A migraine attack usually lasts 4 to 72 hours untreated - but the full arc runs longer, with prodrome symptoms up to 2 days before the pain and a drained postdrome after.
About a third of people get an aura, usually visual, which should not exceed an hour. Frequency ranges from rare attacks to several per week. Get seen if attacks are severe, worsening, longer than usual, more than weekly, or if the pattern changes. A sudden thunderclap worst-ever headache, or headache with weakness, slurred speech, confusion, or stiff neck, is an emergency until proven otherwise. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you log attacks and prep for a real visit.
What to do
Common questions
How long does a migraine last?
A migraine attack typically lasts between 4 hours and 3 days - 4 to 72 hours is the classic untreated window. But the head pain is only the middle act. Many people get a prodrome - yawning, food cravings, mood shifts, fatigue - starting hours to two days before the pain; about a third get an aura, usually visual, that should not last longer than an hour; and after the pain stops, a postdrome hangover of exhaustion and fog can linger a day or more. Frequency varies hugely, from occasional attacks to several per week. See a doctor if attacks are severe, getting worse, lasting longer than usual, coming more than once a week, or if your pattern changes. And treat a sudden, worst-of-your-life thunderclap headache, or headache with weakness, slurred speech, confusion, or stiff neck, as an emergency - that is not migraine until proven otherwise. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you log your pattern and prep for a real appointment.