Early Signs and Symptoms of a Migraine Attack

4 min read

As we know, people with migraine experience a vast number of symptoms during a migraine attack, and every person's experience is unique. In addition to actual symptoms during an attack, migraineurs may also encounter specific signs that an attack is on the horizon. We asked our Facebook community if they have any unusual early migraine signs, and over 300 people responded!

Top warning signs of migraine

Ten or more people said that they experienced the following before a migraine attack:

Yawning
Watery eyes
Sensitivity to sound
Neck pain/stiffness
Sensitivity to smells
Mood swings
Food cravings/hunger
Vision changes
Numbness/tingling
Nausea
Auras
Sensitivity to lights
A cold nose
Eye pain
Fatigue

Other symptoms

Other commonly reported symptoms were difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, hiccups, sweating, droopy eye, tasting metal, frequent urination, jaw and/or eye pain, runny nose/sinus pressure, thirst, and muscle tightening.

Here are some of the comments from the members of our Facebook community:

Yawning

I yawn a lot.

- Yawning is a big signal...another of mine is the inability to listen to whoever is talking. I drift off and find it irritating.

Asian man yawning

- I get the yawning. And one eye will constantly water until I'm in full-fledged migraine status. I am sensitive to smell as well.
- Yawning, watery eyes, vision changes, irritability, sometimes it just appears ugly unexpectedly.
- Thanks for sharing all of this. I get the yawning too. It took me a long time to put it together with migraine. It's very distracting. Sometimes I get the sweats. Does anyone, ummmm, urinate a LOT? It is the oddest symptom I get, and I swear if I am in the ladies' room like all day, I get a migraine, a bad one, within 36 hours.

White man with watery eyes

I yawn like crazy! I always have to apologize, my nose and cheeks get cold, and my eyes go a little funny. Lately, I smell smoke. The back of my head and neck go rigid. I have been using Tiger Balm to help. Sometimes I have to wrap myself in multiple blankets. I have yawning too. Never heard of anyone else with the same issue. Yeah. I am not crazy.
Yawning, watery eyes, and Super Smell!
Yawning is a big thing with me, also. It took a while to figure it out, but now when I yawn, the people at work say, "Uh oh, are you getting a migraine?" They notice it before I do!

Nausea

Nausea is a big signal for me.
Older white woman with cold nose

I get extremely nauseous. The back of my head and neck get sore. I get extremely cold and cannot get warm.
Nausea, yawning & hiccups.
Nausea & taste of metal in my mouth before migraine even hits.
I get that nausea feeling, the back of my head and neck get stiff and sore, and I get superhuman smelling and hearing.... everything intensifies before a migraine and during and as it eases away.

Vision changes

My vision is affected.

- Blurred vision and an aura.

White woman with eye pain

- Sharp pain behind my left eye, always left? Then noises, light, and smells get more intense right before it hits. But once I have a migraine, I can't sit still, or my whole body throbs. I know my blood pressure is high at the time due to the pain. So until the pain eases, I pace and pace.
- Sore eyes, nausea, irregular heartbeat, trembling hands, and much more. To me...the real pain and sadness are that I can't read my books.
- I get irritable, spacy, change in vision (everything seems brighter or duller), visual disturbances (spots that I can not see through), lessened energy, confusion, weakness, and disorientation.

Older man with mood swings

Blurry vision...difficulty speaking & processing info.
Mine starts with sore eyes. My neck starts to bother me. I can feel the pressure thing as well, Angela. But mine usually start between my eyes and neck at the same time and eventually meet in the middle, then I get the pressure feeling.
Never noticed yawning...But I will get a warning of seeing auras and other visual things like little "shooting stars" across.
I get a sharp pain in my right eye, then white spots, then down for a few days. I get anywhere between 3 to 6 migraines a week.

Neck pain and stiffness

I have a lot of neck pain/stiffness.

- Sore joints, especially back and neck, irritable (my poor family), clumsiness, forgetfulness, crippling headache, sensitive eyes.

Southeast Asian woman with neck pain

My neck becomes very painful, which for me means a migraine the next day
For me, usually the night before, I get these really bad pains in the back of my head on the left side. Then the next day, I have a killer migraine that knocks me out of my daily life. I also see spots and lights.
Neck pain. It feels like I slept wrong, and then it feels like I have a giant weight on top of my head, compressing my neck. I used to get them at the very least once a month. Since I started MM, I have had my first one in almost two years!

Do you encounter any unique symptoms before you get a migraine? Please share your experience with us in the comments!

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stefania Member
I get very depressed in a different way than my normal depression. It feels as if my brain isn't 'right, neurochemicals aren't working or working right, and I always wonder why I have the blues...sure enough, two house later is a full blown migraine.
1. lcoutsy Member
 My neck and surrouning areas get deeply tense and painful often as a prod Rome and certainly during the mihraines Whereas I use an ice band on my head, I often use heat on neck and shoulders with a cape shaped pad I heat in.the microwave. This has actually aborted one migraine and often actually helps as it relaxes those muscles..
mnwizard Member
Vision disturbance is my first notice that a migraine is beginning. Then a numbness and "pins and needles" in my limbs and sometimes my tongue and throat. Followed by the "pukes". Within a half hour or so the headaches follow accompanied by difficulty speaking and thinking logically. The pain can vary from no pain at all to near screaming intensity with increasing desperation and thoughts of suicide to stop the pain.
max121476 Member
I get cranky right before I get a migraine. The pain is always on my left side of my head from behind my eye all the way down my neck. I seem to get confused and unable to concentrate. I have a sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. I hate having to start everything over with a new Dr and having to explain what I have already tried to do to get my headaches under control.
smkirchdoerfer Member
I had the yawning symptom when I was younger. Now, I get neck tenseness, nausea and I stutter. I am told I get the "look" also. People tell me I get a blank expression and that I get quieter.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 @Mare93girl Good for you for realizing your prodrome signals! They can be so easy to miss when we are in the midst of experiencing them: <a href='https://migraine.com/video/missing-prodrome-signals' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/missing-prodrome-signals</a>. I've heard about yawning a lot but never the tooth pain- fascinating! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
jean Member
This probably isn't where to ask but don't know where and am getting desperate. Is constant gas and bloat part of migraine or what? Didn't used to do this but for over a year now I've struggled with this issue. This came on before an acute attack and yes I have chronic migraine.
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="msalvanou" user-id="3820220"/> Thanks for sharing! How do you manage this symptom and have you discussed it with your treating physician? Have you other abdominal symptoms that go along with the excessive burning? Glad your mum has been cognizant of your health and wellness when dealing with this neurologic disease. Wishing you well. Rebecca (Migraine.com comm moderator)
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="msalvanou" user-id="3820220"/> So interesting! I thought you might be interested in taking a look at a few of our community members who commented about this experience- perhaps it will resonate: <a href='https://migraine.com/search?s=burping' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/search?s=burping</a>. You are definitely not alone! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
boo14 Member
I get weird sensations, like I'm floating above my body.. It's like my senses start to go into overdrive. I also get constant yawning and muscle tightening in my neck and jaw.
1. Katie M. Golden Moderator
 Boo14- that floating sensation has a name- it's called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. Here's an interesting NY Times article about it. <a href='https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/23/alice-in-wonderland-syndrome/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/23/alice-in-wonderland-syndrome/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1</a>
usmcmom Member
Not always but the day before I have problems with my speech. Words just come out wrong, and I start to talk really fast, I normally am a fast talker, but I talk even faster, and I start tripping up on my words, I usually end up saying, I am going to get a migraine within the next 24 hours. I also get the excessive yawning.
allisonjillian Member
Before a bad migraine I have skin sensitivity. It usually starts in my feet. If I am wearing socks, they suddenly become very uncomfortable and I have to take them off. Soon my arms and legs will also be uncomfortable and then I know I might as well just go to bed.
1. nicdonn Member
 I get that too, but predominantly on my head. It is called allodynia.
kimw Member
I get the metallic taste in my mouth (almost like blood).
mamabug Member
My nose itches like crazy, inside and out! It drives me crazy as well as the other symptoms described. But my nose itching, yawning and confusion are always the very first signs.
sjsmith2757 Member
One person above mentioned getting relief from MM. Anyone know what that is referring to?
1. vholdridge Member
 It's probably referring to medical marijuana.
sarecycle Member
I sometimes have a brutal allergy attack. You would swear I had rubbed a cat on my face. My eyes water and I start sneezing like crazy. The yawning thing happens to me as well on occasion and I am always bewildered at how I could be so tired (on usually not a tough day), them BAM it hits. My usual tip off is when I start clenching my jaw. I do it unconsciously, but it is a precursor almost every time.
nicdonn Member
For about 2 years, I would always drop things before getting a migraine. It doesn't happen with every migraine now, but still happens occasionally.
bethyoung Member
I seem to get auras and my ear starts ringing...only way to describe it is it feels like it's asleep. Then I get numb. I get nausea about 1/2 the time. Today I've noticed a weakness in my legs.
1. bethyoung Member
 Forgot to mention...I feel like I'm disconnected...like I'm walking around in a fog and can't find the right words...
sgirl Member
Very, very tired. Impatient, have to urinate alot, yawning, and the most obvious sign is the stiff neck, back, feels like a truck hit you. As the migraine picks up speed I get nausea and the urge to want to eat bread items. Very zoney as well.
treeflower71 Member
I have had migraines since I was 14. However, since 2008, they have become almost daily. Starting in about 2010, I began having the weirdest migraine warning sign. I stutter. As the migraine becomes closer and more intense, I lose the ability to connect words together, the ability to name things, the ability to do more than say "uh um that that that thing" and point when 10 minutes before I could identify the item as a pen or whatever it was. It has become a strong enough identifier that before she passed, my mother would immediately order me to take my medication even before the migraine had hit. And weirder (is that a word?) than ever, my cat has started to predict my migraines by staring at me and pawing at my face.
lkamoji Member
Occasionally, I "see things", eyes closed or open, doesn't matter. I'm not talking about flashing lights, heat waves, etc., although I get those sometimes, too. This is more like watching a full-color, action-packed mini-movie! It ranges from geometric shapes to dancing Rubix cubes (that was my favorite). The pain of the migraine invariable follows in an hour or two. My neurosurgeon once told me he was envious that he didn't get to see what I saw!
1. curtiecarol Member
 The geometric shapes and the dancing Rubix cubes sound like auras to me.
angelameeks Member
This one took me years to figure out because I stay so tired all the time it was dismissed as me needing more rest. I have slurred speech and words combined when I try to use two words to express something and a new word combo comes out. It is complete nonsense and makes for good laughs but I have now learned that a monster migraine is just around the corner. Along with that is making tons of simple mistakes, messing up simple tasks along with many of the others mentioned in this article.
var122 Member
I get a kind of in appropriate in my speech. And things are really funny to me. Weird, I know... This past week, the lights at work got 'shimmery' & I had a hard time focusing my vision.
Member
If I stand up and am disoriented and feel numbness from my lower back down, it may be a migraine. If sound then starts to 'pulsate' I know I'm in trouble. Everything gets louder and softer in rhythm - very hard to explain.
kdt79k Member
I yawn a LOT before the pain gets really bad. I also get the wavy lines in my vision, I can't stand the smell of anything, and my entire body starts to feel like I've been hit by a truck. Once the pulsing light starts, I know I'm in trouble. I have to go to bed, turn off all the lights, put an ice pack on my neck, and pray for it to end.
dach Member
When a migraine is coming on before i feel it I have muscle weakness in my legs and have less control holding back urine. sometimes the very first sign is a clear discharge from my left nostril only. Also extra sensitivity to light and sound. I wear these dorky sunglasses i buy at Wamart that fit over my regular glasses becase they have a plastic shelf like extension that blocks the flourescent light from above. That has enabled me to attend seminary classes in rooms with flourescent lights. Imetrex gives me explosive diarara. I was getting between 15-26 migraines a month but finally am getting botox for migraines which has cut the number back to that which allows me ability to spend time with my family. As a teenager They ony came with my periods or bright sun but as I got older and doctors consistently did not give me me enough medicines to treat my migraines because of fear i would become addicted they got worse. Instead of taking the medicine as soon as i thought one was coming on like i should have because j was likited at first to only six pills a month i would wait to be sure it was really a migraine and not just a headache and then they would last for three days. i would have to be in a dark totally quiet room, which with children is not pissible in anyhouse i have livedin. triggers increased to include dorito chips, hot dogs, my beloved milk chocolate, change in weather, thunderstorms right before they came, stress, family arguements, skipping meals, irregular sleep patterns, insomina, too long on the computer, pain of any kind would trigger one. I have adjusted to dark chocolate but seem to absolutely crave it before a migraine hits, so its hard to tell if its a trigger or consequence of a beginning of one. The migraines can take over your life or you can just keep working through them. At 63 I am still fighting for the right to have a decent happy life. I had to ask a guy I was working for once to pull his car to the side of the road so I could throw up one time with a migraine but you know what, it didn't kill me. You can't die of embarassment, no matter how much you think so. I had to go to a hisputal that day to get the shot in the hip that you can't drive after taking but was back at work two days later. That is what you need to do no matter how much you just want to be free of them.
boscoone1 Member
Moodiness, pain on mastoid bone behind ear (usually right) and/neck; pain from either eye means will really be a bad one: smells and light will bother - get to a dim/ dark room with pressure and/or ice on head if can. If have time, take pre meds if catch. If not, take regular meds as soon as can. Nausea; if very bad- vomiting. Clumsy and uncoordinated comes after migraine. Sometimes before. Occasionally notice the yawning and eye watering, but didn't connect it to migraines until recently - but maybe because I read this.
1. boscoone1 Member
 Forgot a biggie: rainy weather. Used to be periods too! Whew! But still on hormones, so still some of that - but they're more level.
2. jns192 Moderator
 Diane, Thank you so much for sharing your symptoms with us. I wanted to share a few more articles that I think you might be able to relate to. Be sure to check out (and/or post!) in the comments section under the article for more feedback from members like you. Mood Swings: A Migraine Warning Sign: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/mood-swings-a-warning-sign' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/mood-swings-a-warning-sign/</a> Neck Pain: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-symptoms-neck-pain' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-symptoms-neck-pain/</a> Nausea: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/managing-nausea' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/managing-nausea/</a> Clumsiness: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/clumsiness' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/clumsiness/</a> Weather: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-triggers-the-power-of-weather' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-triggers-the-power-of-weather/</a> Menstruation: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-triggers-period-hormones' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-triggers-period-hormones/</a> Feel free to sift through these whenever you find the time 😀 Best, Jillian (Migraine.com Team)
headake Member
As my migraine syndrome has worsened over the past years, I have developed a ptosis (sagging eyelid) in my right eye. I'm told by my headache doc that this ptosis is a 'pain barometer', and I have noticed that the more my head hurts the droopier my right eyelid seems to become. With all of the docs I've seen, treatments and meds I've tried, I am skeptical about everything associated with migraine. Anyone heard of ptosis as a migraine symptom?
1. Member
 I get the same in my left eye. Migraine is always left sided. I often wonder if I'm having a stroke but it seems to come good after the attack subsides.
Member
Yawning, watery bloodshot eyes and irritability are my biggest 3 precursors. I find myself not wanting to talk or even listen to others in the hours preceding an attack. I just go off into a disinterested daze and wish they would stop talking to me. Geez, I must look so unsociable! Mine last around 3 days and I get one every couple of months. Very debilitating. Bed ridden. I become extremely sensitive to noise. I get quite upset with my husband and kids for making too much noise when all they are doing is everyday run of the mill things around the house. I now wear earplugs during an attack. I also get a droopy eyelid and blocked sinus on the attack side and cant eat, only drink water whether nauseous or not. After a migraine I get on this rediculous over the top high for a couple of days. Singing, being silly, chatting to everyone who will listen... Oh the joys of living with migraine!
scottj Member
With many migraines, I get a stiff/sore neck first and it often "cracks" when I move my head back. The more cracking, the worse the headache will likely be. Also, when I move my head it sounds like two pieces of metal are grinding on each other in my upper neck. However, when odors cause a migraine, I first get a tight jaw and the right side of my jaw typically "pops" when I move it. I know some people say that sensitivity to smells is part of prodrome, but if that is the case then I am always prodromal because certain smells always bother me. When I get ocular migraines, it starts with vertigo, then tunnel vision and spaciness, and then my right eye locks, followed by intense zigging lines, followed by blindness.
yv2mqt Member
I was surprised that I didn't see a mention of extreme sleepiness. I call it undeniable sleepiness. (I looked it up because I could not find the word in my head-another symptom. Another word fit well: incessant. It took me a while to connect the dots on that one.
1. DonnaFA Member
 Hi Mrs. Diehl! I love your phrase "undeniable sleepiness"! I'm wondering if the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/fatigue/basics/definition/sym-20050894" rel="nofollow">Mayo Clinic definition of fatigue</a> "Unrelenting exhaustion lasts longer, is more profound and isn't relieved by rest. It's a nearly constant state of weariness that develops over time and reduces your energy, motivation, and concentration." might more closely match your concept than the word fatigue. I surely understand what you mean, I experience that almost devastating sleepiness on occasion. Thanks for being part of the community and sharing your lexicon! (which I just may borrow 😀) -Warmly, Donna (Migraine.com team)
KellyE. Member
My face swells, neck pain and stiffness, noise, light and smells really bother me. I hadn’t really thought about it until now but I do the yawning thing too. I see spots or sometimes an aura that looks like I’m seeing through a prism. If that happens I feel like my head is going to explode in about 20 minutes. My friends and family say that my eyes look different. They can see the pain in them. Mine are chronic. So I have some degree of headache every day.
mcadwell Member
For the first time I had a prodrome that lasted longer than a few hours - it lasted two days! Neck stiffness, slight nausea, and I was freezing cold, even though it was in the low 80's temperature wise. Then the migraine arrived this morning. Thank goodness I caught the subtle normal symptoms of stiff neck and feeling woozy so I could take Excedrin before it actually hit. I timed it just right and was able to bypass the migraine...this time.
curtiecarol Member
I often have a feeling of euphoria the day before a migraine.
Heazie Member
 Oh my word! Neck pain, my mood is witchy and now that you mentioned the yawning, it makes sense! I have migraines for 4 to 5 days. Not fun.
wirr Member
One of the craziest harbinger symptoms I've had for over half a year was a deaf ear, one to one and a half days before the actual attack. Then the entire half of my face went numb for 4 weeks. After that it subsided and I lost my clearest indicator of an impending attack. My tinnitus increases every time before an attack. My attacks always last 11 days. Doubly not funny. xD
1. wirr Member
 <inline-mention username="Cheryl Picerno" user-id="3673232"/> Hello Cheryl, thanks again and again for your feedback. I hope your husband is better! Does he also suffer from cardiac arrhythmias during the attacks? In the meantime I have found a study which investigates cardiac arrhythmias in migraineurs (so I know that others are also affected). But I have not yet met anyone who reports about it.
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> It is my pleasure to pass on the experiences that we go through as migraine sufferers. My husband has good days and bad days, but his pain levels have been greatly improved with the use of Emgality. We have not really noticed that were any cardiac occurrences during his attacks. The only thing we have ever tracked was his blood pressure during an attack and that is normally elevated. If you are able, you should post the link for that cardiac study. It may be an interesting resource for people to read including me! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
savta45 Member
I get clumsy. As in stumbling, dropping things, spilling things. I also slur my speech & stutter. I worry that others may think I’m under the influence, but, I’m not! It’s purely the effect of the migraine. I’m often also shaking, like tremors, when it’s bad. I didn’t even realize that I was doing that the other day, my husband pointed it out to me. I also get very pale, because, interestingly, my blood pressure goes DOWN, not up, when I’m in pain.(Paradoxical) I’ve given ED nurses quite a scare, when my blood pressure has been in the low 80s over low 40s. Being a nurse myself, Ive had to reassure them: Look at me, I’m awake, I’m looking at you, I know where I am & what’s going on, etc. And, when they get the pan under control, it gets more stable. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="savta45" user-id="3843185"/> Those are some disconcerting signals! And it can be disconcerting, too, when our loved ones see our migraines in us before we do! You are not alone in this: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing Wild about your blood pressure! Thanks for chiming in! Warmly- Holly (migraine.com team).
2. wirr Member
 <inline-mention username="savta45" user-id="3843185"/> I get clumsy. As in stumbling, dropping things, spilling things ... ... and I am terribly scared and chase myself away when I knock something over or drop something. For a long time I had blood pressure just below hypertension for the last few years when the attacks were so severe. Likewise, my pulse was always around 90 to 100. When the attacks changed their symptoms and became significantly weaker, it normalized within three days and has remained so until today, a few months later.
tongowefli Member
Cheryl, I noticed you wrote that your husband has had some pain relief, with Emgality, during COVID 2020 where no hospital really wanted extra people in their halls the VA hospital cancelled my Botox appointments as they deemed them on the elective side rather than necessary. This gave me an opportunity to try both Emgality, and Aimovig. Both being 30 day Injections, this turned out to be a unique look of both medications, I had an interesting observation that with Aimovig I was finding the bulk of my Migraine "BAD" days were in the beginning week, and with Emgality, my "BAD" days were mostly in last 10 days. So was wondering if you noticed that about Emgality and effects on your Husbands Headaches. As 2021 started I was able to get back in for Botox and now use both it and Aimovig, and have noticed a reduction of 2-3 headache days a month. Not earthshaking but like I tell my docs "when you have 18-20 headache days a month those 1 or 2 extra good days a month are worth it". I know this thread was about "Indications of your oncoming Migraine, but had to share . After 34 years of suffering debilitating these awful headaches, I still learn new things and indications. So gotta keep writing and noting anything that you might think are different, my best to all. 
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="tongowefli" user-id="3907516"/> I'm glad to hear that Aimovig and Botox are helping to give you those few more cherished days back. I understand how huge that is to a person who suffers from migraines and especially for those who suffer from chronic migraines. My husband does have a similar experience with Emgality in that during that last week to ten days before the next shot his breakthrough migraines really start to work their way into his life. It is fortunate thought that Emgality still seems to keep the pain levels down to a point where he can manage. He spends a good deal of time isolating himself during these attacks so he can control his surroundings better as he puts it. I'm here to support him through those times. He used Ajovy and Botox for a while, but the Botox just never really helped him and on his attack days if he got his Botox shots he would be in agony for several days following the shots. His take away from that was to not get botox shots on a day where he was having an attack. That made it tough to shedule sometimes but he tried his best to keep to the three month shot schedule. Keep on writing about your experiences and please keep us updated as to how you are progressing! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Ber9 Member
Hi all! Has anyone experienced out of character behaviour the day before a migraine? I've found myself doing weird things like throwing keys in the bin with the rubbish, forgetting where I parked the car at the supermarket, and once i tore up an envelope with a 20 euro note inside. The next day I get a whopping migraine.
Ber9 Member
Hi! Does anyone do strange out of character/erratic things a day before a migraine? I once left home without my phone, wallet and when I got back my husband had been trying to reach me and was terribly worried. I got a dreadful migraine the next day . Paul5
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Ber9" user-id="4784980"/> Paul, experiencing cognitive impairment during a migraine cycle is not uncommon. It may manifest itself differently for different people, though. I tend to be more clumsy and forgetful, whereas my husband has difficulty processing and getting his thoughts out and is easily agitated. I know what it's like to leave the phone behind, as I've done that on a few occasions. I always make sure I communicate where I am going or what my plan is before I leave if going out alone so my family will have an idea of where I am. I'm glad you got back safely, but having to endure a migraine attack is just miserable. Are you on any type of preventative currently? I hope you don't suffer from attacks too often! Taking time to track them can really help you find patterns that could help you determine if an attack may be coming. This can allow you to do some proactive measures to help you through an attack cycle. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
CommunityMembera44810 Member
Which medicine is best for its
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera44810" user-id="6619818"/> Great question and not an easy one to answer! There are over 100 medications, supplements, devices, complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications that are used to treat migraine. Most of us use a combination of these. The thing is what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. This link on treatments will start you off; <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment</a>. Is this what you're looking for? Please let me know and I'm wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
MzJ4ckson Member
I get vision changes- my eyes become extremely sensitive to light. Everything is too loud, even the TV when the volume is on 2. I already have a sensitive nose but it gets 10 times more sensitive. I get nauseous and jittery. My eyes hurt, sometimes they will burn causing them to constantly water. I end up having to put an ice pack over my eyes with no lights or sounds and I deal with the smells (laundry detergent, someone cooking ect)
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="MzJ4ckson" user-id="6699728"/> I hear you! Thank you for reaching out and sharing this with us. You're not alone in experiencing sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) - many of us do. I know during an attack I'm much more sensitive to both. We have information on these here; <a href='https://migraine.com/video/sensitivity-becomes-fear' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/sensitivity-becomes-fear</a> <a href='https://migraine.com/forums/photophobia-and-phonophobia' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/forums/photophobia-and-phonophobia</a>. Wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
spoonlady Member
I never got auras or other signs, but my cheek will go numb. You could punch me on my cheek and I won't feel it. The only time I experienced auras was at a craft show, one day and it happened twice, 2 hours apart. No migraine. it was weird. It's the numb cheek that is my warning. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="spoonlady" user-id="6721812"/> Thanks for sharing. I hear you about having "weird" symptoms. Many think aura is only visual. There are a number of different types of aura including visual, sensory and speech/language problems. It sounds like you may be experiencing some sort of sensory aura which includes numbness and tingling. Let me share these different aura's with you; <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms/aura' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms/aura</a>. Let me know what you think and I'm wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="spoonlady" user-id="6721812"/>, welcome to the <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> community! We are glad you found us. Thanks for sharing what you experience with migraine. As Nancy said, the aura is not only a visual thing. Many people have sensory auras, and they can vary quite a bit. My husband, for instance, has facial numbness that runs from above his ear, through his cheek, and down his neck at the start of a migraine cycle. At times, he does get visual auras too. You can also experience what is known as a 'silent migraine.' This is an attack without head pain but with many or all of the other symptoms that can accompany an attack. Here is a link about that. https://migraine.com/migraine-types/silent-migraine I hope this helps. It is always a good idea to let your doctor know what you experience so that it can be documented. We look forward to hearing more from you! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
jimmieslambchop Member
Hi all. My husband used to ask me if I had a migraine because I started squinting…light sensitivity. My nose will get cold. The side of my face will get numb during my migraines, nausea, very sensitive to smells. Nose gets stuffy. Eye pain on the side of the migraine. Can not tolerate fluorescent light it triggers a migraine. Barometric changes trigger my migraines. Emgality decreased migraines from 15 to 9 a month. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jimmieslambchop" user-id="3777792"/> Thanks so much for sharing some of your journey with us. Especially glad to hear that you've had some improvement with Emgality. Every little bit helps. I know some people have dramatic improvements on the CGRPS, but I, like you, will take and celebrate any decrease. As to the rest of your post, isn't it funny how most people say that migraine is an invisible disease- when in many ways our loved ones (and sometimes coworkers) can see our attacks sometimes before we even know they are coming due to the way our faces and bodies change. It really can be a full body event. I, too, am triggered by barometric pressure shifts. Thanks again for chiming in. We are grateful you are with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
Andromeda Member
The tinnitus gets louder as the pain increases. The earrings and dizziness are constant. 24/7. I wake in the migraine that 34 days long. I don’t want food or to talk on the phone. My headaches, both cluster on the left and intractable migraine on the right have been with me for six DECADES. I worked 30 years somehow going to work then coming home to a dark room and cold wash clothes. My hair feels like it’s being pulled from my scalp. A large area of my head stays sore, burning and throbbing. While most of these are in the migraine pain spikes I cannot distinguish early warning except the pain quickly goes to 7-9 on a 10 point scale. I’ve learned to accept a head pain of 4-6 as ‘doing fine’. Ha, at 76 I cannot imagine the rest of my time trapped in head pain.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Andromeda" user-id="6793594"/>, Your experience sounds very similar to my husband's. The exception is constant dizziness and pain living on the left side of his head. Painful allodynia affects his scalp also. Interestingly, long-term migraine sufferers often have higher pain tolerances. His functional level of 'acceptable pain' is just like you describe. Migraine sufferers are tough people! I hope you will find a therapy regimen that breaks the intractable cycle. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
CommunityMember586 Member
I get an intense burning tingle in my right nostril that radiates up to my right sinus and right eye. My right eyes also starts watering. I've discussed with my doctor and was told the trigeminal nerve is inflamed. I usually develop a full migraine within a couple of hours on the right side of my head with pain behind my eye and a stabbing pain on the top right side of my head with a tender scalp in the area. 
1. Cody Leach Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember586" user-id="4720427"/> Has your doctor ever recommended something like the Cefaly device for your migraines? It's a trigeminal nerve stimulator, and I wonder if that would be helpful for you. Here's a link for more information: <a href='https://migraine.com/cefaly' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/cefaly</a>. Best, - Cody (Team Member)
2. CommunityMember586 Member
 <inline-mention username="Cody Leach" user-id="4536970"/> No. This was mentioned years ago, but it's certainly
CommunityMember586 Member
2 times I experienced an unusually elevated feeling of a euphoria the day before followed by 2 of the worse migraines I've ever experienced. Interesting, my mood the next day was very depressed followed by the migraines. 
1. CommunityMember586 Member
 <inline-mention username="Cody Leach" user-id="4536970"/> Both episodes were years ago. I'm currently on Qulipta daily and Ubrelvy for active migraine which seems to be working well # of migraines have decreased and lessened in symptoms. Was on Relpax for years but my blood pressure issues made it necessary to change meds. Luckily I've been approved for free meds from AbbVie through the end of the year with help of my NP neurologist who specializes in migraines. I'm 67 and I've had migraines since puberty. I've have had at least 4 changes in how my migraines develop throughout my life. The last change happened about a year ago. It was pretty upsetting and scary; severe vertigo for 2.5 days, vomiting which is new for me, along with 5 days of unrelenting pain. This led to medication change to Qulipta & Ubrelvy after ER visit with treatment and MRI of brain and inner ears. 
2. Cody Leach Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember586" user-id="4720427"/> I see. Thank you for sharing that. Sounds like the Qulipta and Ubrelvy are doing a great job keeping your migraines at bay. Many people in the community have also expressed that their migraines change over time, so please know you're not alone with that experience. I can understand why it would feel upsetting and scary when our migraines change. It's like dealing with a whole new beast entirely when you start to experience new symptoms. Fingers crossed that you'll continue to get relief with your current treatment plan, and that they won't do anymore changing for a while! Best, - Cody (Team Member)
Donna K Member
Anyone else experience dry mouth?
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberce4181" user-id="6922422"/> Great question! I live with dry mouth in part due to Sjogren's syndrome and medications. Medications can be a big culprit in dry mouth. Have you discussed this with your doctor? If not I would encourage you to. I use Biotene spray and try to stay as hydrated as possible. Please let me know what you think and I'm wishing you a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
Donna K Member
That was the only time I experienced the dry mouth was during my migraine episode. 
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberce4181" user-id="6922422"/> I hear you. Dry mouth is terribly annoying, even if it's only happening sometimes! Have you talked to your doctor about it or tried any of the over the counter products to help? Hopefully this is just a rare thing for you. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Donna K Member
That’s the only time I’ve had dry mouth. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberce4181" user-id="6922422"/> That's interesting. I've only experienced dry mouth as a result of the medications I've taken for migraine (specifically phenergan, for nausea - which is very dehydrating). Were you taking any medications when that episode occurred? I looked up on our site and there were various mentions of dry mouth - here they are in case you might be interested in seeing other community members who have experienced the same: https://migraine.com/search?s=dry%20mouth. Glad it hasn't happened to you repeatedly. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
Donna K Member
I’m only taking Depakote, an antidepressant, and a vitamin D. Maybe because my blood pressure was very high. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberce4181" user-id="6922422"/> That's interesting- dry mouth is listed as a side effect of depakote. Still, that doesn't quite track as you've only experienced this one time. Definitely worth bringing up with your doctor next time you're seen, especially if it happens again. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
CommunityMemberc8d006 Member
A day or two before my migraines I'll get weird energy and don't know what to do with myself. When the migraines actually starts messing with me it's every form of aura you can name. My ear drums thump. My hands get shaky. Parts of my face goes numb. I begin to sound like I'm drunk and often talk complete gibberish. But the visuals are the craziest. Objects will flash or switch colors with other nearby objects, parts of things I'm looking at will disappear and reappear somewhere else in the room. I'll see double as well as have persistent after images. Dark objects will have white copies of themselves somewhere else in my vision. The silhouettes and shapes of whoever or whatever is on the tv at the time will be over on the wall while I'm watching. Things will change shape. I'll get dead spots in my vision or my entire right eye will grey out. I also get the stereotypical optical migraine display with the flashing geometric shapes zig zagging and floating around the room. I get incredibly nauseous and dizzy. l fall down or into the wall if I'm walking. I have fallen out of chairs and out of the bed while sitting still cuz it feels like the room turns on its side really fast. Super light and sound sensitivity to the point I'll throw up. Then comes the needle-ish and vice-like pain behind my right eye, the sore neck and shoulders, the upset stomach, the exhaustion, and the anxiety....and that's usually when it's time to get in bed and sleep for a few days til I can resume normal life again. But a lot of the visuals remain even when I'm not having an active migraine attack. I always have visual snow and a decent amount of the afterimages. Always. That never goes away. It just gets "thicker" when I'm in one.
1. Cody Leach Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> Thank you for taking the time to respond and share your experience with us. I hear you on how debilitating the nausea can get. If you're interested, we have several articles on management of nausea. Here's a link to a few: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/managing-nausea' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/managing-nausea</a> and <a href='https://migraine.com/video/secret-handle-nausea' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/secret-handle-nausea</a>. I personally find it helpful to eat ginger candies when I feel nauseous, and sip cold water. It doesn't make it all go away, but it does make it more bearable. Hope that these resources help 😀. - Cody (Team Member) 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> Hi there- so sorry your attack frequency/severity has been particularly active lately. I noticed you've been absent and am happy to hear from you. Glad this post resonated so well with you and that you've found someone to whom you relate so well. It's very rare to find another person who experiences migraine in just the same way as we do. The experience is so individualized - from symptoms to triggers to length, severity, frequency, etc. It can be relieving to find another who experiences the condition in a similar way. You do a great job here of providing helpful information about what you've learned in your journey. I'm sure it will be helpful to many. Thinking of you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
CommunityMemberc62ca7 Member
my husband said i talk in my sleep a lot the night before a migraine 
1. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberc62ca7" user-id="8577439"/> - Thanks for sharing this with us here in the community. Sleep talking is a unique symptom! It's the first time I've heard of someone doing this. I wonder if others in the community do this. It's fascinating that your husband has noticed a pattern of you talking in your sleep the night before experiencing a migraine. Migraines can disrupt sleep patterns and quality, both during an active migraine attack and in the pre-migraine phase (prodrome). Some individuals experience changes in sleep architecture, such as difficulties falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or abnormal sleep stages. These disruptions can lead to various sleep-related phenomena, including sleep talking or other sleep-related behaviors, such as you have experienced. Hoping, as Holly does, it initiates a preemptive strike against a full-blown migraine attack. Warm wishes and quiet nights ahead ~ Rebecca (community moderator)
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 Wow, that's really interesting! I believe it. So much is going on in the brain before/during/after a migraine that I've come to feel like anything is possible. Does this bother you at all? If you want to explore this in more detail, I bet our friends at our sister site, <a href='https://www.sleep-disorders.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>www.sleep-disorders.net</a>, will have some possible insights. Thanks for sharing! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
CommunityMember549 Member
I get zingers in R or L eyes, a day or two previous to migraine hitting me. 
1. Cody Leach Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember549" user-id="3809037"/> So interesting that you get your aura a day or so beforehand. Do you feel like this helps you prepare well in advance for the upcoming migraine? - Cody (Team Member)
CommunityMember549 Member
Kinda ? I don't want to waste my limited supply of Nurtec. I will try to stay hydrated and try to get enough rest. But I try to do that anyway
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember549" user-id="3809037"/> Thank you for sharing this with us. You're not alone in experiencing aura before the headache phase In fact the phases of a migraine go like this; prodrome, aura, headache and postdrome. Not everyone with migraine disease will experience each phase with every attack. We have more information about the phases of a migraine attack you can take a look at here; <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-phases' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/migraine-phases</a> Depending on the number of attacks you get each month, Nurtec may be an option to be taken as a preventive medication, not just acutely when we have an attack. It's taken every other day. We have more information about this here; <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/trying-oral-cgrp-preventives' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/trying-oral-cgrp-preventives</a> Maybe this is something you can discuss with your provider? Looking forward to hearing more from you and I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (Team Member)
Jon B. Zachman Member
Two Responses to 2014 article on Early Signs & Symptoms... 1. Prior to migraine attack, I frequently experience the sensation that my face feels flush or like I am burning up. Splashing cold water on my face or sticking my entire head under the bathtub sink can be helpful, as well as a cold washcloth. 2. Having just watched the video "Convo on Migraine Language", I noticed in the second sentence the word migraineurs, which seems to have fallen out of favor since this article was published ten years ago. Now, persons who have migraine disease the preferred. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Jon B. Zachman" user-id="6740915"/> Thank you for joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts with us. I love your tip about cold water when you feel flushing coming on - I'm going to give that a try! I'm not a fan of migraineur. We're more than migraine disease! How are you feeling today? I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (Team Member)
CommunityMember9762503 Member
One person mentioned urinating a lot. That is me too! Lots of yawning and going to the bathroom and smells - very sensitive to them. Don't understand it but...
1. Tonya Henry Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember9762503" user-id="9762503"/> something that I see often is members saying they yawn prior to the migraine starting. I have not had that, nor certain smells (phantom smells) happen to during a migraine episode. It is quite puzzling as to why we all have different symptoms. I am glad that many times, we do get warning signs of what is on the way. How is your week starting? I hope that things are going pretty well. (Tonya, team member).
Kcook Member
Exhaustion. Like I haven't slept in years. And definitely irritability and fidgeting. I have to get up and walk or I'll go crazy. 
1. Tracy Hannigan, MOstMed, ACE-HC Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Kcook" user-id="6655242"/> my partner has irritability and fidgetiness (?) as a bit of a 'prodrome' as well. I am sure it is hard to know sometimes if it is related or if it might be because of other things, goodness life is stressful and can bring on a lot of irritability anyway! Thank you for sharing and I hope you have a lovely place that you can walk! Does it help a lot? Warmly, Tracy (Team Member)