Definition: The period of nonspecific symptoms before a disease's real symptoms appear. Prodromal is the adjective.
Examples:
In the prodromal period right before a herpes outbreak, the skin where sores normally appear may start to tingle or itch.
Prodrome
By Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., About.com Guide
Updated June 03, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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