Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

Man walking past a warning sign and a monster reaching out to grab him.

Prodrome: Migraine Warning Signs

As soon as I woke up yesterday morning, I was pretty sure a migraine was coming on. I couldn't put a finger on the exact symptoms, but I felt "off" and sluggish. As a chronic migraineur, I can't stay in bed whenever I feel "off" - I'd rarely be vertical if that were the case. Within five minutes of hauling myself out of bed, however, tears began streaming down my face, a sure sign a migraine is on the way. Although it doesn't happen every time I have a migraine, I'm grateful when this prodrome symptom warns me so I can take a triptan and try to abort the migraine before it happens.

What's my most reliable warning sign?

Tearing is the most reliable warning sign for me. Sometimes it is accompanied by yawning, but not always. Frequent sighing is often a predictor, though I also sigh a lot when I'm physically tired, and it can be hard to tell which is which.

What are other prodrome symptoms?

Other prodrome symptoms, according to the Migraine Association of Ireland, can include:

These aren't even all the possible vast and varied symptoms. Many people can't pinpoint anything specific but just say they feel "off" or "out of sorts."

What reliable symptoms signal a migraine is coming on for you?

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our privacy policy.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Community Poll

Have you taken our In America Survey yet?