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Can Feeling Weird Predict a Migraine Attack?
By Kerrie | January 10, 2008
Do you ever feel like you can predict a migraine is coming on because you just feel “off”? You’re not crazy. This is the first phase of a migraine attack, called prodrome, which occurs before the pain — and often visual aura — set in. It can start a day or two before a headache or visual aura.
The long, long list of possible prodrome symptoms:
Visual (aka aura)
- a bright shape that spreads across the visual field of one eye
and appears to block some or all of the vision; can be seen whether the
eye is open or closed - flashes of light and color
- wavy lines
- geometric patterns
- blurred vision
- partial loss of sight
Sensory
- numbness or tingling on the face or upper extremities
- a sense that limbs are a distorted shape or size
- smelling odors that aren’t actually present (like natural gas or something burning)
Motor
- partial paralysis
- weakness or heaviness in the limbs on one side of the body
Language
- difficulty finding words
- problems understanding spoken or written language
Cognitive
- mental confusion
- disorientation
- transient global amnesia (similar to amnesia that follows a concussion)
Digestive
- food cravings (particularly for carbohydrates, candy and chocolate)
- stomach rumblings
- constipation
Fluid Disturbances
- increased thirst
- bloating/fluid retention
- frequent urination
Mental/Personality
- mood changes
- irritability
- high energy
- lethargy
These are only part of little-known migraine symptoms. The Many Symptoms of Migraine describes symptom in the active migraine phase and the letdown, or postdrome.
Migraine: The Complete Guide
January 10th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Hi Kerrie,
I’ve learned to predict my migraines using my prodrome (and even my aura, which doesn’t follow the typical visual pattern). I’ve been able to do this primarily because of the information given out on this site, so thank you SO much.
March 5th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I’ve had migraines (Or what i think are migraines) for years, but after asking around friends who suffer from migraines don’t have a symptom i suffer from before one of my “attacks”. I get this wierd feeling as like horrible Daji vu dreamy sensation, its hard to explain. it makes me feel sick and dizzy. am i having a migraine? and is this a normal symptom? please can someone tell me.
*******
You should definitely see a doctor, but those are typical symptoms for an impending migraine. Here’s a list of the many possible symptoms of migraine:
http://www.thedailyheadache.com/2006/12/the_many_sympto.html
Kerrie