More and more patients seek a migraine relief center in SD (South Dakota) for help as they can’t bear the debilitating symptoms of migraines. You may think that a severe headache is all there is in a migraine, but that is an understatement.
Migraines bring a combination of neurological symptoms that can impact every aspect of a person’s life including health, finances, social events, and even productivity at work or school. Research has shown that people with migraines are 50% less productive at their jobs and school work during an episode.
To help you better anticipate and manage your symptoms, here are 18 warning signs that a migraine is coming. Read on, as we will discuss a unique form of migraine care that has had great success.
Table of Contents
1. Weakness
Muscle weakness occurs before migraines. It affects only one side of the body. For example, you may have trouble feeling or using your arm.
2. Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Pulsating pain on one side of the head is a hallmark sign of migraines. About two-thirds of migraine patients experience this, while the rest feel it on both sides.
3. Neck pain
Many people experience neck stiffness during the early stages of a migraine. Some have a sore neck during the post-migraine phase or report feeling a throbbing ache in the back of their neck. Around 38% of migraine sufferers always experience neck pain, and 31% say they have it often, according to a survey by the National Headache Foundation.
4. Frequent need to urinate
Going to the bathroom more often than normal may indicate migraines. This can occur as little as an hour before or two days before the onset of the head pain.
5. An aura
Some people experience migraines with an aura. They see flashing lights, spots, or zigzag lines. Auras serve as warning signs that a migraine is coming on. They often occur about an hour before the headache. Some people have auras but do not get a full-blown migraine.
6. Tingling and numbness
This is an example of a sensory aura. You may experience a pins and needles sensation or lack of any feeling. It often afflicts one side of the body and starts from the fingertips all the way to the arm and through the face.
7. Food cravings
People with migraines may have sudden food cravings just before an episode. Chocolate is usually what they crave.
8. Sensitivity to loud noise, bright lights, or certain strong odors
During a migraine episode, patients prefer to stay in a cool, dark, and quiet room to avoid loud noises, bright lights, and strong smells that may worsen their headache. These things can also be the triggers of migraines, so it is important to stay away from these as much as possible.
9. Irritability, depression, or over excitement
Doctors suspect a genetic connection between depression and migraines. Some patients feel sad for no reason during migraine attacks. An episodic migraine will also likely become chronic if the person suffering from it has moderate to severe depression, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
10. Nausea and vomiting
About 73% of migraine sufferers experience nausea, while 29% experience vomiting. The National Headache Foundation found in a study that people who experience nausea and vomiting also tend to have more severe pain and a tougher time getting relief.
11. Worsening pain during an activity
Migraines become worse when you perform routine tasks, including simple ones like climbing the stairs or walking. Physical exertion may also trigger migraines; that’s why it is best to avoid intense workouts.
12. Stuffy nose or watery eyes
There is a reason why a migraine is often mistaken as a sinus headache. Some people experience symptoms of sinus problems during a migraine attack, such as a stuffy nose, watering or clear nasal drainage, and droopy eyelids. A study reported that 90% of people who thought they were experiencing a sinus headache were actually having a migraine.
13. Inability to rest or sleep
People with migraines may wake up still feeling tired or experience sleeping problems such as insomnia. This turns to a vicious cycle as sleep deprivation also triggers migraines.
14. Eye pain
Migraines often bring pain that builds up behind the eye. The tiredness of the eye is one possible culprit. However, resting the eyes does not make it any better.
15. Yawning
Frequent yawning is another big clue that a migraine is coming. The yawning arises too often and every few minutes. As many as 36% of patients reported yawning as an indicator of an oncoming migraine.
16. Speech problems
Those with migraines have difficulties finding the right word or expressing their thoughts clearly. However, if this is a new occurrence for you, consult a doctor to rule out another underlying condition.
17. Vertigo or vision problems
Those with basilar migraines may experience dizziness, vision loss, or double vision. They may also face balance issues.
18. A Hangover-like headache
After a migraine attack, you may feel a headache similar to what people experience after a long night of drinking. You may experience dizziness, loss of energy, weakness, and trouble concentrating.
Relieve Your Migraine Symptoms Naturally
If any of these symptoms ring a bell, it is high time to make an appointment with Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls in South Dakota. A misalignment in the top bones of the neck is often the cause of many migraine episodes. Through the gentle approach of upper cervical chiropractic, we can help these bones to return into place naturally. This frequently results in an improvement of symptoms or elimination of migraines.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Casey Weerheim call our Sioux Falls office at 605-275-6900. You can also click the button below. If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.