines, supplements and painkillers you take and how many days a month you use them. Mention head injuries, family history, and any red flag symptoms.