Missing Prodrome Signals

By Holly Harding

1 min read

In this video, Holly shares a relatable story of a time that she missed repeated prodrome signals including brain fog, forgetfulness, and irritability. How is it, no matter how experienced we are with migraine, that we often can’t self-identify our prodrome symptoms when in the midst of experiencing them?

Can you relate? Share your story in the comment section below!

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.

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Rebecca C Moderator
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> - I can relate to this so very much. The confusion and chaos that I go through not recognizing a migraine episode is knocking on the door is quite easily missed. I always believed I was unmanageable and having a rough day. I'd have days where I couldn't remember what I did earlier in the day or where my keys were (I'd find them in the sock drawer or in the fridge). I was not able to be "present in the moment" or "felt out of body" and in a haze, leaving or forgetting personal items here or there. That is my first clue each time a flare for my AS comes on, or a migraine begins. I've learned to check in with myself occasionally to see exactly where I am, especially before I leave the house. If I don't feel I am all there, and present, I get help with tasks or replan my day. I just cannot function and ... forget about driving and being on the road - in my case, it can have really devastating effects. It's as if the whole day just goes ... wrong. Thanks for such a great video and concerning topic. Rebecca (comm advc) 
1. Jojoderuiter Member
 <inline-mention username="Rebecca C" user-id="3677527"/> I can so relate to all of this! My question is what our how can we help ourselves to eliminate or lessen severity of upcoming migraines 
2. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="Jojoderuiter" user-id="3776080"/> Great question. The only 2 people who can help with that are a neurologist/headache specialist and you. Trial and error of treatments that best suit you, I think, is a great way to help lessen or possibly eliminate events in migraine disease. Take your health by the hand and get to know it intimately. It can mean the difference between chronic and episodic migraines, between suffering or co-existing, the line between where it's manageable and out of control. New medications have recently come available, e.g. CGRPs and others. If you find your events or episodes are worsening or changing - set up an appt to see your treating physician to discuss new treatment options or a change in your treatment plan. It is essential in fighting this debilitating chronic illness. Hoping your week is migraine free. Rebecca (comm advc)
azreynolds Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> As usual, great topic and insights. I wish, wish, wish I knew my prodromes! I'm using Migraine Buddy to attempt to track prodromes, but have failed miserably. Maybe the problem is I live with Fibro fog constantly too. Or maybe I'm just ditsy? Lol. The only true prodrome I have is AIWS episodes, but not all of them end in migraine because I have them so frequently. One thing I'm trying to watch for (no pun intended, well maybe a little) is visual disturbances. Recently I recognized I have visual issues like not being able to focus clearly on text, books, phone, etc. No matter what I'm reading it gets fuzzy. Sometimes the text moves about too. I first noticed it being a frequent problem about 4 years ago, but only recently wondered if it is followed by migraines. Since this is a new observation, it's too soon to make any conclusions. But it was about that same time that my auras drastically changed, totally blinding me in a second, and my AIWS really started becoming wild, crazy rides. So it makes one wonder...did something change in my brain? Oh, just a new thought...I had a bad faint and whacked my head hard again in April 2019 so maybe that added to the earlier childhood brain injury(?). Either way, I look forward to reading other people's comments about their prodromes. Hopefully I'll learn more like I usually do reading (or listening to) <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a>. Bless you all!
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> Carb cravings are super common with prodrome for many! I remember we once had a discussion here about the foods you crave either before or after an attack, and a huge number of people said things like mashed potatoes, bread, French fries and sweets. I wish I knew more about that connection -- I'm a firm believer that the body knows what we need. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. dpasek Member
 <inline-mention username="Melissa Arnold" user-id="3827796"/> : My suspicion for migraine induced carb cravings is that something in the brain is being tricked or has been rendered malfunctional. Many of the migraine aura phenomena are demonstrably brain malfunctions.
azreynolds Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Thanks for asking. I'm getting a bit stronger everyday, but I keep pushing myself unnecessarily and get set back. Now a bacterial infection has added to the healing from surgery. So I MUST force myself to rest! But it's so boring!! Oh well. Practicing my mandolin fills up some time. Best wishes to all.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Oh- so sorry to hear about the set back but glad for the update. I know it must be hard be patient with the healing process but you are a pro at being patient at this point! Keep taking good care of yourself and know we are all thinking of you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
azreynolds Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Yes, and I spent the day on my phone searching for a support group for hyperosmia. I may have found someone in a similar situation. Found lots of hypoosmia easily, especially after covid. But one person seems to have exactly what I have. Might be fun! 😉
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Oh! So smart of you to do this! Great. Let us know how that goes- good thinking, Annzie! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Jojoderuiter Member
I’m wondering what we can do to prevent a migraine when we have these prisoners? I relate to this 100%
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Jojoderuiter" user-id="3776080"/> So glad you can relate to this as it helps to remember we are not alone- but sorry this is a challenge for you as well. I do think it can help to try to be as tuned in as possible to our our experiences with migraine- thinking back through to what happened in the days and hours before they hit to try to familiarize ourselves with our particular prodromes. Hopefully we may eventually be able to proactively recognize the signs and employ our treatment strategies sooner than later. I think so many of us miss these signs because they are so slight and confusing so that we miss the window of opportunity to treat the attack early. And as we all know, a migraine attack is most likely to stop in its tracks if treated early. Takes a lot of reflection and self-study to get to know and recognize the prodromes as they are happening. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Farla Member
While I watched your video, I sat back and reflected on my own journey for the last 36 years, and your story was all too similar to many of my own. The inability to make any decisions, loss of patience and being easily flustered is so common. Its hard to pinpoint the why, while you are going through it in the moment which makes living with migraines so frustrating. If only I knew or was able to connect the dots in the moment! 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Farla E" user-id="3737896"/> You are definitely not alone in this. The sense of feeling a sense of euphoria and extreme wellness, followed by an attack, has definitely been reported. We have an article about it here: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/suddenly-feel-bad' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/suddenly-feel-bad</a>. I have not personally experienced that but I'd imagine it would be difficult to pull out of that feeling and take medication for migraine in that moment! Thanks for sharing. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> So interesting that you, also, experience that zooming euphoric feeling. What's tricky about that window of time is that it's so delicate. We think we could conquer the world, but in reality, the best thing we can do is likely to be on the more calm and quiet side. Almost impossible to hold ourselves back when we feel like that, though! Thanks for chiming in! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
6p3kjn Member
Hi Holly, Wow does this hit home today! Yesterday my whole day was a mess. I was extremely emotional in the morning (triggered by a friend’s issue I had been helping with), I’ve been helping her for a month but I just broke down sobbing. I’m an emotional person, but this was over the edge. I was able to put it on the back burner and went on with my day. I went to my chiropractor and was told my insurance company was suddenly refusing to pay. My emotions went the other way and I started to get really mad - thank goodness not at the office but with my insurance company. On the way home, I was supposed to stop and pick up dinner. I had ordered 15 minutes ago on an app but I realized I was heading the complete wrong direction and had to figure out how to get there from where I was. Once I was on the right road, I drove right past the restaurant- I had to turn into a different parking lot, turn around and went back. By this time, I knew something was up. I got home and decided I needed to lie down. I woke up this morning with a huge migraine. I usually just have issues with my speech prior to a migraine but, looking back, I was having unfamiliar symptoms all day that should have sent me home immediately. Now, I’ll have to pay closer attention to this different warning signs. I showed your video to my husband and he is going to try to point them out if I have them again. Thank you so much! Michele 24 year chronic migraine warrior 🦸‍♀️ 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> That is a really hard journey! What kind of support do you have in your life? We are here for you and in this with you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Thank you for sharing this story- it is illustrative of how we can go back and clean up the messes we make when we're in the throes of migraine. It's almost like we can turn into the Hulk- angry, impatient- too tired to deal. We're not ourselves. I like how you went back to make amends. Thanks for sharing! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
farm966 Member
If I notice, which I usually do after the fact, I get a pain in my back, although back pain is usually a daily event. The back pain and stiffness, along with just a little euphoria or happiness occurs right before my visual disturbances start. I of course catch the visual disturbances quicker now than ever, but I still never notice the few minutes of being overly happy and back pain for several minutes before. By this time triptans offer me only the ability to take the edge off of the pain, I have never had a migraine go away after taking a triptan or anything else. I realize when I notice the visual disturbances that for the next 72 hours I am going to feel like I was run over by a truck. 
1. farm966 Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I am currently on Aimovig 140mg every 28 days and it has reduced the frequency of my attacks. I didn’t realize that a few years ago I was taking ibuprofen every day for pain in my neck and back caused by an auto accident, well this lead to rebound cyclical migraine attacks. For over a year I was getting a migraine every third day, occasionally every fourth day. This of course was a horrible experience and a very dark time for me that almost made me quit working, but I had to continue to provide for my family. Luckily a neurologist/headache expert told me I was getting rebound headaches, I didn’t believe her at first as being a pharmacist I thought I knew what I was doing. Turns out she was correct, thankfully! Now, with Aimovig and different supplements, I am back to just 2 to three migraines a month. This is a horrible disease state, mine started with my 2nd concussion, but only a few per year. After my 4th concussion they increased in frequency to where I am now, which is better than a lot of people, I try to be thankful for that. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="farm966" user-id="3720478"/> You've had quite a migraine journey. So glad you have found some success with Aimovig and that you discovered the horrid cycle of rebound so that you could put an end to it. It's hard to be grateful for near weekly migraine attacks, but I understand what you are reaching for in that things could be worse. Still, as you said, it's a very hard condition to manage on a regular basis. We are so glad you're with us- you have a lot of earned wisdom to share. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
MidwestMeltedBrain Member
It is so refreshing to hear someone else having the same troubles! I'm not sure why I thought I was the only one. 😐 Chronic migraine has made me exponentially more ignorant than I once was. It's really humiliating some days, especially at work. I get SO tired of constantly having to make excuses for the rampant stupidity that hits before and after the migraine. I wish more people understood migraines. Thanks for sharing! I typically don't read these but this caught my eye... I'll definitely be paying more attention to this site from here on out. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> I thought you might be interested in this article about constant cancellations. You are definitely NOT alone in this either! <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/constant-cancellations-the-rare-friend-who-can-navigate' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/constant-cancellations-the-rare-friend-who-can-navigate</a>. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="MidwestMeltedBrain" user-id="3764917"/> So glad you are with us and have found our community! That's exactly what we're here for! We're enriched by your presence, wisdom and compassion. Please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
laramae Member
Hi Holly, what a frustrating experience, and an interesting observation. When I have a similarly stressful situation, I blame that for triggering my migraine. When in fact, it may be prodrome that caused me to get into the stressful situation. I will pay more attention to this in the future. Thank you for sharing your experience, and thank you for sharing your cute doggy in the background. Laura 
1. jo1950 Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> ~ Really sorry to hear your car was vandalized and took your purse with everything you know in your life in it, along with the most important....the abortive triptan. I got that way last week when I was under pressure to help with our Community Newsletter, it was an intense morning and zam... came the prodrome and migraine. So, I can soo relate. Hoping you stopped your credit cards from being used. ((( hugs ))) Debbie
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Thanks for the kind words, Debbie! Yes- that really was a nightmare and yes, I was able to stop my credit cards in time. But, you're so right- the worst was not having the medications I needed. Sounds like you had a real deadline to make and an attack hit at the worst possible time! I hope you found your way around it! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
jenn12 Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> , thank you so much for sharing this. I often forget I am not alone. This is very timely. I just spoke/cried to my doctor 2 days ago about this experience. I was getting better at recognizing my prodrome signals and then recently they started to change (and in my opinion become more severe/alarming) and that added a lot of confusion and frustration. I also have other health issues so I question myself a lot - is this a migraine, is this something else... What I decided on literally 2 days ago was to focus on my language - the words I use. Yes, sometimes I feel agitated or angry... but lately there have been pretty good reasons for feeling that way so is this prodrome or is it a "true" (not the right word - all feelings are legit) feeling? What remains consistent is me saying to myself, "I feel crazy" (that word is not part of my regular vocab) or "I just don't know what to do" (when choosing between making tea or washing my hands, and I am smart enough to "know what to do&quot😉. There are a few other things I say to myself that I will be adding to the list. Typically I say the words and then question myself and work though every scenario, but now the plan is when those words come out of my mouth, I immediately take my medication with no questions asked. Like I said, this system is new, so we'll see how it goes 😀
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jenn12" user-id="3768964"/> Cool! Let me know how/if this work for you. - Holly (migraine.com team).
2. jenn12 Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I love it!!!!! We certainly are pals! Age - just a number but I think we are the same number 😀 I can't just hit the thumbs up to like your comment but I don't know how to add tons of heart emojis <3
jo1950 Member
In my early youth thru teens my prodrome symptom was loss of sight and numbness in mouth thru my jaw down to my fingers. In my 30's migraine started back up again. What I experienced between my 30's until 70's, I would suddenly get a shimmering arch in my field of vision. I also experienced several days before this extreme mood swings, forgetfulness, confusion, word salad and Deja vu. Now in my 70's I am having migraine up to 3 times a week until I started taking a once a month injection and stopped migraine in its tracks. Thank you for sharing this podcast about the symptoms Holly Harding experienced trying to get her groceries. I feel validated that someone actually experienced very similar symptoms. I can now disregard the snide comments that I am weird. I think what helped was that Holly Harding put a face to this experience.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> Oh dear! I'm SO so sorry to hear that you are wading through the nightmare of red tape to get to a treatment you know already works so well for you! That is SO frustrating. If the Ajovy isn't working for you, perhaps there's no reason to take it in two weeks? I mean, definitely ask your doctor, but I'd wonder about that? This shimmering arc sounds so dramatic and attention getting. How much time do you have between experiencing that and the pain hitting? I know those attacks that wake us up already in process generally mean we sleep through the signals that would otherwise allow us to treat the attack proactively and early. Fingers crossed that your Aimovig comes through ASAP! Let us know. Thinking of you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="jo1950" user-id="3722268"/> Crossing my fingers that it all gets worked out quick so that you can get on Aimovig ASAP! I hope it does the job for you. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
silver Member
My migraine isn't as clear-cut as some people get. Often things blend into each other, and symptoms are just swapped for another symptom. But sometimes I do get times when I feel relatively normal, and even the IBS side of my migraine takes a back seat. So in hindsight, it's likely that my prodrome symptoms are actually....feeling better, feeling hungry for breakfast, sleeping nicely, feeling pretty nice instead of slightly nauseous in my morning bath, having my normal energy back, believing "I am getting better!", enjoying working outside, and having good energy for a really decent long walk without backache. Because I have noticed that whenever I start to feel like my old self again I will soon start to feel unwell again and everything will return to flare up. It almost feels like a dark joke between God and the Devil. Sad isn't it? But on the other hand I do have gratitude for experiencing any return to what can feel like normality, even if it is a joke.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="silver" user-id="3723451"/> That is fascinating! So glad you shared this. I'm not sure if this will resonate with you but a number of people have mentioned in the comment section of other articles that talk about prodromes that they experience a lift in their energy- kind of a jolt - in which they feel a surge of energy and feel they can take on the world. They want to do it all and get caught up on all the time they've lost to migraine attacks. Does this sound familiar? But I agree- no matter how fleeting, a taste of goodness- of light and wellness - is wondrous. And thanks for the kind words. My sweet Gracie Mae dog is amazing. She keeps me going when things get tough. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
silver Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I forgot to say in my post above. Thank you for your podcast Holly. You are really pretty by the way, and I love your doggy!
Patrika Member
Perfect timing for this and spot on. I just want to say what a great idea to put up a video. I was thinking that would be a lot to write especially post migraine with confusion and fog. Also love your dog! Last night I was feeling irritable for no reason. The light was bothering me in the afternoon and I started feeling cold which is not something I have added to my list of prodrome. It is now. I was dizzy and nauseous. I was trying to plow through a very easy contract in work and I couldn't figure it out, which annoyed me. I found myself angry with the new client for making a change to the previous contract. Really? Got up a little late to take my dog to the vet which is several blocks away and I like to walk him there. I have two dogs so we all walk together And make a sign of it. I have rigged up a special split leash system with multiple handles on it so I can give them lots of freedom but grab them close if I need to in a moment. I was having a hard time figuring out the leashes and figuring out my left from my right. Mind you this leash stays in one position and all I have to do is hook one end to me and the other two ends to them and I do it every day ! I had a hard time putting on my socks and shoes. Nevertheless out the door we went and we were perfectly on time at 9 AM. When I checked in, the receptionist couldn't find my appointment. She said I don't show you at 9 o'clock and she looked further. She did find my appt., at 12 p.m. I thought to myself I looked last night to make sure, I looked this morning to make sure and I still made the mistake. I looked again right at that moment and sure enough 12 PM. I thought how does my brain look at 12 PM and hear 9 AM? We turned around and walked home. I drove him to his appointment for the 12 PM slot as I couldn't cancel it because he needed his rabies shot. I couldn't concentrate on work later in the afternoon. I started getting really dizzy and nauseous. 430 hit and so did the migraine. Last week I had a doctors appointment and showed up on time at 8:30 in the morning after fighting Boston traffic only to find out that I was two days early. This is a thing for me lately. It's brain fog and confusion. It's not knowing my own phone number and it's feeling like my body belongs to someone else, my left and right hand not knowing which way is up. Thank goodness for dictation, not sure I could've written all of this! So yes, in retrospect I look back and see the signs. I have lived with migraine for 40 years. At what point will I recognize my signs? Naturally they change so that does add to the problem. I do have one question, has anyone had success taking abortives during the brain fog period? Not sure why but this just occurred to me for the first time. Wondering if it would nip the migraine in the bud. Thank you for sharing your story Holly.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 @jenn12- I relate to this feeling of panic and overplanning of appointments in response to the frequent brain fog visitor. I make notes in my planner to spell out where I'm going, and when I'll need to leave to get there in time, etc. I find myself sometimes unable to plan (in my head) how much time to allot to get from one place to another on time - and being on time is so important to me- that I have to write it all out... How long will it take to get from A to B- how much time will I spend there, and on and on. I think part of this has to do with wanting to be proactive about avoiding the kind of anxiety that @patrika mentioned (and that we've all experienced). That sensation of panic triggers me so quickly into an attack. So, I do my best to plan ahead. That said, I certain don't always get it right! Do you think an anxiety/fear related-trigger is part of what drives your perfectionism? Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 @patrika- Good for you for informing yourself about the force of vertigo. It's a really tricky condition to navigate and important to try to understand as best you can. We have a lot of information about it here: <a href='https://migraine.com/search?s=vertigo' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/search?s=vertigo</a>. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
pambitterman Member
Sounds like an overwhelming and depressing experience! My question is what, practically, could have changed by recognizing the symptoms earlier? Been more compassionate with yourself? Asked for help? Taken medication well in advance? I of course commiserate, but as these buggers are a way of life, I find myself more leaning toward looking for working solutions. Explanations after the fact are good, but how to use the information to avoid a similar experience in the future would be great. I wonder, what would you have done differently? Thanks so much!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="pambitterman" user-id="3815822"/> Such a good and important question to ask. Now that we've identified the problem, what to do about it? I think that's really the beauty of this site. If you take a look at the lively discussion occurring in the comment section here you will see that there is a brainstorm unfolding on this very topic. Every community member brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to bear and is offering their ideas. As you'll see in other comments I've made here, after consulting with my migraine specialist, I'm now proactively taking my rescue medications when I notice two prodromes occurring together. Of course the challenge is that I often don't always notice them until it's too late. Other folks have offered additional insights that are helpful and worth reading through- I particularly like Jenn's suggestion of how to notice the prodromes by paying attention to different phrases as they enter her mind. When she notices she isn't able to figure things out, she has proactively made a plan with herself that when that phrase or thought pops up, she stops in her tracks and treats the attack. That is her red flag. Almost like making an agreement with yourself that A and B experience equal C action (treatment). This is about trying to making the unconscious - conscious, if that makes sense. But there is definitely a real process involved in doing so. Is this helpful? Have you found anything that has proved effective? Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
azreynolds Member
OK, sorry for popping in again just to say to EVERYONE who made comments above, we must remind ourselves every single day that we are survivors! No matter if we miss our prodromes, or think things are going great and then crash and burn, or family and friends abandon us or criticize us, or even when we occasionally lose our cool....my thinking is this....I'd like to see them do any better if they had severe daily migraines to deal with!!! Am I right?! Hang in there buddies! We still always have our joy inspite of our pain.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Beautifully put, Annzie! Thank you for being such a tremendous source of support and encouragement for this community. We are so glad you're with us. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team). 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> What kind words, Annzie- I just am seeing this comment. You made my day. I love how you stretch to see the light in all that surrounds you and to learn as much as you can from this world. We've talked before about how people who have never had a migraine can't really understand what we're up against- but perhaps, in the way you've described here, our loved ones may experience some of our neurological symptoms through the aging process! I'd never thought of that! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
lizzy59 Member
I've experienced, blurred vision and confusion say while at the grocery store, hot, sweaty with the feeling of, I've got to get out of here and having a short fuse with other customers. 
1. Shay_Wins Member
 Sensory overload for sure! Just want to get out of there and check that task off our list!
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Shay_Wins" user-id="8769165"/> - indeed! Thanks for relating on this! Glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
JennieM Member
Holly, this definitely resonates with me. Trouble is, though, it's difficult for me to initially differentiate migraine prodome brain haze from multiple sclerosis cog fog. Only true tell is if a migraine aura kicks in - then there's my solid answer. Aah...the dubious "joy" of neurological conditions 🙄
1. JennieM Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/>, yes, the double "gift" of neurological issues does often make it challenging to gauge migraine prodome over lightheaded M.S. monster symptoms. If my thinking's not too muzzy, I'm sometimes able to clue in and realize that I've been remiss in doing something that I should have done that day - like drinking enough water, eating something recently, or getting enough sleep. Then my slow acting "duh brain" has the "it's a migraine coming" lightbulb moment. Luckily my migraines are nothing like the beasts I got in my teen years. Plus tips from other migraineurs here and elsewhere have helped mitigate things (e.g. Coffee at first sign of potential migraine, where in past I'd viewed java only as a potential trigger). Holly, your prodome tell of nausea sounds nasty. Sorry to hear that by that point your meds don't help much. Hope you've managed to find some tools to help get you through the "brain bang" in spite of it. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="JennieM" user-id="3769181"/> You're so right to point us all back to those key and basic important tasks like hydration and sleep. These are also such good things to ask ourselves when we're wondering whether or not we might have an attack brewing. Thanks for the compassion about the nausea stuff- unfortunately, I'm not at all unique in navigating the nausea terrain. There are so many of us out there that deal with it daily. And, like with the java approach, there are many first sign approaches that are worthy of trying (most involving some form of ginger) before I have to resort to knocking myself out with the big gun type medication that will mean I'm unconscious for the rest of the day- and that is such a drag indeed! Appreciate your kind words and so glad you're with us! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
wirr Member
And now imagine you're in this state for practically the whole month. Once that starts, it doesn't stop throughout the seizure. Sometimes with 5 day off, currently again without a break. I have spent many years studying and working in this state. At some point I thought it was like that for everyone. When I finally found someone in 2018 who was very knowledgeable about my illness, this gentleman said to me: If I had come to him with the story in 1998, I could have applied for early retirement immediately. The whole thing influenced me in such a way that I looked for a job that was not as demanding as possible. My original job has a lot to do with mathematics and physics. But since I was constantly making mistakes and my condition when it came to concentration was getting worse and worse, I looked for something that I could slowly scurry along. The risk of scrapping building materials for tens of thousands of euros was too great for me. You said it, the fear is with you all the time. The insecurity, the forgetting and then on Monday morning you already feel as if you had already worked all week and that again with a night full of insomnia. I don't go anywhere without a shopping list. I changed shops once - never again! My short-term memory keeps me moving. What you don't have in your head, you have to have in your legs. And no, that's not normal at my age, I made a statistic.^^ 
1. Patrika Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> Hi Holly, flexibility is what I do now and I am so grateful that I have it. I can't imagine what it would be like if I wasn't able to lay down with my headache and then pick up working later. I find myself working at night and on the weekends in effort to catch up. Basically I just spread it out throughout my seven day week. But I always wonder if I wasn't working or had a less brainy job, if I would still get the migraines as frequently. This is a question I ponder all the time. But when I go back into my past, every job I've ever had, I had migraines - including college. So I don't think it's the work. But I guess I'm just grasping for possibilities.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Patrika" user-id="3858951"/> I'm so glad you are thinking about this- and voicing it- because I think it's something so many of us wonder about. This question of whether or not the work itself is a trigger. For me, I was working a stressful, demanding job (deadlines, major targets to meet, etc) and it was at that time that my migraine condition became daily/chronic and out of control. I was getting sick to my stomach at work frequently from the pain and when I was having to ask coworkers to drive me to the ER, I knew it was getting unsustainable. I stopped working in hopes that doing so would be temporary- that taking a break would serve as a reset - that I'd be able to take better care of myself by responding to my pain when it arose, rest when needed, etc. I thought the attacks would decrease in frequency and severity. That was not the case. My attacks continued to be chronic and occur daily. What did change was what you described above. I was able to be more flexible and lay down when an attack hit. But the whole situation was a huge confirmation that migraine is inside of me, not something living outside of me. It's a neurological condition- my brain works differently. So while I can definitely cause an attack by doing this or that, there is an underlying issue that is present, regardless of what I'm doing and where I am spending my time. So I agree with you. I don't think it's the work. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
deann Member
This definitely got my attention today. Last week I struggled with a week long migraine and kept asking myself “why didn’t I realize it was coming? Why didn’t I catch it in time?” When I look back I realize there were plenty of signals….irritability, restless sleep, food cravings, even a brief episode of seeing the license plate on the car in front of me slide back and forth! Lol. I now realize that due to the brain fog I wasn’t able to process these signals, take my meds and prevent week long misery. So frustrating! Thanks for sharing your story!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="deann" user-id="3722648"/> Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one with a weakness for chocolate (and yes to the chocolate chips!). What makes slowing down harder is the fact that we're always playing catch up during our well-time from being down for the count when we're battling migraine attacks. <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/pacing-versus-enjoying-life' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/pacing-versus-enjoying-life</a>. Does this resonate with you? Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="deann" user-id="3722648"/> Great! Let us know if this works for you! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
pambitterman Member
Yeah, no, not so much. But will keep on keeping' on... Thanks so much, Holly. Be well, and be happy!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="pambitterman" user-id="3815822"/> I forgot to mention that others suggested asking friends, loved ones or coworkers for help in letting them know when/if they notice a shift in behavior (once we let those people know what our prodrome signals are) as they may be better able to see these slight changes than we. I think this could be good idea- but I could also see it backfiring if we tend toward irritation and we have someone telling us we seem irritable... I could see myself becoming defensive and not open to listening. But, perhaps if presented in a loving manner, I would be relieved and grateful for the help. Do you think that's a strategy you could employ? Thank you for your kind words! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
anonymous-141 Member
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> - I have also had migraine for over 40 years. I just recently put together brain fog as a prodrome symptom and to watch this video, helped ease my fear about it. For me, my brain is like a black board that's been erased 
1. Kimberly.broughal Moderator
 @anonymous-141 - Lately I've been feeling like that as well. Many times I'm talking and literally forget what I just said in the same sentence and I feel so embarrassed when I have to ask the person, "What was I talking about?" You definitely aren't alone in how you are feeling. Hang in there! -Kim (Migraine.com Team)
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="anonymous-141" user-id="4592728"/> I'm glad this video was helpful for you and sorry that you also struggle with brain fog. The blackboard is a great image. Certainly perfect when we are also experiencing aphasia. <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/aphasia-brain-fog' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/aphasia-brain-fog</a>. Is this something you experience as well? Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
dpasek Member
I found your description to be very typical of the type of brain fog that I experience myself. The trouble with brain fog is that it masks itself and initially is easily mistaken for simple fatigue or some other minor and temporary effect that is not related to migraine. Based on my experience, I suspect that cognitive disturbances like brain fog are the result of localized spreading depressions in cortical activity. My reasons for suspecting this are that for several common phenomena that I get, the disturbances are identifiably local to certain specific areas. For example; scintillating scotomas are caused by disturbances on the visual cortex. For me, these scotomas often spread to a nearby adjacent region called Wernicke's area, and causes an inability to read and comprehend words for a while even after the scotoma has completely dissipated. I get scotomas in the foveal area, and I get shimmering effects at the upper right periphery of my field of vision. Wernicke's area is on the left side at the lower rear of the temporal lobe, so it is immediately adjacent to the upper right visual processing field. I also often get Broca's aphasia, where I cannot assemble sentences and struggle to get out even one or two words even at a time when I need assistance. Broca's area is connected to Wernicke's are by a sub-cortical neural pathway. There are other areas of the cerebral cortex that are associated with mood control, and others associated with concentration on logic and factual details. Many of these subtleties have only become apparent to me since I started using CCGRP inhibitors (Ajovy), since I no longer have severe, but only now mild to moderate pain or pressure sensations as a distraction from my observations. Are there any neurologists who have mapped out these and other migraine side effects?
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dpasek" user-id="3725273"/> You sound quite knowledgeable (uniquely so) on how the brain works in relation to migraine. Good to hear and interesting- perhaps this is related to your professional field? I also struggle with aphasia. As to your question regarding whether or not there are any neurologists currently studying this combination of prodrome symptoms- how and where they form and interact with one another - I'm not sure. I would hope there is research on this level being conducted. The CGRPs were a fascinating discovery onto themselves and reflected an amazing level of research on migraine - to have discovered that people with migraine produce an unusually high level of this particular type of protein. To me, that reflects the hope that strides are being made in migraine research (finally) but certainly much more needs doing. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
dpasek Member
I'm a retired engineer. When I get interested in something, I tend to investigate in depth. What I wrote above is introductory by my way of thinking. I'm trying to find more information to track down according to my suspicions. I'll inquire of my neurologist, but he seems to mostly occupy the clinical niche rather than having much in the way of research inquiry connections. I'm rather disappointed with that resource as generally unsatisfying for me. I had been describing scintillating scotomas for at least 25 years, but never knew it had a name until about a month ago when I stumbled upon it in a Wiki article by following a semi-random web search chain. I still remember how I got there; I started by looking up the physical properties of calcium carbonate and arrived at the Wiki after about 5 or 6 hops.
1. dpasek Member
 <inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> : Unfortunately, searching for something by name is not directly possible when you do not know the name in the first place. It is much more difficult to search by description and to ultimately arrive at the name for something. I have to presume that the docs who I described the scintillating scotoma effect to also did not know the name, otherwise, they should have told me what it was in response to my description. :-\ My confidence level in docs is pretty low based on several decades of personal experience.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dpasek" user-id="3725273"/> Totally understood and makes sense. I can understand your frustration while trying to identify what it is you were/are living with - and only finding doctors who were not able to help or actively giving you wrong answers. For those of us who are living with complicated conditions atop migraine, we are drained and being uber-proactive trying to research to find answers- and/or new doctors to assist us in finding answers- is exhausting atop living with an empty fuel tank. <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak</a> Many people underestimate what it's like to live with a chronic condition and the amount of energy that takes from us. It's quite something that you kept searching despite running into so many walls without getting the answers you were needing and looking for. It's no wonder your confidence level in doctors is not super high when it sounds like you've had to lead the way most of your life. You are not alone in this and we are so glad you're here with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
whorl Member
Migraine coming on with a storm so I apologize for not skimming through all the comments--someone many already have said this, but . . . it is worth repeating. So many of the more subtle warnings are conditions that have been stigmatized for decades for other reasons. I for one had to get over an unfair sense of shame (and resentment!) in order to recognize symptoms of prodrome and treat them seriously. (Dang, it's hard to think clearly when in a snit of shame and resentment even when I don't have a migraine coming on.) We have been told that 1. we are not so smart (brain fog) 2. have pms symptoms we should ignore and soldier on (you name it--muscle aches, warning tension headache, the whole gamut) 3. need to lighten up or change our personalities (sudden anger) 4. get organized (brain fog, forgetfulness, lateness) 5. what should I expect, since I am female? (include here any random shortcomings in brain function) --in short, just be better, be smarter, try harder, don't be such a wimp. Aaargh! just the opposite of self respect, sensitivity to one's body, and self care! So don't be somehow offended if you hear the recommendation that we people with migraine can benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We all can benefit from a bit of advice how to overcome migraineur abuse.
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="whorl" user-id="3812789"/> Beautifully put. It's hard enough to live in this world and stay mentally healthy without having additional stressors like migraine! I bring up counseling on the site not just because I'm a moderator and I care, but because it has drastically changed my worldview for the better. I truly believe every person who is willing to put the work in can benefit, and there is never any shame for wanting to learn more about yourself! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="whorl" user-id="3812789"/> SPOT ON and AMEN. So well articulated! These many prodromes do open us up for so many critics and criticisms and due to the prodromes themselves we are less capable of fielding the comments to either defend ourselves or simply explain/raise awareness about the complex neurological condition that is migraine. Creates a pretty toxic soup. Hope your migraine storm has cleared since you wrote this? Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
DeborahJ16 Member
Thank-you for this. I have had migraine for decades and still miss some of my precursors. Part of the difficulty for me is having more than one type of migraine, and they come with different programs. I've had basilar stem migraine since I was 14 (I'm 64 now!) and I pretty much know when one of those is coming. It's the more typical Migraines that I miss the prodrome for. For example, when I trace back, as you did, I attribute those things you described as things that triggered my migraine, rather than as signs that I was going to have one. As I listened to you, I thought, well, all that stress and mix up would sure enough give me a migraine - but as you described it and broke it down, especially the brain fog and connections just not being made properly in the brain, it made sense. Difficulty for me, is that I have brain fog from other conditions, but I think when my brain fog is combined with an agitation and irritability, along with those other subtle signs, that's when it's part of a prodrome for me, and not just typical brain fog. I found this very helpful to listen to! Thank you! Now I need to try to be more in tune to what my brain is trying to tell me!
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="DeborahJ16" user-id="4808536"/> I hear you! Listening to our body is not easy for everyone, myself included! I'm getting a bit better as I age, but at 60, you'd think I'd have it down by now! It seems to be a process. I get incredibly irritable before some of my migraine attacks and often forget its a migraine coming.... ugh! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, and I look forward to hearing more from you! Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
barryolliver Member
Many, perhaps most of my prodrome signals can be easily spotted, but not by me. It's those who know me well who pick up on them first and ask me if I have a migraine coming. The most obvious symptom is I become hyper active, speaking at a million miles an hour - a bit like I'm very excited and happy or euphoric. Other times it's the opposite and it can take what seems to others as an uncomfortably long time to respond to whatever they have said. and all my movements appear slow and deliberate. Another is general clumsiness, colliding with door openings or bumping into furniture. Family will usually pick up on language difficulties before I do. Also, I'm not known to display or express anger except during the prodrome stage. Later I realise that my actions have been so unlike my usual self. Later in the prodrome phase I'll pick up on visual disturbances and auditory hallucinations such as the wife calling from another part of the house or a distant telephone ringing, but only after discovering they were not real after all. I wonder if the reason I and many other migraine sufferers don't pick up the signals is because we loose some of our executive functioning as part of the early symptoms. I think in my case self awareness is often one of the first things to go. I end up doing silly things such as returning ice cream to the refrigerator instead of the freezer or painfully biting a cheek tongue or lip five or six times in an hour and not associate it with a pending migraine, but the wife will notice that I keep accidentally biting myself repeatedly.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="barryolliver" user-id="3733286"/> Love what you shared here about your particular prodrome symptoms and how you raised the way our loved ones can sometimes see the attack coming before we can. I think you're on to something regarding the way our executive functioning takes a backseat - we often use the term "brain fog" to try to capture this challenge: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/aphasia-brain-fog' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/aphasia-brain-fog</a> - this is yet another symptom of migraine that makes it difficult to think clearly. So, yes, really good point that we could lose our ability to process the changes happening in us as they are occurring. I know I keep sending you links, Barry- but you keep saying things that remind me of articles that I've written (great minds!) - one in particular about the way that the "invisible disease" of migraine is actually one that can be seen by our loved ones sometimes. Take a look if you have time- I think it aligns with what you were getting at: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing</a>. So grateful you are with us. I am really enjoying your input. Warmly - Holly - <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team