This article will explore the symptoms, management, and prevention of the postdrome phase of a migraine.
Symptoms
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:
FatigueHead painCognitive issuesDehydrationFogginessMood changes
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.
Treatment and Prevention
Just as every person who suffers from migraines will have different symptoms, treatment and prevention methods also will vary by individual. There are various prevention methods to mitigate symptoms of postdrome. Over time, you will learn what your body responds to.
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.
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:
Drink plenty of water during and after the acute migraine phase. Try calming activities, such as yoga or meditation. Avoid stimulating activities and bright lights. Get plenty of sleep. Eat healthy meals. Avoid looking at electronic devices or screens.
There are medications that 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.
Management
Preventing a migraine from 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 to identify triggers and 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.
You can help manage your migraines and postdrome symptoms by working with a healthcare professional or a migraine specialist, such as a neurologist, to discuss medication options and create a treatment plan targeted to your specific symptoms.
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.
