Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTreatment and PreventionManagementFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Treatment and Prevention
Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Amigraineisn’t just any headache. It consists of several stages, including the prodrome (or pre-migraine phase), an aura, the migraine itself, and then a postdrome (or post-migraine phase). The postdrome phase is not often discussed when considering the effects of migraines. However, it can be as debilitating as the migraine itself. Many people with migraines describe this final phase of a migraine as being similar to a hangover after drinking too much alcohol.
This article will explore the symptoms, management, and prevention of the postdrome phase of a migraine.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
A “migraine hangover,” or postdrome migraine stage, is what follows a migraine. This phase usually lasts 24–48 hours.For some, this phase can be more debilitating than the migraine itself.
Some of the symptoms of a postdrome migraine include:
A migraine hangover can even affect other areas of the body besides the head. It can cause abdominal issues, aches throughout the body, and sensitivity to touch.A 2018 study showed that 81% of those with migraines had at least one non-headache postdrome symptom.
In some cases, postdrome symptoms can last for days after a migraine ends.
Prodrome vs. PostdromeProdrome is the few hours to days that lead up to a migraine. Symptoms of prodrome include irritability, depression, yawning, light sensitivity, fatigue, or nausea.Postdrome is the 24- to 48-hour period that follows a migraine. Symptoms of postdrome can mimic those experienced during the prodrome phase. However, they may also include dehydration, body aches, abdominal issues, and other debilitating symptoms.
Prodrome vs. Postdrome
Prodrome is the few hours to days that lead up to a migraine. Symptoms of prodrome include irritability, depression, yawning, light sensitivity, fatigue, or nausea.Postdrome is the 24- to 48-hour period that follows a migraine. Symptoms of postdrome can mimic those experienced during the prodrome phase. However, they may also include dehydration, body aches, abdominal issues, and other debilitating symptoms.
Prodrome is the few hours to days that lead up to a migraine. Symptoms of prodrome include irritability, depression, yawning, light sensitivity, fatigue, or nausea.
Postdrome is the 24- to 48-hour period that follows a migraine. Symptoms of postdrome can mimic those experienced during the prodrome phase. However, they may also include dehydration, body aches, abdominal issues, and other debilitating symptoms.
How Long Do Migraines Last?
Remember that it may not be possible to prevent postdrome.
The American Migraine Foundation recommends the following tips to minimize the discomfort that follows your migraine:
There aremedicationsthat treat and prevent migraines. However, one study found that for most people who suffer from postdrome, medications taken during a migraine do not affect duration of the postdrome phase.
If you get frequent migraines and experience migraine postdrome, talk to a healthcare professional about treatment options.
How Migraines Are Treated
Preventing a migrainefrom happening in the first place is the best way to manage migraine postdrome. It may not be possible to predict a migraine coming on, but you can experiment with prevention methods and make efforts to minimize postdrome symptoms.
Consider keeping a migraine diary to document the events and symptoms surrounding each phase of your migraine. Over time you may be able toidentify triggersand patterns that can help you manage migraine onset and symptoms.
Some people find that extra sleep helps them manage migraine hangovers. Others may find that certain foods or activities trigger or elongate symptoms. Avoiding those triggers may help manage hangovers.
A Word From Verywell
Living with migraines can be debilitating and impact your overall quality of life. Talk to a healthcare professional about treatment options that may help you. Remember that recovering from migraines can take time. But with medical assistance and tracking, it is possible to pinpoint solutions that may help you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe postdrome phase usually lasts 24–48 hours. However, every person is different and may experience longer or shorter postdrome phases.Studies show that postdrome usually lasts one or two days.However, some patients may experience symptoms for longer. If you suffer from lengthy migraine hangovers, you should speak with your physician about options that are right for you.
The postdrome phase usually lasts 24–48 hours. However, every person is different and may experience longer or shorter postdrome phases.
Studies show that postdrome usually lasts one or two days.However, some patients may experience symptoms for longer. If you suffer from lengthy migraine hangovers, you should speak with your physician about options that are right for you.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Migraine Foundation.Migraine hangover.
Kelman L.The postdrome of the acute migraine attack.Cephalalgia. 2006;26(2):214-220. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2005.01026.x
American Migraine Foundation.The science of migraine - how to deal with postdrome.
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