Monday, February 13, 2012


I'm starting to recognize some signs that I might get a migraine (usually the following day or so)...

PRODROME (aka. premonitory phase, pre-headache) is the first stage of a Migraine attack (I've written about this further in Premonitory Symptoms, and more information can be found here and here). However, not all Migraineurs will experience this phase, and the Migraineurs that do may not experience it with each attack and/or may not recognize the often subtly symptoms / warning signs. Some symptoms of prodrome may include:
  • Appetite changes and/or cravings
  • Cognition and concentration difficulties (such as, having difficulty finding words and/or speaking)
  • Cold extremities
  • Bowel changes (e.g., constipation, diarrhea)
  • Excitement / hyperactivity
  • Mood changes (e.g., irritable, depressed, impatient)
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination
  • Memory changes
  • Weakness
  • Excessive yawning
My prodrome experience includes most of the above: cravings (specifically for breakfast foods), frequent yawning, irritability, and / or being more talkative (maybe like an energy rush - not sure, since I've only just recently recognized this one). Closer to the head pain onset, I sometimes get mumbly in my communication, and my ears feel full and/or hot. I have a constant sinus congestion / post-nasal drip problem going on - could be a combination of allergies and something with my migraines... not sure.

I think that it's important to try NOT to jump to conclusions, when interacting with other people (I'm not good at this, in practice... but, I'm working on it). For example, relating to Migraineurs:
  • Frequent yawning does NOT necessarily mean that someone is tired and/or bored.
  • Cravings do NOT necessarily mean that someone is pregnant.
  • Talkativeness does NOT necessarily mean that someone is cured or otherwise over the chronic illness.


  1. Hmmm...I wonder what it means to yawn all day, eat like a pig, and talk non-stop? Haha! You're describing me on a daily basis! So far, the only thing I've noticed is that I am great at predicting the weather! My head inevitably rains!

    1. LOL. Maybe that makes you a chronic migraineur. I'm still figuring out my migraines and weather. I don't always have trouble with storms, but most times that the temperature drops 10+°... not when it heats up 10°, though. What the heck?! Sometimes it's a day before and sometimes it's the day of the temp change. We have ALOT of these ups and downs here in Texas! :(


