A migraine attack can be extremely disabling and can be associated with many other conditions. See the early symptoms of migraines and how to prevent an attack.
Migraine symptoms go far beyond just a headache. These painful episodes are often accompanied by other conditions, such as nausea, frequent urination, mood swings, and anxiety. These are some of the most common and earliest symptoms of migraines. These tell-tale signs can often indicate the possibility of an attack. However, there are some simple ways, such as sitting in a dark room, taking medications early and eating right, that can even prevent a migraine episode. See the most common migraine symptoms and ways to prevent an episode.
What is migraine?
Migraine is not just a headache, it is a chronic neurological condition that can be extremely disabling. Imagine a throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of your head that makes even routine tasks seem impossible. “It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and an unbearable sensitivity to light and sound. In India, migraines are surprisingly common, affecting a significant portion of the population,” explains the neurologist Dr. Pradyumna Oak. Yet many people confuse it with just a “severe headache,” delaying proper treatment.
Early treatment of migraine symptoms can reduce the severity of an attack. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
What are the first symptoms of migraine?
Migraines don’t just come out of nowhere. When it comes to the earliest migraine symptoms, the body gives subtle warnings, often hours or even days in advance. The first symptoms of migraines can vary greatly from person to person, but are often referred to as the prodrome phase, the earliest phase of migraines. These symptoms can occur hours or even days before the actual event headache starts.
1. Mood swings
Mood swings are one of the most common symptoms of early migraines. You may feel unusually moody, irritable, or strangely euphoric. During the prodrome phase, which can occur a few hours to a few days before the headache begins, you may experience food cravings and be unexpectedly sad or very happy. You may also experience uncontrollable yawning, fluid retention or increased urination, according to research published by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
2. Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of early migraines is fatigue. People report feeling unusually tired and sometimes yawning excessively. A study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that fatigue is a common side effect of migraines, experienced in 70 percent of cases. The study also found a positive correlation between fatigue and severity, frequency and chronicity of migraine episodes.
3. Discomfort in neck
Some people complain of stiffness or discomfort in their neck and shoulders. It may seem harmless, but it can be one of the most relevant early migraine symptoms. A study published in the journal Diagnosticsalso states that neck pain is common with migraines.
4. Changes in appetite
Migraine symptoms can also include changes in appetite. You may suddenly start craving sweets or notice that you no longer have any cravings for food at all. A study published in the journal Frontiers in neurologyResearch found that one in four migraine attacks was accompanied by a food craving in 38 percent of migraine sufferers the day before an attack, and in 26 percent during the hours immediately preceding an attack.
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5. Increased sensitivity to light and sound
Increased sensitivity to light and sound is another telltale sign when it comes to migraine symptoms. Simple things like bright sunlight or loud noises can feel overwhelmingly irritating. In some cases, people may experience an aura: visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blind spots, or wavy lines, says Dr. Oak.
6. Frequent urination
While it may sound strange, frequent urination can also be an early symptom for some, says Dr. Oak. Migraines are often associated with changes in hormone levels. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the fluid balance in the body, leading to increased urination. The blood vessels in the brain also dilate during a migraine. This can sometimes lead to increased fluid pressure, which can cause the urge to urinate more often.
Recognizing these early migraine symptoms can make a big difference in controlling the migraine before it gets worse.
What causes a migraine?
These migraine symptoms can be caused in different ways. The triggers vary widely from person to person, but stress is one of the biggest culprits, Dr. Oak explains. A chaotic day at work or an argument in the family can be enough to trigger one. Sleep is another important factor: too much or too little can disrupt balance.
Nutrition also plays a crucial role. “Skipping meals or overindulging in certain foods like aged cheese, chocolate or even caffeine can trigger an episode,” explains Dr. Oak out.
In addition, women often experience migraines around their bodies menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. Weather changes, especially sudden shifts in humidity or temperature, are also common triggers. Loud noises, bright lights, certain medications and even overexertion during exercise can trigger migraines.
Is there a way to prevent migraines?
Prevention is all about understanding your body and your triggers. These points may help you:
- Start by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule; try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Managing stress is also crucial, whether through yoga, meditation, or simply taking some quiet time for yourself.
- Pay attention to your diet and avoid foods that seem to trigger migraines. Don’t skip meals and stay hydrated; even mild dehydration can be a trigger.
- Lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine or alcohol, can help tremendously.
If you regularly suffer from migraines, your doctor may recommend medications to prevent them. It’s all about creating a routine and sticking to it.
How to treat a migraine?
When a migraine strikes, the first step is to rest in a quiet, dark room. Medications such as triptans or over-the-counter pain relievers can help if taken early, says Dr. Oak. If nausea is a problem, anti-nausea medications can provide relief. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important, especially if you have been vomiting. For people with frequent or severe migraines, preventive therapies such as beta blockers or anticonvulsants can reduce the frequency of attacks. The key is to act quickly and control symptoms before they escalate.
Balanced nutrition and hydration can help with headaches. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Are there foods that can help with migraines?
Certain foods can help relieve or even prevent migraine symptoms.
- Ginger, for example, is excellent against nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Magnesium-rich foods Nuts, seeds and spinach are known to help, as magnesium deficiencies can trigger migraines.
- Staying hydrated is crucial, so fruits with high water content like watermelon and cucumber are great.
- Whole grains can stabilize blood sugar levels, while fatty fish such as salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce the inflammation associated with migraines.
While these foods can help, it’s just as important to avoid trigger foods like processed cheese, alcohol, and chocolate if they’re causing you problems.
Related FAQs
How does migraine differ from headache?
A headache is usually a dull, mild discomfort, while a migraine is an intense, throbbing pain that often affects one side of the head. Migraines are also accompanied by a host of additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound, which are not the case with a regular headache. Migraines can last for hours or even days and significantly disrupt your life, while headaches tend to be shorter and less severe.
How long does a migraine episode last?
A migraine episode can last from four hours to three days. Yes, you read that right: a maximum of three days! The duration often depends on how quickly treatment begins. Acting on the earliest signs can significantly shorten the episode and reduce its intensity.