1. Be Aware of Sudden Light Sensitivity
Do you suddenly feel abnormally assaulted by light? Are you compelled to squint and close your eyes to avoid natural or indoor illumination? You could be on the verge of a migraine. Coined brain hyperexcitability by some headache researchers, this light sensitivity sometimes becomes so severe that sufferers must withdraw to a darkened room until their migraine passes - -which may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. If your light sensitivity lasts longer than your headache, you should consult with a physician to rule out more serious medical problems like diabetes, thyroid conditions, meningitis or vision damage.
2. Take Note of Chilled Extremities
If it's 90 degrees outside and you feel like your feet are frozen in a block of ice, it could be a migraine indicator. Some studies indicate that migraineurs experience a chilled feeling in their feet and hands just before the condition begins. It's speculated that this perceived temperature change is caused by restricted blood flow to the body, due to constricted vessels in the brain. Staying in touch with your body will help you recognize these subtle migraine precursors.
3. Don't Assume That Nausea and Vomiting Are Viral
Many migraine patients agree that their most debilitating symptom is the nausea that precedes or accompanies the pain. Some migraineurs report being completely incapacitated by their nausea, and say they feel even worse when they are unable to throw up. Sufferers can mistake that nausea as the sign of a gastrointestinal virus. If your nausea arrives quite suddenly and seems to be unrelated to food intake or other viral symptoms, it may be a migraine warning sign. Beware of dehydration that may occur when migraine nausea causes repeated vomiting.
4. Assess Reasons for Fatigue and Mood Changes
Take note of the times you feel especially moody or sleepy -- seemingly for no reason. If you've had plenty of sleep and your moods are typically stable, you may begin to equate fatigue and depressive symptoms with the onset of a migraine. These symptoms are often especially noticeable in people who are currently taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to regulate their emotions and stabilize their moods.
5. Notice Whether Symptoms Are Bilateral or Unilateral
Most migraine sufferers complain of symptoms occurring unilaterally -- on one side of the body or head. It's important to talk with a physician if your migraine symptoms seem to occur bilaterally, or on both sides of your body. About 25 percent of migraineurs have symptoms on both sides, but for many, bilateral pain may signal a tension headache or medical condition other than a migraine.
