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Prodrome is only one of the stages of a Migraine attack. It is the first part of an attack when the ‘normal’ equilibrium of the central nervous system has been disrupted. It occurs in about 80% of Migraine patients and usually lasts from between 24 – 48 hrs.
Not all Migraineurs will experience prodrome. Those that do may not experience this stage with every Migraine attack. When a prodrome occurs, the patient may begin to feel the ‘premonition’ that something is not right. Sometimes it is the family and friends of the Migraineur that notice the symptoms of prodrome first. The Migraineur may actually be unaware that symptoms have begun.
Some symptoms of prodrome may include:
- Appetite changes (which may include cravings)
- Cognition and concentration difficulties
- Cold extremities
- Diarrhea or other bowel changes
- Excitement or irritability
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Memory changes
- Weakness
- Yawning, stretching
If a patient notices Prodrome, they may be able to take measures that abort the attack before it goes further. Unfortunately, many choose to take a wait-and-see approach however, as prodrome may not always result in a full blown Migraine attack. This is often a mistake, because the sooner the patient is able to take their Migraine abortive medication, the more likely the attack will be shorter and less painful or debilitating.
Migraineurs who experience the symptoms of prodrome may be mildly, moderately or even severely disabled by them – much more than was once thought.
Have you experienced prodrome symptoms that are different from those listed here? I hope you’ll share them with us!
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Discuss
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"I had my first migraine when I was 12. I thought I was going blind, the spots in my vision all grouped together and everything went black. The pain was intense and felt like my head would crack open above my right eye." 
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[...] nausea, increased pulse. I was excited to discover this cluster of symptoms and thought them to be warning signs, also called prodrome, that a migraine was coming on. The earlier a migraine is detected, the earlier it can be treated, thus increasing the likelihood [...]
Thank you for posting this article. I do experience symptoms of prodrome, unfortunately I don’t always recognize it until after the migraine, when I am trying to sort out the “why” and determine what might have triggered it. The description of having a premonition that something is not right is the best way to describe it. When it happens to me, I do feel “off” and cranky and can’t quite figure out why.