Understanding and Recognizing Pre-Migraine Symptoms

Did you know that a migraine is more than just a headache? According to the American Migraine Foundation, it’s a neurological condition that impacts over 36 million Americans. When experiencing a migraine, the pain can be severe, making it difficult to complete daily tasks. To avoid a painful migraine attack, it’s essential to recognize the signs of pre-migraine, one of the four stages of a migraine attack. By being aware of pre-migraine symptoms and taking preventative measures, you may be able to avoid the onset of a migraine.

What are the pre-migraine symptoms?

Understanding that a migraine is more than just a headache is essential. It’s a neurological condition that affects millions of people. One of the four stages of a migraine attack is pre-migraine, or the prodromal phase. During this stage, you may experience symptoms indicating a migraine attack is coming.

These symptoms can occur from a few hours to several days before the attack. Identifying pre-migraine signs and taking preventative measures to prevent a severe migraine attack is essential. Remember that not everyone experiences the same symptoms during the prodromal phase, and not all migraine attacks are preceded by this stage.

Pre-migraine symptoms may include:

• Mood changes. You may feel depressed, anxious, or irritable for no particular reason.
• Myalgia Stiffness and cramping in your neck and shoulders are common symptoms that precede a migraine.
• Cravings to eat. Before a migraine attack, you could have desires and delightful foods.
• Difficulty concentrating. You may have trouble concentrating and feel foggy or disoriented.
• Exhaustion. Even if you slept well at night, you might feel extra tired, triggering a migraine attack.
• Excessive yawning. Finding yourself frequently yawning throughout the day can be a symptom of a migraine attack.
• Digestion problems. You may have constipation or diarrhea before a migraine attack begins.
• Increased frequency of urination. A typical initial symptom is needing to go to the bathroom more than usual.
• Sensitivity to light and sound. You may have a reduced tolerance for bright lights and loud sounds before and during a migraine attack.

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What to do if you have pre-migraine symptoms

Identifying pre-migraine symptoms and taking preventative measures to avoid a full-blown migraine attack is crucial. If you are under medical treatment for migraines, consult your doctor to develop a pre-migraine management plan. Some common steps can be helpful during the prodromal stage, such as implementing lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding triggers that may worsen your symptoms:

• Take pain-relieving medications. Taking pain medication before a migraine attack starts can help. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) options like Excedrin or prescription options. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking prescribed migraine medications.
• Take any preventative medications. Be careful not to miss doses of any prescribed preventive medicine if you are experiencing initial symptoms.
• Avoid any known migraine triggers. It’s always a good idea to avoid whatever motivations your migraine, but taking extra care to avoid triggers when you notice pre-migraine symptoms can help prevent a full-blown migraine attack.
• Rest and relax. Taking time to rest and relax can help prevent a full-blown migraine attack. If you can, try to nap or go to bed early. Meditation or other relaxation techniques can be beneficial.
• Find a dark room. Noisy, bright, and stressful situations are best avoided when pre-migraine symptoms occur. Relaxing in a dark, quiet room can help prevent a migraine attack.
• Take a hot shower. A hot shower can help relax your muscles. You can also try warm compresses.
• Try ice packs. Ice packs are an excellent way to numb the pain and help you get comfortable.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage. Small amounts of caffeine can help relieve pain and enhance the effects of over-the-counter pain medications. It’s a good idea to stick to a small amount, like one cup of coffee or a can of soft drink. Too much caffeine can trigger withdrawal headaches and make it difficult to sleep.

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When to call the doctor

People who experience migraine attacks may be able to treat them with over-the-counter medications and rest. When frequent migraine attacks interrupt your daily activities, speaking with a doctor is a good idea. Call the doctor if you:

• Over-the-counter drugs don’t stop migraines
• Needing to take over-the-counter medicines more than twice a week
• Migraine attacks are more frequent than in the past
• Migraine attacks become more severe when moving or changing positions
• Migraine attacks are new or more painful than in the past
• The head seems to hurt all the time
• The headache started after a head injury or trauma
• Symptoms increase, such as dizziness or numbness
• Headaches are caused by exercise or sexual activity

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What are the other migraine stages?

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can have various stages. Not everyone will experience all stages during every migraine attack. However, there are some standard stages of migraine that people may go through, including:

• Aura phase:

This phase usually occurs about an hour before a migraine attack. It is characterized by symptoms such as blurry vision, flashing lights, visual hallucinations, numbness, dizziness, and changes in hearing and speech. About one-third of migraine sufferers experience an aura.

• Headache stage or attack:

This stage is characterized by moderate to severe head pain, often concentrated on one side of the head. The pain can be throbbing and may become sharper when moving. This phase can last anywhere from a few hours to 3 days and often includes additional symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, trouble sleeping, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.

• Post-publication or decision stage:

This phase occurs once the migraine attack has gone away and can last from a few hours to a few days. Symptoms during this stage often include feeling tired, dizzy, and achy. It is best to continue avoiding triggers and rest as much as you need during this phase.

If you experience migraines, it’s essential to identify pre-migraine symptoms and take preventative measures to avoid a full-blown migraine attack. If you are under medical treatment for migraines, consult your doctor to develop a pre-migraine management plan. Some common steps can be helpful during the prodromal stage, such as implementing lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding triggers that may worsen your symptoms.

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Questions to ask your doctor

Understanding migraine attacks can help you control and manage them. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions during your appointment. Questions to ask include:

• Can an underlying health problem cause migraine attacks?
• Can alcohol, smoking, or stress cause migraines?
• Can changes like getting more exercise help to prevent migraines?
• Are there foods I should avoid?
• Are there foods I should eat more of?
• What medications can I take to prevent migraines or stop an attack?
• What medications can treat secondary symptoms such as nausea or dizziness?
• What are the side effects of the drugs?

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Takeaway

The pre-migraine phase can start anywhere from a few days to a few hours before you have a migraine attack. Symptoms can vary but often include:

• confusion
• exhaustion
• Urinary frequency
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Mood changes
• neck pain
• Cravings to eat

If you experience frequent migraines, it’s essential to recognize the pre-migraine symptoms and take preventive measures to avoid an attack. Consulting with your doctor can help identify pre-migraine signs and develop a management plan. During the pre-migraine period, lifestyle changes, prescribed medications, and avoiding triggers can effectively manage and prevent migraine attacks.