The severe headache associated with migraines is bad enough to put a person out of commission. Of course, migraines are a neurological condition, not just a headache. Therefore, they often present with other symptoms.
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Migraine Symptoms
The most common symptoms are nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. However, other symptoms may include lightheadedness or vertigo.
Migraines would already be debilitating if a headache and the accompanying symptoms were the entire migraine. Unfortunately, other symptoms may occur in the day leading up to a migraine, 20% of migraine sufferers experience aura before the headache begins, and there is often a postdrome—additional effects that linger for a day or two. What are the common symptoms of these migraine phases?
Migraine Phases and Their Symptoms
Prodrome:
In the hours leading up to a migraine, a person may feel extremely thirsty. Food cravings are common. One may yawn often and feel very tired. Bathroom trips may become more frequent. Also, the person may experience mood changes such as irritability, depression, or an unusual amount of energy.
Aura:
About 10 to 30 minutes before the migraine strikes, 1 in 5 migraine sufferers must deal with aura. This generally involves a series of visual disturbances ranging from seeing zigzag lines or spots to full hallucinations. Skins sensations such as a tingling feeling in the hands and face may also occur. Language issues are also associated with aura both when speaking or writing.
Postdrome:
Following a migraine, one may experience additional symptoms for a day or two. These symptoms can include fatigue, confusion, and more head pain when moving too quickly.
Migraine Relief Rochester in Hills MI
Migraines may be caused by an underlying factor such as an upper cervical misalignment. In fact, many migraine sufferers can remember a head or neck injury in the past that may have led up to the condition. The reason a misaligned atlas can contribute to migraines is because this bone protects the brainstem, helps to facilitate blood flow to the brain, and may restrict cerebrospinal fluid drainage if out of place. Correcting the misalignment is often the first step in reducing the number of migraines a person experiences.
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