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Migraine Warning Signs

How can you recognize the early warning signs of an approaching migraine attack?

This is not always straightforward, as distinguishing between migraine triggers, early warning signs, and accompanying symptoms can be challenging. In this article, we will explain what exactly the warning signs of a migraine attack are. With this knowledge, you can better understand whether you are experiencing a trigger, a precursor, or an accompanying symptom, enabling you to take proactive measures when the situation arises.

Reading time: 9 minutes

Last updated: April 26, 2024

What you will learn in this article

Understanding the Phases of a Migraine Attack

Migraine attacks are not a single event but rather a sequence of stages. Each phase brings its own set of symptoms, and recognizing these can be key to managing and potentially reducing the severity of your migraines.

Prodromal Phase (The Warning Stage):

Often referred to as the “precursor stage,” this phase can begin hours or even days before the headache sets in. Subtle symptoms, known as “warning signs,” may indicate that a migraine is imminent. These can vary widely from person to person but may include changes in mood, fatigue, food cravings, or sensitivity to light and sound.

Aura Phase (Affects Approximately One-Third of Migraine Sufferers):

The aura phase is characterized by sensory disturbances that occur before the headache begins. These disturbances often involve visual symptoms such as zigzag patterns, flickering lights, or blind spots, but they can also include dizziness, speech difficulties, or numbness in certain areas of the body. Aura symptoms typically last between 5 and 60 minutes.

Headache Phase (The Painful Stage):

This phase usually follows the aura or prodromal phase and is marked by moderate to severe headaches. These are often pulsating, throbbing, or stabbing in nature and typically affect one side of the head. Additional symptoms during this phase include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and in some cases, sensitivity to smells.

Postdromal Phase (The Recovery Phase):

After the pain subsides, the postdromal phase begins. During this stage, some people feel refreshed and euphoric, while others experience extreme fatigue, irritability, or lingering sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine Triggers vs. Warning Signs

One of the most confusing aspects of migraine management is distinguishing between triggers and warning signs. A trigger is a factor that can provoke a migraine attack, whereas a warning sign is a symptom indicating that a migraine is about to occur.

For instance, chocolate was long thought to be a common migraine trigger. However, research has shown that cravings for chocolate may actually be a warning sign of the prodromal phase, rather than a trigger itself. Commonly identified migraine triggers include:

  • Blood sugar fluctuations.
  • Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns.
  • Weather changes (e.g., high humidity, sudden drops in pressure).
  • Bright lights or loud noises.
  • Hormonal changes, such as those related to menstruation
  • Intense physical activity.

 

Since triggers can vary significantly among individuals, keeping a detailed migraine diary or using a migraine-specific app like Ebby can help you identify patterns and understand your unique triggers.

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Early Warning Signs of a Migraine Attack

Approximately 30% of migraine sufferers experience early warning signs during the prodromal phase. These symptoms can begin up to two days before a migraine attack or just hours prior. By identifying these signs, you can take steps to potentially prevent or lessen the severity of the migraine.

Below are some of the most frequently reported early warning signs:

Fatigue and Exhaustion

Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported prodromal symptoms. Studies show that around half of people with migraines experience significant tiredness or a sense of physical and mental depletion before an attack.

Neck Pain

Many migraine sufferers report neck pain before or during an attack. This symptom may be related to muscle tension or changes in blood flow, though its exact cause is not fully understood.

Mood Swings

Sudden mood changes, such as feelings of irritability, sadness, or restlessness, are experienced by about 37% of migraine sufferers in the prodromal phase.

Difficulty Concentrating

Trouble focusing and mental cloudiness are common in the early stages of a migraine attack, affecting approximately 30% of individuals.

Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly nausea and vomiting, are typical during the headache phase but may also occur in the prodromal stage for around 29% of sufferers.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound

Light and sound sensitivity—known as photophobia and phonophobia, respectively—are among the most commonly reported migraine symptoms. These sensitivities often start in the prodromal phase and worsen during the headache stage.

Yawning

Excessive yawning is considered a reliable early indicator of a migraine attack for around 22% of people with migraines.

Food Cravings

Many individuals report intense cravings for sweets or high-calorie foods during the prodromal phase. These cravings may be linked to the brain’s need for glucose to counteract an energy deficit, which is believed to play a role in the onset of migraines.

Conclusion

The prodromal phase of a migraine attack offers an opportunity to take preventive measures. Recognizing your unique warning signs can help you act early by incorporating relaxation techniques, making dietary adjustments, or taking prescribed medications to reduce the intensity or duration of the migraine.

For individuals whose migraines are influenced by blood sugar fluctuations, a personalized low-glycemic diet may be especially helpful. Tools like Ebby can assist in managing your diet and monitoring your body’s responses to different foods, helping you reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Take control of your migraines by understanding the patterns and symptoms unique to you—because every step toward better management is a step toward a better quality of life.

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About the Author
Picture of Kaya Harms

Kaya Harms

Kaya is studying for a Bachelor's degree in Medical Nutritional Sciences. Through her studies, she sees particular relevance in the interface between nutrition and medicine. As a working student at Perfood in the marketing department, she wants to impart knowledge creatively and in a way that everyone can understand.