Prodromal Symptoms: The Migraine Warning Sign

Although many migraine sufferers find that their headaches have a rapid onset and are nearly unpredictable, approximately half of those diagnosed with the disease seem to exhibit symptoms that warn of an impending attack.

As much as sixty percent of the migraine community may experience these tendencies, referred to as prodromal symptoms (or the prodromal phase). Prodromal symptoms vary based upon the individual and circumstances and may not always be consistent. However, those who suffer from a migraine syndrome and learn to recognize a prodromal phase may be better able to prepare for a forthcoming migraine headache.

There are many possible prodromal symptoms. Some involve changes to the personality. Depending upon the migraine sufferer, one may show significant mood changes, a sense of depression or irritability during the phase. Some sufferers do demonstrate a reversed set of symptoms, becoming unexplainably happy as a migraine approaches.

Changes in energy levels can often be indicative of a building migraine headache. Some migraine sufferers feel very tired during their prodromal phases, sensing a great deal of fatigue. Others, however, may actually feel over-energized or euphoric during the stage. The situation can be quite different depending upon the person in question, but any significant change in energy levels may be an indicator.

Food cravings and other behaviors often termed "vegetative" can accompany the prodromal phase, as well. In essence, the list of potential symptoms is long and no single behavior of action can be a definitive marker for the syndrome. However, many who experience migraines begin to notice that certain changes do take place before a headache sits in and learn to identify the nature of their own prodromal ritual.

For some, the prodromal phase may last but a few hours. For others, it could go on for a few days. Again, in order for the syndrome to have any real potential value to the migraine sufferer, it is important to "tune in" to one's natural rhythms and tendencies because the prodromal phase can be so different for different people. With some careful observation, a migraine sufferer can usually determine whether he or she experiences prodromal symptoms and exactly how the manifest them.

One cannot simply assume that a change in energy level, for instance, is signaling a migraine is on the horizon. That determination can only be made after observing that the headaches generally do appear after an unexplained change in one's pep level.

If one does learn to recognize a consistent set of prodromal symptoms, he or she can better prepare for a migraine headache before the attack begins. That makes looking out for consistent changes prior to the onset of headaches and learning to identify them very important. The prodromal phase can be a valuable warning of future headaches that allows sufferers to take helpful precautions before the pain and suffering sits in.

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