Migraine Symptoms
Migraines can present themselves in a variety of ways. Studying the symptoms may be key to helping understand and treat your pain.

Warning signs: Visual auras
  • A bright shape that spreads across the visual field and appears to block vision, partially or totally, in one eye, and can be seen with the eyes open or closed
  • Seeing bright flashes of light and color, wavy lines, geometric patterns
  • Experiencing blurred vision
  • Partial loss of sight

 
Warning signs: Sensory auras
  • Numbness or tingling of the face or upper extremity on the same side
  • A sense of shape or size distortion
  • Smelling odors that aren't really there, like perfumes, gas, or something burning

 
Warning signs: Whole body manifestations
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • High sensitivity to food odors
  • A loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Skin pallor, cold clammy extremities, facial swelling, goose bumps
  • Frequent yawning (often before the attack)
  • Sighing and hyperventilation
  • Nasal congestion and/or a runny nose
  • Irritability, depression or anxiety, nervousness and/or difficulty concentrating
Published 01/01/2006