Signs & Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

The signs and symptoms of a migraine differ by person and by headache incidence. For this reason, it's often very hard for a migraine sufferer to detect the symptoms. Migraines are very different from regular headaches in that they are very often paired with a host of symptoms. The problem is that these symptoms can change from headache to headache. Symptoms also differ greatly between each person. Signs and symptoms of migraines refer to changes in how a person mentally feels before the onset of a migraine. There are distinct physical changes to some sufferers such as aura, nausea and sensitivity to light among many other symptoms. All are considered signals of an oncoming migraine. Sufferers are challenged by trying to read these migraine onset signals to medicate themselves or rest as needed.

Migraines headaches can last anywhere from 4 hours to many days. All symptoms aren't always experienced throughout this period of time but the one consistent thing is a steady painful headache.

Some signs of an oncoming migraine headache take the form of a host of behavioral changes that are often so hard to distinguish from normal, everyday emotions. Some suffer mood swings in the days before a headache while others get exceptionally hungry or thirsty. Still others experience intense sleepiness. On the flip side, some people exhibit feelings of excess energy. A state of nervousness is not uncommon in the days leading up to a migraine.

Many people experience more than one symptom at a time, sometimes over the course of the entire headache. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, scalp tenderness, sensitivity to light, dizziness or vertigo. Other symptoms can take the form of an sensitivity to smell or noise. About 15 percent of migraine sufferers experience a visual effect called an aura. Auras differ by individual but in general, these visual symptoms take the form of wavy lines, dots, or blank spots in the line of vision. Controlling these symptoms in addition to dealing with the pain of the migraine headache itself is every migraine sufferer's primary goal.

All migraine sufferers aim to determine the exact trigger of their migraine. This is a difficult endeavor, as migraines can be triggered by a multitude of factors. While preventing migraines is difficult, careful examination of diet and behavior can help. Common food triggers include alcohol, caffeine, spices, monosodium glutamate (a flavor enhancer), preservatives, yeast, artificial sweeteners, and milk products. Triggers differ by individual. Determining what triggers a migraine can often help an individual control symptom by preventing further aggravation. Keeping a complete food diary can help determine triggers. Preventing migraines also involves examining behavioral situations. Stress, anxiety or depression can cause migraines as can skipping meals, lack of sleep, or the onset of menstrual periods. Migraine sufferers should document all signs and symptoms. This allows you to have exact information on hand to present to your doctor.