Sometimes you may notice some early warning signs of a migraine, something like a pre-headache. These signs vary from person to person and may begin several hours or days before the headache fully develops. Try to notice how you feel before each migraine and record it in a diary so you have a complete picture and are better prepared next time.
The most common signs
While not everyone feels the same things during a migraine headache, some symptoms occur more often than others. For example, you may yawn a lot or need to go to the bathroom more often. You could crave certain foods more than usual, especially chocolate. But all of these may just be warning you of the coming migraine. Some of the more common signs are the following:
→ Mood Some people become irritable or depressed in the days or hours before a migraine. At the opposite end of the scale, some people feel a sense of intense happiness or euphoria in the earlier hours.
→ Sleep You may feel unusually tired before a migraine. Too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine attack. Pay attention to how sleep relates to your symptoms (eg, even the time you wake up). This can help you stay away from trigger situations and possibly prevent a migraine from occurring.
→ Abdominal problems A precursor headache can sometimes affect your digestive system. You may feel sick to your stomach or have constipation or diarrhea. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you deal with these, but this probably won't prevent a migraine.
→ Sensitivity to light or sound. These are common signs of an oncoming migraine and often continue into the headache and post-headache stages. Bright light or loud noises can even trigger a second headache as you get over the first one.
→ Changes in vision As a migraine approaches, your vision may become blurry. You may also have blind spots or see flashing lights or shapes. These issues can slowly get worse, but usually don't last more than an hour.
What to do:
- Painkillers
Whether they're prescription or over-the-counter, it's important to take them as soon as you notice the telltale signs. The earlier you do it, the better results you will get. However, be aware that taking too much or taking them too often can cause a stomach ulcer and possibly withdrawal headaches when you stop.
- Caffeine
Sometimes, taking a small amount of caffeine is able to stop an early stage of migraine. It can also help enhance the effects of pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. It is important, however, not to overdo it. While a small amount of caffeine can be helpful, too much can lead to withdrawal headaches when you try to cut back.
- Avoid headache-triggering foods
Certain things — aged cheese, certain fruits and nuts, alcohol, fermented or pickled foods, and additives such as nitrates and MSG — can lead to migraines in some people. You may be able to figure out which ones bother you by keeping track of what you eat in a food diary and avoid them.
- Lie down in a dark room
This helps on two fronts. First, it calms and relaxes you, which is good when you want to avoid migraine pain. Second, it keeps you away from bright light, which can make your symptoms worse.
- Try it hot or cold
A cold compress on your neck or head can numb the area and ease the pain. A heating pad can relax tense muscles. (A warm bath or shower could do the same thing.) You can try alternating between the two and see what works for you.
(all of the above can vary greatly from migraine to migraine...)
