headAs opposed to common headaches, migraines can be debilitating.  In addition to a throbbing pain on the side of the head, migraines are often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell. Recognizing the coming attack before it started and taking the prescribed medication early may significantly lessen the pain.  Here are some warning indications to watch for.

      • – Extreme yawning. This is not your common “I am bored” sigh.  Migraine-related yawning tends to be excessive and occur every few minutes.  About a third of migraine patients describe yawning as one of the signs of an impending migraine
      • – Unusual thirst and/or unusually frequent urination. If you have to go more than normal with no apparent reason, it could be an early (sometimes as early as a day before the start of the pain) indication of the coming migraine
      • – Mood change. Many migraine sufferers become irritable or report sudden feel of sadness and depression just before the arrival of pain.  Others feel unusually energetic and excitable
      • – Food cravings. Before an attack occur, some people crave certain foods, chocolate being among the most common
      • – Neck pain. Migraine is often associated with the neck stiffness and pain.  It can occur before, during, or after the onset of headache

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Clearly, every person is different and each of the signs above may be caused by reasons having nothing to do with migraines. Yet by paying attention to the possible warning indications, migraine patients can learn to significantly ease the pain.

Boston Clinical Trials is conducting trials of several new medications intended to treat or prevent migraine headaches. If you’d like to learn more about these studies, which offer free study-related care, free medications, and compensation to participants, please call us at (617) 477-4868 or visit us online.

Check Out Our Migraine Study