Migraine attacks are bad enough on their own, but at least 80 percent of people who get them also continue to have symptoms even after an attack ends. Though the symptoms of a “migraine hangover,” or postdrome, can vary, a migraine attack can affect you long after it seems to have passed.

Have you experienced a migraine hangover? Are you wondering if what you feel after a migraine attack counts as a hangover? Here’s what you need to know about migraine hangovers to better understand what is happening with your body and how to get the best possible migraine treatment plan.

What Is a Migraine Hangover?

A migraine hangover happens when you continue to have symptoms after your headache and other migraine symptoms are gone. This phase, called postdrome, is the last part of a migraine attack. It can last anywhere from several hours to 48 hours, though some people have reported even longer migraine hangovers. One MyMigraineTeam member said, “I often think the hangover is the worst part. Mine often lasts much longer than the headache.”

Studies show that 80 percent to 97 percent of people with migraine experience migraine hangovers. Symptoms experienced during this phase of a migraine attack can vary from person to person.

Common symptoms of migraine hangover include:

• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Extreme mood changes

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Light sensitivity or sound sensitivity
• Dizziness
• Body aches and pains
• Difficulty understanding or comprehending things you can usually understand

Some MyMigraineTeam members report even more symptoms. Some report struggling to find the right words during a migraine hangover. One MyMigraineTeam member shared, “I get a terrible migraine hangover and start babbling if I talk.” Another added, “Sometimes hangovers are worse. I hate not being able to find the right words, sometimes drawing blanks.”

Studies have found between 80 percent to 97 percent of people with migraine experience migraine hangovers.

Fatigue is also common during a migraine hangover. One member explained, “Not sure which is worse — the migraine or the day-after migraine hangover. Zero energy.” Sometimes, fatigue comes with other symptoms. Another member said, “I call these migraine hangovers because while the pain is gone, I’m still experiencing extreme fatigue and very loud tinnitus.”

A migraine hangover can be frustrating, especially if the people around you don’t understand what you’re going through. “I hate the hangover,” one member shared. “The headache might not be as bad, but I am just so tired. Then everybody looks at you like you should be great because your migraine is gone. It’s so frustrating.”

Managing Migraine Hangovers

There are several strategies you can try to manage your migraine hangovers, shorten their duration, and ease symptoms. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.

Your neurologist or headache specialist can also help you come up with possible solutions. If you deal with migraine hangovers regularly, be sure to tell your healthcare provider. They may recommend lifestyle changes or adjustments to your migraine treatment plan.

“Not sure which is worse — the migraine or the day-after migraine hangover. Zero energy.”

— A MyMigraineTeam member

Here are some things you can try at home to help manage your migraine hangovers.

Rest

Getting quality rest during a migraine attack can be difficult, but try your best to stick to your regular habits and sleep schedule. If you can’t stick to your routine, try to resume your usual activities as soon as you’re able. Give yourself time — ideally a full day — to rest after a migraine attack. If this isn’t possible, do what you can to lighten your load and ask your friends and family for help.

Eat and Drink Well

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy, balanced meals during a migraine attack. Staying hydrated during a migraine attack may help ease hangover symptoms later on. Sticking to your regular eating and drinking schedule during a migraine attack may help your body cope with the symptoms better and recover more quickly once an attack ends.

Try Gentle Physical Activity

Movement and gentle activities, like stretching, during a migraine attack, can help your body feel better once an attack ends. While it’s important not to push your body too hard — since this may trigger another attack — some light movement may help you feel better.

Avoid Triggers

If you’ve noticed that certain factors — like foods or environments — make your migraine postdrome symptoms worse, try to avoid them as much as possible. Bright lights and loud noises, for example, can often make symptoms worse. Also, make sure to avoid any known migraine triggers during this time to prevent another migraine attack.

Embrace Comforting Activities

Some people find that soothing activities help them get over their migraine hangovers faster. What’s calming or comforting depends on the person, but you might try ice packs or heating pads, or ordering your favorite comfort foods. Some people benefit from massages or other relaxing treatments or therapies.

Be Cautious With Caffeine

Caffeine can be tricky during a migraine hangover. For some, it can help reduce symptoms, while for others, it can make them worse. If you want to try it, start with a small amount. If you feel better, or at least don’t feel worse, try it in larger quantities to see if it helps your migraine hangover symptoms.

Staying hydrated during a migraine attack may help ease hangover symptoms later on.

Preventing Migraine Attacks

Taking steps to prevent migraine attacks can also help you avoid migraine hangovers. Talk to your headache specialist or neurologist about treatment options that may help prevent future migraine attacks. There are various preventive treatment options available. Talking with a healthcare provider is the best way to learn more about your options and find what might work best for you.

Your neurology team will also want to help you understand your migraine attacks. They may ask you to keep a headache journal, where you keep track of what triggers migraine attacks, your symptoms before, during, and after an attack, and how long the attacks last. Be sure to include details about symptoms like migraine auras and other visual disturbances, headache pain, and fatigue. This can help you identify patterns and potential triggers, giving you better insight into how to manage your migraine attacks.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for reducing migraine attacks and migraine hangovers, you and your healthcare team can work together to find ways to reduce the frequency of your attacks. By doing so, you won’t have to deal with head pain and hangover symptoms as frequently.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMigraineTeam is the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones. On MyMigraineTeam, more than 84,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.

Do you struggle with migraine hangover? What helps ease your postdrome phase symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.