There are four stages of a migraine, and the last stage is known as the postdrome or the migraine hangover. Not everyone gets one, but it is believed that 80% of migraine sufferers experience a postdrome. Let’s learn more about the symptoms of a migraine hangover and what not to do after a migraine.
If you are suffering from migraines, schedule an appointment with our interventional pain management specialists. Call our headache clinic in Boston, MA today by calling (781) 647-7246.
Are You Having a Migraine Hangover?
This so-called postdrome can last just a few hours or it can continue for days after the actual migraine. Symptoms of a migraine hangover can vary from person to person.
Symptoms of postdrome may include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling moody or on edge
- Gastro problems
- Shoulder and neck stiffness
- Weakness
- Eyes may be sensitive to light
- Nausea
- The feeling of being completely drained
Scientists aren’t sure why this occurs, and the severity of the migraine itself has no relationship to the hangover phase.
What Not To Do After A Migraine
Once you reach the postdrome phase of your migraine, don’t think everything is over, and you can go back to normal activities. That is the worst thing you can do.
Don’t Rush Things
Relax and take it easy for a day or two. Trying to jump back into your daily schedule could not only make your hangover worse but could bring on another migraine. No stressful activities also include no strenuous exercise until it passes.
Don’t Drink Alcohol or Caffeine
Sometimes coffee and caffeine can ease migraine symptoms, but don’t take that chance while in the postdrome phase. Stay away from these two triggers, but be sure to consume lots and lots of water. At the same time, have some small nutritious meals and healthy foods.
Don’t Shy Away From Sleep
This is especially true if you can’t sleep during the migraine itself. Your body craves some restful sleep so embrace naps. Don’t feel guilty, just enjoy.
Don’t Ignore Your Aches and Pains
Those physical aches plus the neck and shoulder discomfort should not be overlooked. Pull out your heating pad or an ice pack and use it where it hurts. Avoid screen time and relax that neck even from looking down at your handheld device.
Ask our physicians about taking over-the-counter meds for those aches and pains.
Avoid the Light
Since most people in hangover mode are sensitive to light, keep your windows partially covered. This is another good reason to close your laptop for a bit.
Don’t Encourage Migraines
Seems like a no-brainer, but if you avoid triggering a migraine, you won’t have the postdrome phase.
- Eat regular meals that are nutritious and don’t skip meals.
- Avoid all your known triggers.
- Keep to a regular sleep schedule.
- Keep an up-to-date journal.
Contact our interventional pain specialists at (781) 647-7246 if you are experiencing increasing symptoms of a postdrome phase of a migraine headache. Our providers are here to help assist you in finding relief at our headache clinic in Boston, MA.
