Migraines are chronic, severe headaches that typically begin in childhood, adolescence or the early adult years. In addition to the pain of the headache, a common migraine attack can produce other symptoms that occur prior to the onset of the migraine. These symptoms may arise as early as a day before the migraine. For many individuals, the same set of symptoms occur before each migraine, though not all migraines are the same.
Head Pain
Some individuals experience pain that occurs on one or both sides of the head. This is not the actual migraine, rather an accompanying symptom that can serve as a warning sign before the migraine attack. This pain may gradually worsen.
Nausea
Nausea is another migraine symptom that may be mild or severe. Some individuals will vomit, while others will only be mildly affected. The nausea may precede the migraine and continue with the migraine.
Extreme Thirst
Extreme thirst can strike with our without nausea and is another symptom that may indicate the onset of a migraine. This symptom usually arrives with other ill feelings, such as fatigue, and is part of a set of symptoms known as "premonitions."
Sensitivity
Sensitivity to light and sound may affect an individual previous to a migraine. Bright light may become painful to look at, while loud noises may be agitating. When this symptom occurs, individuals may seek a quiet room to rest.
Auras
An aura is a symptom that can strike well before a migraine, or minutes before. The aura mainly affects vision. Tunnel vision, blurry vision and flashes of light are described as auras. In addition, tingly feelings in the arm or leg, such as "pins and needles," may occur.
