Levels of serotonin are unusually high just before a migraine and unusually low during the migraine attack. Attacks can occur any time, day or night, though they often occur first thing in the morning. Routine activity, exercise or slight head movement makes the pain worse. Some patients report that the simple act of trying to lift their heads off the pillow results in excruciating pain. Symptoms may appear up to several hours before the headache, or the pain may strike without any warning.
Some people feel irritable during migraine attacks and seek solitude, often in a darkened room.
Following an attack, many people feel washed out and listless. When a migraine is on its way, some people say they can feel it coming. It's like their bodies have a built-in warning system. The signs can be subtle. You might feel washed out and tired.