We all experience stress on almost a daily basis – it may be due to work, studies, or any other reason. And this stress may sometimes trigger headaches that cause mild or moderate pain. But, in case you are experiencing a headache accompanied by a severe throbbing pain that goes on for hours or even days, it might not be merely due to stress. Instead, you are probably experiencing a migraine headache that can make you unable to function properly while it lasts.
Due to its disabling effect, it’s important for anyone who has experienced a migraine headache to be aware of the symptoms of an impending migraine. To help you out, here we have listed some common migraine warning signs that you should look out for. Take a look below!
Early Warning Signs Of A Migraine Headache That You Shouldn’t Ignore
The warning signs of a migraine can start days before the actual headache strikes. These usually occur during the prodromal phase (which begins 24-48 hours before the migraine headache), and the aura phase, which can precede or start along with the onset of the headache. Here are the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Mood Changes
Mood changes usually occur in the prodromal phase. You might feel excited, depressed, or irritable all of a sudden, with the feelings lasting for several hours before the onset of the headache. These symptoms may vary from person to person, with some experiencing intense happiness, while others tend to have negative emotions.
Sleep Issues
Another common sign of a migraine headache is the lack of good sleep. You might find it tough to fall asleep easily and thereby wake up tired in the morning. So, if you are feeling excessively sleepy during the day and don’t have any sleep disorders, it might be a signal of an incoming headache.
Cravings
Craving for certain foods is another migraine sign associated with the prodromal phase. Most people crave sweet food such as chocolate. For this reason, people often tend to think that chocolate triggers a migraine, vehicle it may be the other way around.
Sudden Neck Or Eye Pain
Sudden stiffness and pain in the neck is another migraine warning sign that you should watch out for, as it’s often followed by a throbbing headache. The same is true if you are experiencing sudden pain around the eyes or ears.
Frequent Urination
People tend to feel the need to urinate frequently during the prodromal phase of a migraine headache. You could experience increased thirst too, which may not only result in frequent urination but also lead to fluid retention – causing swelling.
Numbness Or Tingling Sensations
You may also experience feelings of numbness or tingling before a migraine. Usually, it begins in the form of a pins-and-needles sensation on one side of the face or hand and then spreads slowly throughout the limb.
Sensitivity To Light Or Sound
Light, sound, or sometimes even certain smells have been found to trigger migraine headaches in several people. Light sensitivity is a common symptom of the prodromal phase, and bright lights may also intensify the pain during a migraine headache. Loud noises also have the same effect. Due to this, a person experiencing a migraine headache tends to stay in a dark and quiet place until the pain subsides.
Too Much Yawning
If you are yawning too much, it might not be as simple as feeling sleepy – yawning frequently is a very common symptom of the prodromal phase. However, it’s also the easiest to miss, as not many pay attention to their yawning frequency.
Feeling Nauseous
If you are experiencing nausea or vomiting in addition to some of the other signs mentioned here, it might be a signal that you’ll be having a migraine episode soon. It’s best that you do not ignore such signs and inform your doctor about the signs at the earlies.
Speech Difficulties
Speech problems are a common symptom of the aura phase. If you are having trouble speaking or understanding speech, it might be a sign of a more serious issue like a migraine headache, or stroke.
Summing Up
So, these are some common migraine warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore. In case you experience one or more of these signs it’s best to get in touch with your doctor at the earliest. The right treatment will make managing your migraine headache easier.
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