Lesser-Known Migraine Symptoms: Yawning, Thirst, Tinnitus

Written by Jessica Puterbaugh | August 5, 2022

By now this Migraine Symptoms blog series has proven that migraine goes far beyond head pain. However, in addition to some of the more common symptoms, many people with migraine also experience a set of symptoms that is lesser known—yawning, thirst/dry mouth and tinnitus to name just a few. These symptoms can vary from being mildly annoying to having an intensely negative impact on quality of life. In today’s blog we are going to look at three of those lesser known symptoms:

  • Yawning
  • Dry Mouth / Thirst
  • Tinnitus

Yawning

Repetitive yawning can be a sign that a migraine attack is coming. It commonly takes place during the prodrome phase, but can last through the attack phase as well. It is often associated with aura, nausea and/or vomiting. Although yawning is a rather frequently seen behavior, it is a unique and reliable symptom in people with migraine that may offer an opportunity for early treatment of migraine attacks (source).

Dry Mouth / Thirst

Increased or excessive thirst and dry mouth are often an overlooked migraine symptom. Many medications can make these symptoms worse, as can dehydration caused by nausea, vomiting and other migraine-related GI issues. Excessive thirst typically begins in the prodrome phase and can act as a warning sign that an attack is coming, but it can start at any point during a migraine. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day, and before actually feeling thirsty can help. It’s also important to discuss this symptom with your doctor as it can be a sign of diabetes and other more serious conditions.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is described as hearing ringing or other noises such as roaring, whooshing, clicking, hissing or buzzing in one or both ears. It can be extremely frustrating, especially if it lasts for long periods of time, and can have a very negative impact on one’s quality of life. Tinnitus is especially common for those with vestibular migraine, and is often accompanied by vertigo, dizziness and nausea.

Healthy lifestyle habits may help some people to better manage migraine-related tinnitus. People who experience this symptom may find that the tinnitus is worse when there is complete silence, and may find it helpful to use a white noise machine or listen to soft, relaxing music.

Some medications such as NSAIDs can worsen tinnitus, and it can also be a sign of Meniere’s Disease or more serious ear problems, so it’s important to discuss this symptom with your doctor.

Tell us! Do you experience any of these lesser-known migraine symptoms? Are there any others that we haven’t covered that you have experienced? Do these symptoms typically alert you that an attack is on the way or do they occur later on during the attack?

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