Migraine: Triggers and more
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 22, 2019
- 3 min read
What Is Prodrome?
Prodrome or pre-headache is the warning sign of migraine and it can hits you for several hours or several days before the real headache fully hits that is why is different from the normal headache. Have a piece of paper and write how often you feel headache.
Most Common Signs
During Prodrome some symptoms could happen more often than others as not people feel the same. So for instance you may yawn a lot, or you might need to pee more often.
You may crave sweets like chocolate but if you get migraine after eating this bite or piece ofchocolate this does not mean that this piece is the cause of migraine it was only a warning sign before migraine happens.
Mood
Some people may feel depressed before several hours of migriane while others may feel sense of happiness and euphoria.
Sleep
You may feel tired before migraine. Too much or too little sleep can be the trigger so make sure how your sleep affects your symptoms. That can help you stay away from your triggers and possibly keep a migraine from coming on.
Belly Problems
You may have either constipation or diarrhea. Consult your doctor as he/she can prescribed a medication to treat your irritated stomach. Note that this wont solve migraine problem but instead it is intended to treate upset stomach.
Sensitivity to Light or Sound
These are common signs of a coming migraine, and they often continue through the headache and post-headache stages. Bright light or loud noises can even trigger a second one as you’re getting over the first.
Changes in Vision
You may have blurred vision, blind spots or see flashing lights or shapes.These issues can slowly get worse, but they don’t usually last more than an hour.
What to Do: Pain Relievers
You need to get prescrbied or even over-the counter medications in order to treat headache but high doses of pain relievers may cause stomach ulcers and possibly withdrawal headaches when you stop.
What to Do: Have a Little Caffeine
A small dose of caffeine may stop migraine pain at early stage and it may boost effects of pain relievers like I aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Just don’t overdo it. Too much caffeine might lead to withdrawal headaches when you try to cut back.
What to Do: Meditate
Teachers and therapists can help you get started, or you can just keep it simple. Take 10 minutes every day to breathe deeply and slowly as you relax each group of muscles in your body, one at a time. Afterward, sit quietly for a couple of minutes and clear your mind. That can help anytime, but it may be especially useful if you notice warning signs of a migraine.
What to Do: Avoid Food Triggers
Certain types of food like aged cheese, some fruits and nuts, alcohol, fermented or pickled items, and additives like nitrates and MSG can lead to migraines in some people. It is important to keep tracking your food intake in order to know which food trigger or make migraine worsen.
What to Do: Lie Down in a Dark Room
This is helpful for two reasons. First, it calms and relaxes you, and that’s good when you want to fend off migraine pain. Second, it gets you away from bright light, which can make your symptoms worse.
What to Do: Try Heat or Cold
A cold compress on your neck or head can numb the area and dull pain signals. A heating pad might relax tense muscles. (A warm bath or shower could do the same thing.) You might try going back and forth between the two.
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