14 Migraine Prodrome Symptoms

Woman in bed with migraine
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14 possible symptoms of migraine prodrome, the first of four possible phases of a migraine attack, which can be helpful when recognized as a warning of the impending migraine.


Difficulty speaking due to migraine
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Aphasia - difficulty with words

A common migraine symptom that can begin during migraine prodrome is aphasia - loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words. This makes reading and speaking difficult.


Feelings of depression often occur during the migraine prodrome
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Depression

Feelings of depression often occur during the migraine prodrome, even among migraineurs who have no history of mood disorders. This is because levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine are affected by the migrainous process in the brain.


being irritated easily
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Irritability

Unfortunately, irritability is often one of the first symptoms of the migraine prodrome. As if migraines weren't difficult enough, this makes life harder for migraineurs and those who are close to them. This irritability also often leaves migraineurs feeling guilty.


Concentration a problem
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Concentration problems

Problems concentrating can be a symptom of the migraine prodrome and present huge obstacles for migraineurs. Not only is this symptom annoying, it can be dangerous if migraineurs are driving or operating machinery or equipment.


exhausted at work
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Fatigue

Migraine prodrome symptoms can include fatigue. This fatigue is far beyond feeling tired. This fatigue is weariness and exhaustion to the point where the migraineur may feel nearly unable to respond to anything.


Urgent, have to go
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Increased urination, diarrhea

Since migraine prodrome symptoms can include increased urination and diarrhea, migraineurs often find it difficult to venture far from home during the prodrome phase.


Sound sensitivity.
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Phonophobia

Phonophobia, increased sensitivity to sound, is a common migraine prodrome symptom that can continue through the aura and headache phases. Phonophobia often causes migraineurs to seek quiet places, wear ear plugs, and cover their heads with pillows to avoid sound.


Light sensitivity
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Photophobia

Photophobia, increased sensitivity to light, is one of the most common of migraine symptoms. It can begin during the migraine prodrome and continue throughout the migraine attack. Many migraineurs are, in fact, photophobic even between migraines, and light can increase the pain of a migraine.


So thirsty
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Increased thirst

Increased thirst can occur as a symptom of the Migraine prodrome. This is one of the most overlooked of prodrome symptoms, especially by people who have other conditions that can increase thirst or who take medications that can cause increased thirst.


repetative yawning
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Repetitive yawning

Another often overlooked Migraine prodrome symptom is repetitve yawning. This is one of the symptoms Migraine expert Dr. Peter Goadsby finds interesting. Is it tied to dopamine levels? Better understanding of such symptoms could lead to better understanding of Migraine disease itself.


insomnia
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Sleep problems

It's interesting that sleep problems can be a symptom of migraine prodrome AND a migraine trigger. It's no wonder we sometimes find migraine so confusing! This is a paradox indeed.


Stiff neck
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Stiff neck

A stiff neck can be a symptom of Migraine prodrome. However, if the stiff neck persists without explanation beyond the Migraine, it's important to consult your doctor because it can also be a symptom of other health issues, some of which require treatment.


nausea
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Nausea

Nausea is commonly know to be a symptom of a Migraine, but many people don't realize that it can begin during the prodrome phase, up to two days before there's any head pain or other symptoms.


Food cravings

Food cravings

Food cravings can occur as a symptom of Migraine prodrome. These cravings can be for any kind of food, sweet foods, salty foods, carbs, protein, anything or any combination. So far, there is no evidence that they're related to anything that the body is lacking.


This article was originally published March 12, 2012 and most recently updated July 15, 2020.