Prodrome
The early phase of an illness, before its characteristic symptoms appear.
What it means
A prodrome is the early, non-specific phase of an illness that precedes its recognisable features. From the Greek prodromos, running before.
Familiar examples:
- Migraine — yawning, mood change, food cravings and neck stiffness, hours to a day before the headache
- Shingles — burning or tingling in a band of skin, days before any rash appears
- Cold sores — tingling at the site before a blister forms
- Viral infections generally — malaise, aching and mild fever before the specific symptoms
In practice
Distinguished from an aura, which is a specific neurological disturbance immediately preceding a migraine headache or a seizure, rather than a general early phase.
Why it matters
Recognising a prodrome has direct practical value, because several treatments work substantially better when started during it.
Aciclovir for shingles is most effective within 72 hours of the rash appearing, and treatment prompted by the prodromal pain gets there sooner. Migraine treatment taken at the first warning is more effective than the same dose taken once the headache is established.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Mohammad Zubair Khan, GMC 7563469
Last reviewed
August 30, 2026