A migraine is more than just a bad headache. According to the American Migraine Foundation, about 36 million people suffer from this neurological disorder. When a migraine attacks, the pain can be excruciating and prevent the sufferer from carrying out their routine.

A migraine episode's beginning, or "pre" stage, is one of four. The absence of warning signs does not always precede the onset of a migraine episode. If you know the warning signs of a migraine coming on, you can take preventative measures.

What Causes Pre-Migraine?

The migraine continuum includes four stages. Migraine prodrome is the period before an episode begins and may include one or more warning signs. An aura may appear from a few hours to days before a migraine episode.

Not every migraine is preceded by the prodrome phase, but recognizing the signs can help you avoid a migraine attack. It's also vital to remember that prodrome symptoms vary from person to person.

Some of the warning signs of an impending migraine include:

• Feelings change. There may not be an apparent reason for your negative emotions so you may be sad, nervous, or irritated.
• Aching muscles. Intense pain and neck and shoulder stiffness are typical precursors to migraine headaches.
• Urge to eat. Pre-migraine-crazed desires for sweets are typical.
• Trouble focusing. Your mind may seem hazy and chaotic, and you may have problems concentrating.
• Fatigue. In the hours before a migraine strikes, fatigue might arise even if you slept enough the night before.

Approaching Migraine Attack: What to Do

If you know the signs before a migraine, you may start preparing for it. If you're seeing a doctor about your migraines, they can help you devise a strategy to take care of yourself before an attack starts. These are tried and accurate methods that have been shown to aid throughout the prodrome phase:

• Take pain medication. Using pain medication before the onset of a migraine episode might be helpful. You have the choice between OTC medications like Excedrin and prescription drugs. Always strictly adhere to your doctor's dosage guidelines when using migraine medication.
• Use preventive drugs. If you are experiencing prodromal symptoms, you must take all of the preventative medicine that you have been prescribed.
• Avoid migraine causes. Avoiding your migraine triggers is a good idea at any time, but doing so while you experience the warning signs can be incredibly effective.
• Unwind. You can avoid a full-blown migraine episode by giving yourself time to rest and relax. You should get some rest, whether that's a nap or an early night. Techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises might be beneficial.
• Go someplace dim. When you feel the beginnings of a migraine, it's best to find a quiet, dark place to rest and relax until the headache passes. An attack of migraines can be avoided by taking time to unwind in a dark, quiet area.
• Drink something caffeinated. Even in moderate doses, caffeine has been shown to alleviate pain and boost the effectiveness of certain over-the-counter pain relievers. Limit yourself to one serving, such as a cup of coffee or a can of soda. Caffeine withdrawal headaches and insomnia are symptoms of using too much caffeine.

What Are The Other Migraine Stages?

Migraine progresses via three further phases. Not everyone experiences each phase of a migraine episode. Below are the different phases of a migraine:

• Aura stage. A migraine with aura often begins about an hour before the headache begins. Blurred vision, seeing flashing lights, visual hallucinations, vision loss, numbness, dizziness, and abnormalities in hearing or speech are common Aura symptoms, but there are many others. Aura occurs in around one-third of patients who have migraine.
• Attack or headache. While in the headache phase, you're experiencing moderate to severe discomfort on one side of your head. The pain may throb or get worse with movement. Migraine attack symptoms include nausea, vomiting, disturbed sleep, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, lasting from a few hours to three days.
• Recovery phase. The post-attack phase of a migraine often lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Feelings of exhaustion, weariness, dizziness, and aches are expected during this period. At this point, you should continue avoiding triggers and getting as much rest as possible.

Conclusion

You may experience the onset of the pre-migraine stage anywhere from several days to just a few hours before your migraine attack begins. There is a wide range of possible symptoms. However, some of the most common are:

• confusion
• fatigue
• frequency
• hyperacuity for hearing and seeing
• Changes in mood
• neck pain
• Wants to eat

Migraine may be controlled and even prevented if you learn to recognize the signs that precede an attack. You should consult a medical professional if you often suffer from migraine headaches. They help you figure out what triggers your migraines and what you can do to stop them before they even start.