Migraine can cause severe, recurrent, and potentially disabling headaches that typically last from 4 to 72 hours. Symptoms may also include fatigue, impaired vision, and dizziness.

Many people associate migraine episodes with feelings of nausea, heightened sensitivity to light and sound, and, occasionally, skin and muscle sensitivity.

This article looks at how long migraine episodes last, migraine stages, causes, and common triggers. It then explores treatments, prevention, and when someone should seek help for symptoms.

how long do migraine attacks last can vary, here a woman experiencing a migraine attack pinches the bridge of her nose to relieve painShare on Pinterest
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Migraine is a complex condition with different stages and contributing factors. Episodes can last from 4 to 72 hours if left untreated. The length and frequency of migraine episodes varies from person to person.

There is an especially intense form of migraine called status migrainosus (SM). These long lasting migraine headaches can cause symptoms for more than 72 hours, even with treatment.

Migraine episodes progress through different phases. Not everyone will experience each phase with every migraine attack they have.

The four stages are:

  • prodrome
  • aura
  • headache
  • postdrome

Each stage can last a different length of time, varying among individuals and between each migraine episode.

Understanding the distinct phases of a migraine episode can help people manage the condition.

When someone recognizes the earliest symptoms of a migraine episode, they can take measures to prevent the migraine from progressing.

Here is an outline of the stages, including duration and the most common symptoms someone may experience.

Prodrome

This stage is also called the premonitory or warning stage. It may begin several days or a couple of hours before the onset of the aura stage.

During this stage, an individual may notice subtle changes that are not necessarily headache-related. The symptoms serve as a warning of an upcoming migraine episode.

Prodrome symptoms include:

Aura

Not everyone who has migraine also experiences the aura stage with each attack. It occurs in around 25% of individuals with migraine.

The aura stage typically occurs shortly before the main migraine episode and lasts around 5 to 60 minutes. Auras are sensory disturbances that range from flashes of bright light to the inability to speak normally.

Aura symptoms include:

  • dizziness
  • hearing noises
  • impaired vision or hearing
  • numbness or pins and needles in the limbs
  • seeing bright or flashing lights, sparkles, colored spots, or zigzag lines
  • slurred speech
  • weakness in the face or body

The aura stage usually happens before the primary headache. However, in some adults, and commonly in children, the aura symptoms may occur with the migraine itself.

Headache

The symptoms during the headache stage are usually the same, regardless of whether someone experienced the aura stage. Headache symptoms include:

  • blurred vision
  • dizziness and lightheadedness
  • extreme sensitivity to light and noises
  • irritability
  • possible sensitivity to odors, touch, and movement
  • stiffness in the shoulders and neck
  • throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head that worsens with movement or activity
  • upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting

Many people experience symptoms severe enough to prevent them from functioning typically.

Postdrome

Postdrome happens at the end of the primary headache stage for around 80% of people. It can last for 24 to 48 hours and may include the following symptoms:

  • aching body
  • confusion
  • difficulty concentrating
  • dizziness
  • elation or depression
  • feeling drained
  • weakness

Some people find that sudden head movement or a return to strenuous activity may cause the headache to return, but only briefly.

Identifying migraine causes and triggers can help people avoid them and prevent a migraine attack from occurring.

Triggers are different for everyone, but some common ones include:

Migraine treatments can involve using medications and home remedies to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Home remedies include:

  • increasing water intake
  • napping
  • resting in a dark and quiet room
  • using a cold compress
  • taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

If home remedies do not relieve symptoms, an individual can ask their healthcare professional for prescription medication.

A healthcare professional may recommend the following medications:

The American Migraine Foundation estimates that less than 50% of people with migraine seek help from a healthcare professional.

If a migraine episode lasts for longer than is typical for an individual, they should seek a healthcare professional’s advice.

It is best to visit the emergency room if a migraine episode becomes too severe and at-home treatments do not alleviate symptoms.

An individual should seek immediate medical attention in the following instances:

  • The headache and other symptoms last longer than 72 hours.
  • Symptoms of aura last longer than 1 hour at a time.
  • They are currently pregnant or recently gave birth.

Always seek medical attention if someone has a headache following a head injury.

Preventing migraine involves identifying and avoiding an individual’s specific triggers.

With that in mind, keeping a headache diary that records migraine details and triggers can help someone predict when a migraine attack could occur.

There are also a number of apps that can help people track migraine symptoms and identify their triggers.

If someone finds that their triggers are weather-related, such as extreme cold and wind, they could choose to stay indoors during this time.

When stress plays a role in someone’s migraine pattern, looking for ways to relax and relieve stress may be enough to prevent future migraine attacks.

In children, changing sleeping habits and improving their night-time routine may be enough to curtail migraine attacks.

Magnesium, vitamin B2, and coenzyme Q10 may have some success in preventing migraine.

Learn more about migraine-tracking apps.

Migraine episodes are severe headaches frequently accompanied by nausea and neurological symptoms.

There are four stages of migraine that have different durations. Overall, an episode may last for 4 to 72 hours or longer.

People with migraine may be able to identify particular events or circumstances that trigger the condition. They can use this information as part of a migraine prevention routine.

If someone has an especially severe migraine episode that lasts longer than 72 hours, they should seek immediate medical care.