Migraine

Do you get cold/flu like symptoms as prodrome?

I'm trying to figure out if the cold symptoms are a PMS symptom or a prodrome symptom.

I don't get them everytime before I have a migraine. But I have gotten cold/flu like symptoms enough before my menstrually related migraines that I know I'm going to get a migraine & my period soon if they do happen.

I get achey, sore throat & sometimes stuffy nose. It lasts a day, two max and then bam migraine & period.

But I can't figure out which the cold symptoms are predicting! The migraine or my period.

What do you think?

Kelly

Hi Kelly,
I don't know if this helps, but, I get I sore throat every time before menstration. I always have for as long as I can remember. I thought it was just me. I don't get the runny nose. I don't think it is related to my migraines because I get migraines when I ovulate and I don't get a sore throat then. But, as you know, everyone is different. I would love to hear what others have to say.
Dar

Some people get sinus pressure or nasal congestion with migraine. This is the first I've heard of a sore throat, though. I'm not sure what to think, actually.

Some people experience congestion, runny nose, and chills with the headache phase of an attack (I often get the chills.) I don't personally get cold symptoms while prodromal, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Prodromal symptoms seem very diverse and individual. For myself, the hormonal changes of my period and the migraines have come together for so many years that it's impossible for me to tell where one ends and the other begins. Maybe that's basically what you are asking.

Hi Kelly,

During prodrome, muscle stiffness and fatigue are common. Of course they are common symptoms before menstrual cycles too. We know hormones can trigger a Migraine attack.

You've probably alread seen Anatomy of a Migraine, but if not, it's worth reading.

Have you kept a Migraine diary to track these symptoms? Download yoursHERE

I get very touch sensitive (which sometimes feels achy and I always associate with being sick) sometimes when I'm prodroming.

Thanks everyone for your input! I know it is kind of a cooky question. My body definitely acts in wierd ways. But, I'm glad I asked and glad for your input.

Thanks for the links, Nancy. Those are great ones.

I have been keeping a diary for the last two years which is how I figured out this was becoming a pattern for me. I'm so thankful I have been keeping such good track of every little thing b/c otherwise I wouldn't have noticed this odd pattern. It has been invaluable! My headache/migraine diary is what I would run for if my house was on fire.

Okay...maybe I would grab my grandmother's ring...first...

Kelly

I get the chills and like MJ, sensitve to touch. I feel bruised all over. I do it with both the migraine and the menstral, but not just as pre or postdrome, often the whole time. Deffinatly with the menstrul migraine both are way worse.

On another note, The stuffy nose and cold symptoms is exactly one thing that has been making me wonder about my son having migraines. He often has headache with a stuffy nose and chills or a "cold" but doesnt develope a full on cold.(fever, chest congestion etc) Thats one reason I wondered if he has migraines, or if his headaches were from his frequent illnesses.(See my post in childrens file) Well he is a boy so OBVIOUSLY wouldnt have the menstral mixed in!

Im froggy today so hopefully that all made sense?