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).