Prodrome refers to symptoms that precede an actual attack of migraine. Migraine aura also precedes an attack, but it occurs 20 to 60 minutes before the headache and typically consists of visual disturbances or partial visual loss. Prodrome typically is a period of 24 to 48 hours before a migraine attack and it can consist of a wide variety of symptoms. Many people are aware that these symptoms indicate an impending migraine attack, but some are not. Some people tell me that when they feel unusually full of energy, very happy, and creative they realize that they will get a headache the next day. And some realize that what was happening to them was a prodrome only in retrospect, even after having all of the same symptoms repeat themselves many times. Not many people experience prodrome and its features are varied. Here are some of the symptoms reported in the prodrome period:
Depression
Euphoria
Irritability
Restlessness
Hyperactivity
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating
Neck or other muscle stiffness
Feeling hot or coldIncreased thirst
Increased urination
Food cravings
Loss of appetite
Yawning
Tearing
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fluid retention
Sensitivity to light and/or sound
If you do experience a prodrome and are aware of it while it is happening, taking an anti-inflammatory medication (Advil, Aleve, Migralex) or, if that does not work, a triptan may prevent an attack or at least make it milder.
