How long do migrains usually last, what are the symptoms, and whats the best way to treat them?

Answer 1

Migraines are painful, throbbing headaches that last from 4 to 72 hours. When you have a migraine, it may be so painful that you are not able to follow your normal routine or do your usual activities. But even though they make you feel bad, migraines do not cause long-term damage.

Migraines are a disease. You cannot just "will them away." Talk to your doctor about your migraines. There are treatments that can help you manage them.

What causes migraines?

Experts are not sure what causes migraines. The blood vessels in your brain may get wider or narrower. This may cause swelling and pain. 1

Migraines run in families, but it is not clear why some people get migraines and others do not.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of a migraine is a throbbing headache on one side of your head. You may also feel sick to your stomach and vomit. Activity, light, noise, or odors may make the migraine worse. The pain may move from one side of your head to the other, or you may feel it on both sides at the same time. Different people have different symptoms.

Some people have an aura before the migraine begins. When you have an aura, you may first see spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights. Your hands, arms, or face may tingle or feel numb. The aura usually starts about 30 minutes before the headache. But most people do not have auras.

How are migraines diagnosed?

A doctor can usually tell if you have a migraine by asking about your symptoms and examining you. You probably will not need lab tests, but your doctor may order some if he or she thinks your symptoms are caused by another disease.

Many experts think you have migraines if: 2

You have 5 or more headache attacks without an aura or you have 2 attacks with an aura.
Your headache lasts from 4 to 72 hours without treatment.
You also feel sick to your stomach and may vomit. Light and noise may make your headache worse.
How are they treated?

You can usually manage your migraines. First try an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Brand names include Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.

If over-the-counter medicine does not work, your doctor can prescribe stronger medicine that stops the migraine as it is starting. You may not be able to use some medicines if you are pregnant or have other health problems, such as heart problems or high blood pressure.

When you feel a migraine coming on:

Stop what you are doing, and take your medicine. Do not wait for the migraine to get worse. Take your medicine exactly as your doctor told you to.
Take it easy. Rest in a quiet, dark room. Close your eyes, and try to relax or go to sleep. Do not watch TV or read. Put a cold pack or cool cloth on the painful area.
If the first treatment you try does not work, try something else. It may take time to find what works best for you.

Some people also use other kinds of treatments, such as acupuncture or the herb feverfew. These may help reduce the pain or the number of migraines you have. But experts need more research to see if they really work. 3, 4

Be careful when you use your migraine medicines. Taking them too often can cause you to get another headache when you stop taking the medicine. This is called a rebound headache. If you find you are taking your medicines very often, talk to your doctor before a problem starts.

Can I reduce how often I have migraines?

You may be able to reduce how often you have migraines by staying away from things that cause them. These are called "triggers." Common triggers include chocolate, red wine, cheese, MSG, strong odors, not eating, and poor sleep habits. It may be helpful for you to track and write down your triggers. You may be able to avoid the trigger and more migraines.

If you have migraines often, your doctor may prescribe medicine that helps prevent them.

Answer 2

OK, migraines can last from a few hours to several days. Symptoms usually include pain in the face area (as opposed to the back of the head), sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes touch and smell as well. There is no "best" way to treat them because each person's migraines, the frequency and duration and causes, are all different. See a doctor...there are doctors who specialize in migraines that can help you.

Answer 3

As a frequent headache sufferer, thankfully my migrains are few. They can last anywhere from a day (with prescription meds) to two weeks...no lie. Different people get different symptoms, but usually an aversion to light, nausea, and in some folks, vomiting. With me, even bright colors bother it. Weird. Anyway, I can tell when one is coming on when I get what looks like a lightning across my eyes and I can't see anything clearly. Sometimes I can't even do simple tasks such as writing because I forget how to spell. The best way to treat them? For mild to medium headaches, Tylenol Rapid Release works OK. For the worse ones, I am on Relpax.

Answer 4

MIgraines are horrible. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
You have a bad headache, sometimes vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and lightheadedness.
You should go to the ER if you experience a headache that you've never had before.

I've tried a newer drug called Replax. It will work if you take is up to a half hour after the pain starts.

Answer 5

For me a migraine attack would last from 12-18 hours if I don't take medication. It may differ from person to person though.

Symptoms:
Sensitivity to light and sound
One part of your head hurts so much that you think your going to die!
nausea

Treatment:
I take Excedrin Migraine, and I feel better in 15 minutes!

Answer 6

For years I had brutal migraines...and then came Excedrin Extra Strength!!! If you take two as soon as you feel the slightest headache coming on...they'll take care of it...no problem (you'll spare yourself the pain and nausea)! But, if you wait until the migraine is 'full blown'...nothing will help, you'll have to suffer through it! I never leave home without my Excedrin!
Amazing stuff!

Answer 7

Sensitivity to lights and noise, I used to feel a bit woozy, couldn't think clear at all, used to see spotty lights around the outside edge of my vision. Rarely did I ever actually get the pain. Excederin used to work wonders for me, but so does laying in a dark, quiet room. It used to go away in a couple hours. If it lasts for more than a day or two, I'd go to the doc.

Answer 8

how long they last?..until the person thats annoying you leaves

what are the symptoms?..painful throbbing of the head

best way to treat them..close your eyes and count backwards from 500...if i that time the person that was annoying you had left the room from bordom then you know you have treated your migrain.

Answer 9

If you don't live in california then this isn't the right solution for you, but I know many people who's sure fire way to get rid of one is to smoke cannibus. When I was younger I would just have to sit in a dark quiet room until it went away, always stay hydrated though no matter what.

Answer 10

They can last anywhere from a few hours to a couple days in my case. Take some excedrin if you have it. Or any kind of pain reliever. Keep noise level to a minimum, dim the lights or turn them off and try to go to sleep.