Prodromal Phase of Migraine

Phases of Migraine

Understanding the Prodromal Phase of Migraine Migraine headaches are notorious for their unpredictability and their various phases. One of these lesser-known phases is the prodromal phase. Often overshadowed by the more noticeable aura and headache stages, the prodromal phase holds vital clues about an impending migraine attack. What is the Prodromal Phase of Migraine? The prodromal phase, sometimes called the premonitory phase, is the initial stage of a migraine attack that occurs hours or even days before the actual headache strikes. It's like a silent alarm signaling that a migraine attack is on the horizon. During this phase, you might experience a range of symptoms that serve as warning signs. While not everyone with migraine experiences the prodromal phase, for those who do, it can provide valuable insight into their condition. It is also the perfect time to take action. If you act during the prodromal phase you may be able to holt the progression of your migraine attack. This is the time to take medication, have a nap, glass of water, snack or whatever it is that works for you.

Common Prodromal Symptoms

1. Mood Changes: Mood swings, irritability, and feelings of unease are common prodromal symptoms. Some individuals may feel unusually elated before a migraine.

2. Food Cravings: Many people report intense cravings for specific foods during the prodromal phase. These cravings can be for sweet, salty, or even spicy foods. It's essential to differentiate between normal cravings and those related to the prodromal phase. These cravings might be your body talking to you, eg- chocolate might be low magnesium, salty cravings might be dehydration.....

3. Fatigue: A sudden onset of fatigue or exhaustion is another hallmark of the prodromal phase. You may feel like you've been drained of energy.

4. Yawning: Excessive yawning is often associated with the prodromal phase and is considered a migraine indicator.

5. Neck Stiffness: Some individuals experience neck stiffness or discomfort before a migraine, which can help differentiate the prodromal phase from other triggers. This can be confusing as neck pain and dysfunction can trigger a migraine attack but the migraine attack itself can present as neck pain in the prodromal phase.

6. Excessive urination (frequency) Feeling like you need to go to the bathroom more than normal.

Often people confuse their prodromal signs for triggers - a good example here is chocolate. Many believe that during the prodromal phase your body sends cravings for things that it needs, like chocolate to boost magnesium, so you eat the chocolate then you get the migraine attack BUT you were already in the first phase of the migraine attack without knowing it! A good way to determine if this is the case it to think about whether you get an attack every time you eat chocolate, if the answer is no there is a good chance that it is not a true trigger but rather part of the prodromal phase. The prodromal phase of a migraine can be a valuable early warning system that can help you take proactive steps to manage their condition. I recommend shifting your focus from chasing triggers to becoming aware of your prodromal signs.