A few words of comfort from NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke as featured in MSN. This article is designed to help you cope with the pain, light sensitivity, and nausea that accompanies a migraine.

The goal is to make you as comfortable as possible. First, just a few words about a migraine’s four stages and their specific symptoms known as a migraine postdrome.

Migraine Hangovers are Medically Categorized as Postdrome

According to NINDS, the first stage of a migraine is called a postdrome. It can occur up to twenty-four hours before a headache.  For example, it may cause mood swings or food cravings

About the Aura Phase

Flashing or bright lights may occur that resemble heat waves. Muscle weakness may also occur or even just a general feeling of discomfort

About the Migraine

This phase is called the “attack”. Once it begins it continues to build. Fortunately, not everyone will experience this phase of a migraine headache.

The Postdrome or Hangover Phase

During the postdrome phase which may last for a day, you may be confused and/or exhausted. Doctor Medhat Mikhael is a pain management specialist at the Hoag Hospital Newport Beach California Medical Center.

Dr. Mikhael explains that reactions vary from feeling fatigued to becoming hyper.

A How-to for Self-Care

Dr. Pengfel Zhang is an assistant professor at Rutgers Medical School. Prof. Zhang cautions that the majority of the medications used to treat non headache pain or postdrome symptoms are ineffective.

Once the primary headache is gone with the exception of physicians such as Drs. Zhang, and Mikhael, the majority of doctors consider the treatment to have been successful.

The doctors were joined in the conversation by Dr. Kiran Rainjeesh, Director of the Neurological Pain Division at Ohio State who offered several methods to make yourself comfortable during these postdrome periods.

Staying Hydrated

Unsurprising, Dr. Rajneesh suggests that water and electrolytes are high on the list. Also, Dr. Mikhael said that keeping hydrated may help produce a more rapid recovery.

Yoga and Biofeedback

Yoga, Light Exercise, and biofeedback cause the release of helpful endogenous endorphins (hormones). The body releases these hormones when it feels stress or pain. Tension is very common during postdrome periods. Therefore, stretching will help relieve these body aches.

Small Meals

By eating more often and reducing the size of portions, it may be possible to avoid nausea Dr. Mikhael adds.

According to Dr. Mikhael, this can help replenish your energy and lower the risk of nausea.

Avoid Loud Noise and Bright Lights.

Dr. Rajneesh added that after an episode of postdrome symptoms, people may require time to relax and to avoid unsettling noise or glaring lights causing them to become overstimulated.

A short nap, if possible, will have a positive effect.

If you are among those who have postdrome symptoms, it is helpful to plan your day to mitigate the effect as much as possible.