Post Migraine Symptoms: What Happens After an Attack

Written and verified by Holly Hazen

Post migraine symptoms are more than just a lingering headache - they represent a complex neurological recovery process that many of us misunderstand. A migraine unfolds in multiple stages, with the postdrome phase being a critical yet often overlooked period of healing and repair.

The postdrome phase - often called the "migraine hangover" - is part of the chain of biological events that occurs during a migraine attack. Symptoms can linger for a day or two while your brain and body recover from the neurological storm.

Brain fog; feeling hungover or beaten up; low energy; tired and depressed. These are just a few symptoms you might be experiencing after your migraine attack.

Keep reading to discover what truly happens to your body and mind after an attack and learn some practical strategies to help make this challenging recovery period easier.

What Are Post Migraine Symptoms?

Post migraine symptoms occur during the postdrome phase, the final stage of a migraine attack. During this recovery period, the brain and nervous system gradually return to normal after the neurological disruption caused by the migraine.

For many people, this phase feels like a “migraine hangover.” Symptoms can last 24–48 hours and may include fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, body aches, and difficulty concentrating as the brain stabilizes its chemical balance.

The Neurological Science Behind Post Migraine Symptoms

Understanding the Migraine Cascade

Migraines are fundamentally a neurological disorder characterized by a complex chemical cascade in the brain:

• Serotonin Fluctuation: A significant drop in serotonin levels triggers a chain reaction

• Neuropeptide Release: This triggers the release of neuropeptides

• Neurological Disruption: Nerves and blood vessels become hypersensitive and reactive
  
  

A migraine is caused by a chemical imbalance occurring in the brain.

A drop in serotonin triggers the release of neuropeptides, which in turn causes the nerves and blood vessels in the brain to become over excited and reactive. 

This means you might feel the results of these changes before the pain phase part of the migraine begins (migraine aura) and continue to feel them after the worst of the migraine has passed.

That's common. Sadly.

Now... how long does this hangover part last? 

What Happens During the Postdrome Phase?

The postdrome phase is essentially your brain's recovery period, often described as a "migraine hangover". This stage can last 24-48 hours and is characterized by a complex array of symptoms that extend beyond typical headache recovery.

You can read about all the stages here → The 4 Phases of a Migraine Attack. 

You can also learn more about → early warning migraine symptoms that happen before an attack begins.

Comprehensive List of Post Migraine Symptoms

The symptoms that occur postdrome can include:

Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue and low energy - profound exhaustion that goes beyond normal tiredness

• Muscle weakness - noticeable reduction in physical strength and stamina

• Body aches - generalized muscle and joint discomfort

• Mild residual headache - lingering head pain, though less intense than during the migraine

• Dizziness - reduced balance and spatial awareness

• Reduced appetite - potential metabolic disruption following the migraine attack
  
  

Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms

Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog): Difficulty concentrating, reduced mental clarity

Mood Fluctuations:

• Low mood or mild depression

• Occasional euphoria or emotional volatility
  
  

Reduced Cognitive Performance:

• Slower processing speed

• Decreased problem-solving capabilities

• Temporary memory challenges
  
  

These post migraine symptoms sound gentler than the intense pain phase, but they can be just as debilitating.

If you feel dull and beaten up for days after a long attack... I have some more tips for you so keep reading.

Track Your Post Migraine Symptoms

Track Symptoms and Triggers Together

Many migraine triggers are difficult to identify without careful tracking. Recording patterns over time can reveal connections between symptoms, triggers, medications, sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors. 

Tracking can help you and your doctor better understand:

• possible migraine triggers

• timing and severity of attacks

• medications used and how well they work

• patterns related to sleep, food, stress, or activity
  
  

Over time this information can make it much easier to identify patterns and build a more effective migraine management plan.

My trigger trackers can help.

→ Track your migraine symptoms and triggers together

Advanced Management Strategies for Post Migraine Recovery

Immediate Post Migraine Care Protocol

Medical Interventions

1. Pharmaceutical Approaches

• Consult with healthcare providers about targeted postdrome treatments

• Consider low-dose aspirin (900 mg) with metoclopramide (10 mg)

• Explore emerging CGRP (Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide) medications
  
  

Consult with your doctor to consider taking “formulations of aspirin 900 mg together with 10 mg of the antiemetic metoclopramide are better than placebo at reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting” if you still experience these as symptoms after the pain phase has ended. _[1]

2. Natural Remedies

• Ginger tea for potential headache and digestive support

• High-protein, easily digestible foods

• Bone broth for nutritional recovery
  
  

Rest and Recovery

• Prioritize rest in a dark, quiet environment

• Practice gentle recovery techniques

• Maintain consistent sleep patterns
  
  

Nutritional and Hydration Strategies

Rehydration: Crucial for neurological and metabolic recovery

Nutrient-Dense Foods:

• Pureed soups

• Protein-rich liquid meals

• Easily digestible nutrients
  
  

Eat light foods like soups to rehydrate yourself. You can learn more about proper hydration for migraine recovery here.

Instead of a protein shake, I make a high protein meal and puree it into a soup. Here's my favorite high protein migraine soup recipe if you want to experiment with it.

Stews and casseroles are also easier to digest.

Stress Management and Trigger Avoidance

Stress Reduction Techniques:

• Meditation

• Deep breathing exercises

• Gentle yoga
  
  

Trigger Avoidance:

• Minimize alcohol consumption

• Avoid known personal migraine triggers

• Create a calm, low-stimulus environment
  
  

Long-Term Management and Prevention

Tracking and Understanding Your Migraine Patterns

• Maintain a detailed migraine and symptom journal

• Identify individual triggers and recovery patterns

• Work closely with healthcare professionals
  
  

Holistic Approaches

• Regular sleep hygiene

• Stress management techniques

• Balanced nutrition

• Regular, gentle exercise

• Potential supplements (under medical guidance)
  
  

When to Seek Professional Help

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Persistent or worsening symptoms

• Increased frequency of migraines

• Significant impact on daily functioning

• Development of new or unusual symptoms
  
  

FAQ on Post Migraine Symptoms (Postdrome)

Click on the arrow to see the answer.

Supporting Your Own Migraine Recovery

Understanding and managing post migraine symptoms is a complex, individualized journey. By taking an active, personalized role in your own recovery - tracking symptoms, experimenting with strategies, and listening to your body's unique signals - you can significantly improve your recovery process and overall quality of life.

Remember: Every migraine experience is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. Patience, self-compassion, and professional guidance are key to effective management.

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You can learn about the most essential things you need to know to get your best chance at aborting the next attack.

Until next time, be well and be pain free.

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_{Post Migraine Symptoms Source:
1. Wiley-Blackwell. (2010). Migraine: Aspirin and an antiemetic is a reasonable option, review finds. ScienceDaily. Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100413202645.htm}

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