And no! Migraine does not always start with a simple headache. Well before the pain, the body can send several signals to be taken seriously: repeated yawning, unusual food cravings, difficulty concentrating, irritability… A little-known phase, called “prodrome”.
“Even before pain appears, some people experience warning symptoms linked to changes in brain activity,” confirms Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. “This phase can begin a few hours to 48 hours before the attack. However, knowing how to recognize these signs sometimes allows you to act earlier and better anticipate a migraine.”he emphasizes.
Without further ado, here are these 9 signs.
Excessive yawning
While we often associate yawns with a simple lack of sleep, when they occur repeatedly and for no obvious reason, they can have a completely different meaning.
“Repeated and unexplained yawning, linked to variations in dopamine in the brain, can announce the imminent arrival of a migraine”underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
Specific cravings
For a long time, certain foods (fatty, salty, sweet, etc.) have been accused of triggering migraines. But craving these products might just signal that a migraine is on the way.
“Sudden cravings for chocolate, mayonnaise, Chinese dishes or very sweet or very salty foods can indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”confirms the doctor.
A feeling of sudden anger
Do you feel annoyed over nothing? More impatient or more nervous than usual? Be careful, these mood changes are among the most overlooked symptoms of the prodrome phase and can precede the onset of pain.
“A surge of anger or unusual irritability, sometimes without apparent cause, can herald the imminent arrival of a migraine”underlines the specialist.
Tingling and numbness
A tingling sensation in the fingers or a part of the face that goes numb… These neurological manifestations can be impressive. However, they sometimes simply precede a crisis.
“Tingling or numbness in the fingers, face or lips may indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”specifies Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
A metallic taste in your mouth
Some people report this symptom recurrently before a migraine attack, sometimes several hours before the first pain.
“The perception of an unusual metallic taste can announce the imminent arrival of a migraine”confides the medical director of True Medical.
Ghost smells
Smelling an odor that no one else perceives can be particularly disconcerting… And yet. This phenomenon, called olfactory hallucination, is rare but well documented in some patients suffering from migraines.
“The perception of odors that do not exist, such as the smell of burning, gasoline or waffles, can indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”confirms the doctor.
Speeded up or slowed down speech
Here again, these changes can be part of the warning signs.
“Speaking much faster than usual or, on the contrary, having the impression that thoughts and speech are slowing down can announce the imminent arrival of a migraine”observes Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Difficulty concentrating
If simply reading a document or following a conversation requires more effort, be careful! This feeling of mental fog is common before a migraine.
“Having to reread the same sentence several times or having the impression that the brain is processing information less well can indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”indicates the specialist.
A frequent urge to urinate
Going to the toilet more often for no particular reason can also be a sign of a migraine.
“A need to urinate more frequently than usual, without an obvious cause, can signal the imminent arrival of a migraine”explains the doctor.
Neck stiffness
Even before the first pains, this tension can constitute a real warning signal.
“Muscle stiffness, particularly in the neck and shoulders, can indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”specifies Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Hair pain
If you have pain when you comb your hair or run your hands through your hair, this may also be linked to an impending migraine.
“Sensitivity or pain felt when touching your hair can signal the imminent arrival of a migraine”underlines the expert.
A feeling of depression or unusual fatigue
Sudden weariness, low morale… This sudden bout of blues can indicate a violent headache.
“A feeling of depression, low energy or deep sluggishness can indicate the imminent arrival of a migraine”adds Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
“Because these signs remain largely unknown, many patients do not take their early treatment (even though it is more effective in the prodrome phase), and those around them do not understand that the person is not “just tired” but in a pre-migraine attack,” the doctor further specifies.
So many signals that should not be overlooked to better anticipate your migraine!