When it comes to migraines, most people often think of severe one-sided headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. However, the truth is that migraine is a neurological disease with various symptoms. It is not limited to just headaches but also includes symptoms that are not related to headaches (Non – Headache Symptoms) and sometimes symptoms may begin before the headache occurs or may occur during periods when there is no headache at all (Interictal Symptoms).
What is a Migraine
Migraine is a condition caused by complex chronic neurological disorders resulting from malfunctions in several parts of the brain, particularly the hypothalamus (Hypothalamus), the brain stem (Brain Stem), the trigeminal nerve (Trigeminal Nerve), and cerebral blood vessels. Normal brain function results in the release of inflammatory substances in the brain, leading to the dilation of cerebral blood vessels, thereby causing pain signals and other migraine symptoms.
How Many Stages Does a Migraine Have?
A migraine can be divided into 5 stages
- Prodrome (Prodrome) occurs up to 48 hours before the headache. Common symptoms include frequent yawning despite adequate rest, fatigue, feeling weak, stiff neck, blurred vision, confusion, slow thinking, irritability, or mood swings.
- Aura (Aura) occurs in 20 – 25% of people with migraines as temporary neurological symptoms before or during the headache.
- Headache (Headache) is the most well-known symptom. Common symptoms include throbbing pain on one or both sides, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, smells, sensitive skin on the head, and heightened tactile sensitivity.
- Postdrome (Postdrome) The headache may have resolved, but brain function is still abnormal. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, brain fog, confusion, slow thinking, unstable mood, and some may feel depressed or anxious.
- Interictal Phase (Interictal Phase) Some migraine sufferers may experience various neurological symptoms even when not having a headache. It is important to observe and consult a doctor promptly before symptoms become severe and impact life.
How Do Migraines Manifest During the Interictal Phase?
Migraine in the 5th stage, the Interictal Phase (Interictal Phase) is a subtle condition that migraine patients should observe because some migraine sufferers may have various neurological symptoms even when not having a headache, known as Interictal Symptoms. These symptoms are often not severe but can affect quality of life or daily activities.
Common Interictal Symptoms include:
- Photophobia (Photophobia) You may feel eye discomfort or pain in bright light, even when not having a headache.
- Phonophobia (Phonophobia) Ordinary sounds may feel louder or more disruptive.
- Osmophobia (Osmophobia) Smells such as cigarette smoke, perfume, or strong odors may cause discomfort.
- Allodynia (Allodynia) Light touching such as combing hair or touching skin may cause pain.
- Visual Symptoms such as Visual Snow where the patient sees fuzzy vision or small dots as if snow is falling in their vision.
- Vestibular Symptoms (Vestibular Symptoms) Feeling dizzy, nauseated, or losing balance.
- Brain Fog (Brain Fog) Having memory issues and concentration problems, feeling more tired, sleepy, with decreased energy.
- Emotional Symptoms including mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
- Low-Level Headache (Low – Level Headache) Some may experience mild headache during the interictal phase.
Why is it Important to Know the Hidden Symptoms of Migraine?
- These symptoms affect quality of life such as easy fatigue, decreased concentration, anxiety, etc.
- Observing symptoms during the Interictal phase may help anticipate future migraine attacks.
- Managing symptoms during the interictal phase may help reduce migraine frequency and severity.
- Sometimes others don’t understand Such as thinking “fussy” “imagining it” “pretending to be in pain” or “avoiding work” which can lead to bias against migraine (Migraine Stigma).
- They may not be diagnosed and treated appropriately and might consult other specialists leading to inappropriate treatment or experiencing side effects from treatment.
Because a migraine is not just about a headache and taking medication, being knowledgeable about the various symptoms of a migraine will help to understand this medical condition better and plan self-care and consult a doctor more precisely.
Migraine is a complex neurological disease that can manifest in various forms, from frequent yawning, blurred vision, dizziness, to mood swings, even when not having a headache at all. Recognizing and observing symptoms comprehensively can help in self-care more effectively and improve quality of life.
Specialists in Migraine Treatment
Dr.. Kiratikorn Vongvaivanich Neurologist specializing in headache and migraine treatment at Bangkok International Hospital, Brain and Bone Hospital
You can click here to make an appointment yourself.
Hospitals Specialized in Headache and Migraine Treatment
Brain and Neurology Center, Bangkok International Hospital, Brain and Bone Hospital is ready to provide care and treatment for headaches and migraines with a team of specialized doctors, including interdisciplinary doctors with expertise and cutting-edge treatment technology to help patients live quality lives every day.
