Migraine Headache Prequels
Migraine headaches can be accompanied by a number of prequel symptoms. These symptoms may occur before, during, or after the migraine attack. They may include poor concentration, hot or cold feelings, increased need to pass urine, and stomach aches or diarrhoea. In some cases, migraine sufferers also suffer from fatigue that lasts up to three days.
Five Overlooked Prequels Before A Dreaded Migraine Headache Sets In…
1) Vision loss
Migraine Headache Prequels are often overlooked, except for vision loss. Visual events that occur just before the migraine headache sets in, is often the most obvious sign. Visual events may occur before complete loss of vision, and may include all or any of: distorted body parts, light flashes, or zigzag lines. These events can also affect night vision or cause pain in the eyes. These episodes can vary between patients, so it is important to understand how to recognize them. Common migraine drugs, including triptans, may aggravate them.
If the symptoms are not accompanied by pain, you should not panic. It is not an emergency, but it’s still worth consulting a doctor if vision is blurred or is deteriorating. Most people don’t need treatment. It’s important to rest in a dark, cool room and take painkillers. It’s also important to record what you see and whether it affects both eyes.
2) Pins and needles sensations
Pins and needles sensations can be a warning sign that you’re getting a migraine headache. They typically start in the fingertips and move up to the face. Other symptoms of migraine include numbness, extreme motion sensitivity, nausea, and lightheadedness. Symptoms can last anywhere from four to 72 hours.
A migraine headache can also be preceded by an aura, which is the feeling of numbness or tingling. This is caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, followed by rebound vasodilation. This activation of the vascular walls activated the pain receptors in the blood, causing the pulsating headache. Often, the pins and needles sensations are felt only on one side of the body, but sometimes this sensation can be felt on both sides.
Another sign of an impending migraine is brain fog. Many sufferers mistake a migraine headache for a strain of the eyes. It’s important to consult a physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. A stiff neck and muscle stiffness may also be a sign of a migraine prodrome. In addition to headaches, the prodrome phase can also cause diarrhea and excessive urination.
3) Difficulty speaking
One of the earliest signs of an impending migraine headache is difficulty speaking. About one in four migraine sufferers experiences difficulties speaking prior to the migraine attack. These symptoms can range from neck stiffness and light sensitivity to speech difficulty. The premonitory symptoms can also include fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell. Nevertheless, these symptoms may not always be present.
Although aphasia associated with migraine is unlikely to cause any long-term damage, it is important to seek medical attention as a warning sign of other medical conditions. Difficulty speaking due to an upcoming migraine headache may also signal a more serious ailment, such as a stroke or seizures. If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor and request a CAT scan or MRI. This way, a doctor can rule out any other underlying conditions that may be causing the difficulty in speaking. It is also helpful to keep a migraine journal to understand the pattern of attacks and their causes.
4) Visual Phenomena or Vision Impairment
Migraine headaches are often accompanied by visual phenomena, such as flashing lights or blind spots. You may get overloaded with flashing type lights, bright spots and even spinning shapes. All of this can occur with your eyes open, or closed.
5) Weakness and / or Numbness in face or upper body
Weakness or numbness in the face is often another of the first signs that a migraine headache is coming soon. This symptom is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which triggers the release of chemicals that lead to inflammation. For many people, the first sign is numbness or tingling in their face. This is followed by other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes.
Migraine headaches can oftentimes be very debilitating to people, and if you find you are suffering from regular headaches, we will strongly suggest you seek professional advice from a local clinic. Click Here for painclinics.com local listing!
WebMD has a lot of great and helpful ways to identify and easy the onset of Migraine Headaches. Be sure to check them out!
Does Stress Cause Migraine Headaches?
Yes, researchers have found a direct correlation between Emotional stress and migraines. This can lead to sleep deprivation, or sleeplessness, which can also trigger migraine headaches.
Does Sleep Help Migraine Headaches?
The short answer is “unknown”. We do know, however, that if you can sleep through some, or most of a headache, then it will definitely pass some of the time you would otherwise spend awake, and in pain. Respondents in a Migraine headache group, felt that sleeping or taking a nap helped them reduce the effects of a migraine.
Are Women More Prone to Migraine Headaches?
Yes, women in fact are 2.5 to 3 times more likely than their male counterparts, to be affected by regular bouts with Migraine headaches. Lifetime global studies have found upward of 43% of women will be affected with Migraine headaches over their lifetime, as opposed to just 17-18% of men. (Source: Here)
