10 Signs you’re suffering a migraine

Migraines are a poorly understood neurological disorder and can range from intense head pain to nausea, vomiting and fatigue. There are some common warning signs that can assist in your diagnosis and also help prevent the onset of one.

1 Aura:

Many migraine sufferers will experience a visual aura prior to the onset of a migraine and it’s often the most telling sign:

• Sufferers may see jagged lines in their visual fields that move in a curved direction
• Often lasts for 5 min – 1 hour and disappears up to an hour before the migraine onset.

2 Poor Sleep:

Studies have shown an association between the lack of restorative sleep and the frequency and intensity of migraines. Migraines often make it hard to sleep, setting up a vicious cycle. Stress may be a precursor to poor sleep that can then lead to migraines.

3 Neck Pain:

Many migraine sufferers will complain of a stiff neck that then causes a headache, when in actual fact this may be the start of a migraine.

The pain is often one-sided and can be throbbing or aching in nature.

4 Frequent Urination

An interesting prodromal symptom is sufferers reporting an increased need to go to the toilet in the hours or even days before the onset of a migraine.

5. Numbness or tingling

Some migraine sufferers will experience a sensory aura.

This often presents as a temporary lack of sensation or pins and needles in the arm or fingertips and can progress to the face. It’s typically one-sided and occurs prior to the onset of a migraine.

6 Light or noise sensitivity

Whilst this can present as a prodromal sign, migraine sufferers often report that light or noise or even smells may trigger or intensify a migraine during an attack. This is why sufferers often seek the refuge of a quiet dark room.

7 Vertigo or double vision

Many headache sufferers will report issues with balance or vision. These symptoms often correlate with the severity of the migraine. It’s important if you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time that you have them checked by a health practitioner.

8. Trouble speaking

Whilst a concerning issue for first-time sufferers, chronic migraine sufferers often feel that they cant get the words out prior to the onset of a migraine. These symptoms should also be assessed by a health professional.

9 Nausea or vomiting

Nausea is an extremely common symptom of migraines and is often related to more severe migraines. Vomiting is also not uncommon and can make management with prescription drugs extremely difficult.

10 Migraine Hangover

Migraines often leave a person feeling that they are experiencing a hangover. Symptoms such as fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea, dizziness and weakness are commonly reported for hours and even days after a migraine.

If you’re looking for a different approach to your tension-type headaches our experienced Williamstown Osteopaths Sharyn, Cliff and Tim have learnt an evidence-based approach for assessment and treatment of headaches and migraines known as the Watson Headache Approach.

This approach focuses on the joints and muscles of the upper neck and may help to reduce the occurrence of migraines.

Book your initial appointment with us here or request a FREE 15 min phone consult if you’d like more info.