A recent article details the four distinct stages of a migraine attack, a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions, to help individuals recognize symptoms and manage pain effectively.

• Approximately five million Australians are affected by migraine, yet understanding of its different stages is limited.
• The four phases are: Premonitory, Aura, Headache, and Postdrome.
• The premonitory phase, beginning 24 to 48 hours before a headache, involves the hypothalamus and can present with symptoms like food cravings and irritability.
• Only 30% of people experience migraine with aura, which involves neurological symptoms affecting vision, speech, or sensations.
• The headache phase typically lasts between four and 72 hours if untreated.
• Individuals experiencing more than four migraine attacks per month may consider preventive medications.