Migraines are far different from ordinary headaches. A migraine is an intense and throbbing pain in the head, usually more severe, strong, and long-lasting than a normal headache. Recognising early warning signs of migraine can reduce attack severity because the symptoms can be controlled quickly with the prescribed medication. Neurologists are experts that help diagnose migraines and guide treatment plans. Doctify helps you find the best neurologists available.
What a migraine actually is
Migraine is a neurological condition, characterised by a throbbing or pulsatile pain localized in one half of the head, accompanied with additional symptoms such as: nauseas, vomiting, visual changes, and sensitivity to light and sound. The nervous system of a person with migraine is hypersensitive, it over reacts to stimuli producing a wave of brain activity and as result the pulsatile one-sided pain of the head. Migraine has four phases called “the migraine phases”, which are: prodrome, aura, headache, postdrome.
A migraine is much more than just a bad headache. It is a long-term genetic neurological condition, which means it relates to the way the brain and nervous system work. Around the world one billion people are affected by migraine and in the UK alone, around 10 million people live with Migraine.
Dr Bazo Raheem, Consultant Neurologist and Headache Specialist
Early warning signs: the prodrome phase
The prodrome phase is the first phase in which the body starts sending signals about what’s coming, it can be mood changes, physical symptoms or cognitive signs.
A. Mood or behavioural changes
The mood or behavioural changes can be: irritability, low mood, sudden bursts of energy, or even unexplained anxiety. These changes happen hours or even a day before the headache starts because they signal the initial process of the migraine in the brain and nervous system.
B. Physical symptoms
The physical symptoms can vary, but the most common are neck stiffness, yawning, fatigue, bloating, or food cravings.
C. Cognitive signs
Cognitive signs, like difficulty concentrating, brain fog, or feeling “off” can appear in the prodrome phase.
Aura: another key early sign
An aura is any sensorial disturbance that is manifested in symptoms, such as: flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. It can occur before or during the migraine, nevertheless not every migraine patient experiences it. The speech changes, tingling, or numbness are less recognised aura symptoms. The aura signals that a migraine attack is imminent because it is a widespread disruption of electrical activity in the brain called cortical spreading depression (CSD).
Sensitivity symptoms that appear before the headache
As well, sensitivity symptoms may appear in some patients before the migraine starts, which can help predict an upcoming migraine, such as:
- Light sensitivity (also known as photophobia).
- Sound sensitivity (also known as phonophobia).
- Smell sensitivity (also known as osmophobia).
Spotting and tracking your personal migraine triggers
It is very important to find out which are the migraine triggers for each person in order to help reduce the recurrence of migraine attacks.
A. Common triggers
Some common triggers are stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, missed meals, and caffeine changes. On the other hand, the environmental triggers are bright lights, loud noise, strong smells, and weather changes.
B. Keeping a headache diary
A good tip for migraine patients is having a migraine diary, in which the patient tracks timing, symptoms, triggers, and early signs. This gives a lot of helps to the neurologists for doing an accurate diagnosis because the attacks differ from one patient to the other.
When recurring headaches might indicate migraine
- Headaches happening on one side, with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light/sound.
- Having a close relative with migraine (genetic compound).
- Symptoms that may appear hours before or after the headache, including excessive yawning, food cravings, needing to urinate more often, mood changes, tiredness, or “brain fog.”
How recognising warning signs helps prevent or reduce attacks
Recognising and acting early with hydration, rest, or medication helps prevent or reduce attacks. An early treatment often decreases intensity or shortens the duration of the attack. Having lifestyle adjustments based on your trigger patterns will help as well to prevent and reduce migraine attacks in the future.
Treatment options neurologists may recommend
Here are some treatment options neurologist may prescribe when assisting to the consult:
- Acute treatments: triptans, gepants, anti-inflammatories.
- Preventive treatments: beta blockers, CGRP inhibitors, anticonvulsants.
- Non-drug options: nerve stimulation devices, CBT, physiotherapy for neck tension.
When to see a neurologist
Please consult a neurologist if you experience any of the following:
- Headaches becoming more frequent or interfering with daily life.
- Sudden or severe symptoms that need urgent medical attention.
Neurologists are experts in assessing migraine severity and tailoring a management plan.
Final takeaway
Migraines often give early clues, from mood changes to aura and sensitivities. Spotting these warning signs empowers people to act early and reduce attacks. Doctify makes it easy for you to find trusted neurologists who can offer personalised guidance and long-term support.
Find the right specialist for you. Doctify uses verified reviews so you can make the best decision for your healthcare.
Feel free to consult a cardiologist through Doctify for personalised advice whenever you want, we will be happy to help you! Find the best neurologist in the United Kingdom or search for the best specialists globally:
- Neurologist in the United Arab Emirates
- Neurologist in Germany
- Neurologist in Austria
- Neurologist in Ireland
- Neurology in Australia
Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed on 08/12/2025
