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Topic Contents

Symptoms Before a Migraine

Topic Overview

You may develop subtle symptoms before a migraine headache begins. They may occur before migraines with or without visual and nervous system symptoms (aura).

These symptoms usually develop 24 to 48 hours before the headache starts and may include:

  • Hunger, thirst, food cravings, or loss of appetite.
  • Mood changes (depression, euphoria or feeling of well-being, or irritability).
  • Changes in energy level (restlessness, sleepiness, excessive energy, nervousness, or calmness).
  • Change in consciousness (drowsiness or hyperalertness).

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Revised June 10, 2011

Last Revised: June 10, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology

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