A migraine is a neurologic disorder that causes severe, throbbing head pain and other symptoms that can be debilitating for some people. Although there’s ongoing research into what causes migraine, the medical community has a better understanding of migraine triggers and the warning signs that arrive before head pain.
At New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine, we offer comprehensive care for people with acute and chronic migraine.
Pain management specialist Jose De La Torre, MD, and our team use the latest treatments to address existing migraine symptoms. We can also recommend medications and other therapies to prevent recurrent migraines from developing.
Here, our team provides insight into common warning signs of an impending migraine, allowing you to take a proactive approach to minimize pain and other symptoms.
The warning signs of a migraine can develop several hours or days before you experience pain. These symptoms are referred to as the prodrome phase of a migraine and can vary from person to person.
Understanding common prodrome symptoms helps you recognize the onset of a migraine before the pain hits, so you can start treatment and take other necessary precautions.
Though not everyone experiences the same warning signs, here are five of the most common signs that a migraine may be on the way:
A change of blood flow to the brain that triggers migraine pain can also contribute to pain, stiffness, and cramping in the neck.
Irritated or inflamed nerves in the neck may also play a role in both persistent neck pain and recurrent migraine headaches.
Frequent yawning is a known prodrome symptom that occurs hours before the onset of a migraine.
The link between yawning and migraine relates to abnormal dopamine activity in the hypothalamus region of the brain that occurs before a migraine attack
Food cravings can be a warning sign of an impending migraine. Cravings might also develop during or after a migraine attack due to changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
Most commonly, migraine sufferers report strong cravings for sugary foods, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and processed meats.
Mood changes are often noticeable before migraine pain starts. You might feel anxious, irritable, or sad before the onset of a migraine due to fluctuations in brain chemicals.
In some people, feelings of euphoria or intense happiness develop before a migraine attack because of an increase in mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
Your body may hold more fluids than usual in the days leading up to a migraine attack. Fluid retention can be caused by an imbalance in sodium levels and water in the body that occurs when you give in to cravings for processed or salty foods.
You may notice swelling throughout the body due to excess fluid. You might also have to urinate more frequently before a migraine starts.
Being aware of the prodrome symptoms you experience before a migraine gives you time to take preventive action.
At the first sign of prodrome-related symptoms, you should take the migraine medications Dr. De La Torre recommends to prevent pain.
You should also prioritize rest, when possible, to minimize the severity of migraine symptoms. Since migraine headaches can make you more sensitive to light and sound, resting in a dark, quiet room can make you more comfortable.
If you’re dealing with migraine for the first time, our team recommends tracking all the symptoms you experience before, during, and after a migraine. This information helps us design a more accurate treatment and prevention plan.
Call New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to learn more about pain management solutions for migraine. You can also book an appointment online.
