A migraine is a complex neurological disorder that extends beyond a severe headache. A migraine attack typically progresses through several phases. One phase, often called a “migraine hangover,” involves lingering symptoms that can significantly affect an individual even after the main headache has subsided. This phase is common for many who experience migraines.
Understanding the Migraine Postdrome
The “migraine hangover” is medically known as the postdrome phase, representing the final stage of a migraine attack. This phase occurs after the acute headache pain has resolved, yet individuals continue to experience various symptoms. The postdrome can last for a few hours or extend up to two days, varying from person to person and even between different migraine attacks for the same individual.
Over 80% of people who experience migraine attacks also report experiencing postdrome, making it a prevalent aspect of the condition. The feeling during this phase is often likened to an alcohol-induced hangover, contributing to the common nickname. While the intense headache pain has passed, the postdrome can be equally disruptive to daily activities, preventing individuals from feeling fully recovered.
Common Symptoms
During the migraine postdrome, a range of symptoms can manifest. Many individuals report profound fatigue and feeling drained or weary. Difficulty concentrating, often described as “brain fog,” is another common complaint. Mood changes are also frequently observed, ranging from irritability and depression to, less commonly, euphoria.
Physical discomforts are characteristic of this phase. These include body aches, a stiff neck, and residual head pain or pressure. Some individuals also report increased sensitivity to light and sound. Other symptoms may involve nausea, dizziness, and a general feeling of being “washed out.”
Why It Occurs
The exact mechanisms behind the migraine postdrome are not fully understood. Scientific understanding suggests that profound changes in brain activity and blood flow during the headache phase of a migraine persist even after the pain resolves. This lingering neurological alteration is thought to contribute to postdrome symptoms.
Migraines involve complex changes in brain neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. Imbalances in these chemical messengers can continue into the postdrome phase, influencing mood changes and persistent fatigue. Cortical spreading depression, a wave of electrical activity during a migraine, may also play a role in lingering neurological effects.
Coping Strategies
Managing postdrome symptoms often involves practical self-care strategies. Getting sufficient rest is beneficial, as migraines are physically demanding and postdrome often includes fatigue. Staying well-hydrated and consuming balanced meals can aid recovery. Engaging in light physical activities, such as gentle stretching or yoga, may help ease body aches and stiffness.
Avoid known migraine triggers during this phase, such as bright lights or loud noises, which can exacerbate sensitivities. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule supports overall brain health and may reduce future attacks or severe postdrome. Over-the-counter pain relievers can sometimes help with residual head or body aches. If migraine attacks and postdrome symptoms are frequent or disruptive, consult a healthcare provider for a tailored management plan or preventive medications.