The 4 Stages of Migraine: What to Expect Before, During, and After an Attack

Migraines can feel like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for—painful, unpredictable, and, for many, utterly exhausting. But knowing what’s happening during each phase of a migraine can offer a surprising sense of control. Whether you experience occasional migraines or frequent ones, understanding the 4 stages of migraine can help you prepare and possibly even find relief faster.

Let’s break down these stages and explore how you can support yourself through each.

What Are the Stages of a Migraine?

Migraines aren’t just bad headaches. They’re complex neurological events that usually unfold in a sequence of phases. Not everyone experiences every phase, but for many people, migraines tend to follow a recognizable pattern.

Understanding the migraine stages—prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome—can help you track symptoms and recognize early warning signs. This can make a big difference in managing your migraines more effectively.

Stage 1 – Prodrome (Early Warning Signs)

The prodrome stage can start up to 24–48 hours before the actual migraine attack. Think of it as your body’s quiet whisper before the storm. During this time, you might notice:

• Mood swings (e.g., feeling unusually irritable or euphoric)

• Food cravings

• Neck stiffness

• Yawning more than usual

• Difficulty concentrating

These subtle cues are your body’s way of signaling that a migraine may be on the horizon. By recognizing them early, you may be able to initiate strategies that reduce the severity or duration of the upcoming migraine. Some people find relief using tools like a migraine relief cap or practicing calming techniques.

Stage 2 – Aura (In Some Migraines)

Not everyone gets an aura, but for those who do, this phase usually occurs shortly before the headache. Aura is most often associated with visual disturbances, but it can also affect other senses or speech. Symptoms may include:

• Flashing lights or zigzag lines

• Blind spots

• Tingling in the face or hands

• Difficulty speaking

These symptoms can be unsettling, but they typically last between 5 and 60 minutes. People often confuse a migraine with aura for an ocular migraine, but the two are not quite the same. (We’ll cover that below.)

Stage 3 – The Migraine Attack

This is the phase most people dread—the headache itself. The pain is often:

• Throbbing or pulsing, typically on one side of the head

• Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound

• Lasting anywhere from 4 to 72 hours if untreated

During this stage, most people want to lie in a dark, quiet room and wait it out. While medications are often used, many are exploring non-pharmacological methods like hypnosis for pain relief, which have shown promise without the side effects of medication.

Stage 4 – Postdrome (Migraine Hangover)

Once the pain subsides, you’re not quite in the clear. The postdrome stage can linger for up to a day or more. You may feel:

• Drained or exhausted

• Moody or confused

• Physically sore, especially in the neck or shoulders

This “migraine hangover” can be just as disruptive as the attack itself. Hydration, gentle movement, and rest can help your body bounce back.

Understanding the Stages of Ocular Migraine

The stages of ocular migraine are a bit different. Ocular migraines primarily affect vision and may not involve a headache at all. Unlike a typical aura, ocular migraines usually affect just one eye and can cause:

• Temporary vision loss

• Blurred vision

• Flashing or shimmering lights

The visual symptoms often resolve within 30 minutes. Though brief, ocular migraines can be alarming. They’re believed to stem from spasms in the blood vessels of the retina. If you experience them often, consult your doctor to rule out more serious eye conditions.

Understanding your specific migraine type is key—check out this guide on types of migraines for more clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are The Grades For Migraines?

  Migraine severity is often graded as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on pain intensity, duration, and impact on daily function.

• Can You Have A Migraine Without Going Through All The Stages?

  Absolutely. Some people skip the aura phase, while others don’t experience prodrome or postdrome. Migraine patterns can vary widely.

• How Long Does Each Migraine Stage Last?

  • Prodrome: 24–48 hours

  • Aura: 5–60 minutes

  • Attack: 4–72 hours

  • Postdrome: Up to 24 hours
    Each person’s experience is unique, and stages may overlap.

• What Is The Difference Between Aura And Ocular Migraine?

  Aura usually affects both eyes and comes with sensory disturbances. Ocular migraines affect only one eye and typically do not include a headache.

• Are The Stages Of Migraine The Same For Everyone?

  No. Migraine experiences are highly individualized. Some go through all four stages, while others only experience one or two.

Understanding the 4 stages of migraine—from early signs to recovery—empowers you to manage the condition more proactively. Whether you get classic migraines, migraines with aura, or ocular migraines, recognizing the pattern can help you intervene earlier.

And while medication is a common treatment route, more people are discovering natural options that work with the brain’s own processes. Techniques like self-hypnosis offer the benefit of being drug-free, side-effect-free, and fast-acting—especially when used regularly.

If you’re curious about using your own mind to find relief, the Reveri app offers research-backed self-hypnosis sessions for pain, sleep, stress, and more. You can try it here and see how just a few minutes might change your day.