15 Common Migraine Warning Signs From Our Community
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 or indicators 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!
Common 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
Recognizing less frequent 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:
Excessive yawning and prodrome
Many members of our community noted that frequent yawning is a significant migraine sign that often precedes the pain. One member shared that yawning is a "big signal," often accompanied by an "inability to listen" or irritability. Another noted that "one eye will constantly water until I'm in full-fledged migraine status." For some, the signal is so distinct that even coworkers notice: "They notice it before I do!" Others mentioned the confusion of connecting it to the condition, with one person noting, "It took me a long time to put it together with migraine." Finally, one community member highlighted the physical intensity, stating their "nose and cheeks get cold" and the "back of my head and neck go rigid.
How nausea serves as an early sign
Nausea is another heavy-hitting indicator that an attack is imminent, often appearing before the headache phase begins.
For many, nausea is a "big signal" that arrives alongside a sore neck or a feeling of being "extremely cold." Others experience a "taste of metal" in their mouth before the pain hits. One contributor described a sensory overload: "I get superhuman smelling and hearing... everything intensifies before a migraine."
Identifying vision changes and auras
Visual disturbances are classic migraine signs, though they can manifest in very different ways for each individual.
Community members reported "blurred vision and an aura" or "sharp pain behind my left eye" as primary indicators. One reader described the emotional toll: "The real pain and sadness is that I can't read my books" due to sore eyes and trembling hands. Others feel "spacey" or see "shooting stars" and "white spots." For many, these visual cues are accompanied by a "difficulty speaking and processing info," making it hard to navigate daily tasks.
Managing neck pain and stiffness
Physical tension in the neck and joints is a frequently cited indicator that a migraine episode is likely to happen within 24 hours.
Some describe the sensation as "clumsiness" or "forgetfulness" paired with a painful neck. One person noted that their "neck becomes very painful, which for me means a migraine the next day." Another described the sensation of "a giant weight" on their head "compressing my neck." For many, this stiffness is the final warning before a "killer migraine that knocks me out of my daily life."
Do you encounter any unique symptoms before you get a migraine? Please share your experience with us in the comments!
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