Migraine and stroke have some symptoms in common, like head pain and feeling dizzy. But stroke can also cause facial drooping and arm weakness, among other symptoms.
Some migraine symptoms may feel similar to those of a stroke, possibly causing these conditions to be misdiagnosed. Having migraine with aura, among other factors,
This article explores the similarities and differences between migraine and stroke, as well as other possible links between these conditions.
When to seek immediate helpThe
American Stroke Association recommends learning “FAST” to recognize the warning signs of stroke so you can get help immediately:
- F: face drooping (or numbness)
- A: arm weakness (or numbness)
- S: speech difficulty
- T: time to call 911
A stroke is a life threatening medical emergency affecting the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) system. In 2021,
Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that causes debilitating migraine episodes that can last from
An episode can cause severe pain but doesn’t cause long-term effects or death. Migraine affects as many as
Differences between common migraine and stroke symptoms can include:
| Common migraine symptoms | Common stroke symptoms |
|---|---|
| severe head pain, usually on one side of the head | abrupt, severe headache |
| sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch | numbness or tingling concentrated on one side of the face or body |
| nausea, vomiting, or dizziness | paralysis or weakness in the limbs on one side of the body or on one side of the face |
| visual disturbances, known as migraine aura | dizziness, trouble walking, impaired coordination |
| fatigue and body aches | speech difficulty, such as slurred speech or difficulty with words and understanding what others are saying |
Stroke symptoms
A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning, though sometimes, there may be warning signs before a stroke. If you’re having a stroke, you may experience symptoms like:
- difficulty speaking
- slurred speech
- difficulty understanding speech
- confusion
- severe headache
- vision problems
- seeing double
- numbness or weakness in the face and body (usually on one side)
- facial drooping on one side
- paralysis (usually on one side of the body)
Learn more about the symptoms of stroke.
Migraine symptoms
Migraine episodes can cause a variety of symptoms. Some people may not experience head pain. People who have migraine without aura don’t typically experience visual disturbances. Symptoms can include:
- head pain, usually on one side of the head
- increased sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch
- visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or heat waves
- nausea or vomiting
- sensory symptoms like tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling
speech and language disturbances , though uncommon- vertigo, or feeling that the room is spinning, which can occur with vestibular migraine
Not all the symptoms of migraine always appear at once. They may
- a prodrome phase that can occur up to a day before the migraine begins and can cause symptoms like mood changes and food cravings
- an aura phase, in people who have migraine with aura, which causes visual symptoms like flashing lights, muscle weakness, or strange sensations; aura can occur before or during the headache phase
- a headache phase, during which head pain increases in intensity, though not all episodes cause head pain
- a postdrome phase that occurs when the head pain stops and can cause fatigue or trouble concentrating
Some similar symptoms occur with both stroke and migraine. These can include:
- headache
- vision changes or vision loss
- dizziness
- nausea or vomiting
- trouble concentrating
- face numbness or tingling
- numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- pulsating sensation in the head or face
Migraine with aura and transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke have common symptoms that may cause a delay in diagnosis or a misdiagnosis in some people.
If you experience the above symptoms, you may be having a stroke. It’s best to get immediate medical attention.
Doctors can conduct tests to determine if you had a stroke. Prompt medical treatment for a stroke can reduce the risk of lasting disability.
Learn more about how doctors treat stroke.
Having migraine with aura may increase your risk for stroke.
One 2020 review of research indicates that having migraine with aura may double your risk of having an ischemic stroke, which is a stroke caused by a blood clot.
This
- are female
- take estrogen-containing oral contraceptives
- smoke cigarettes
- are under age 45
Learn more about risk factors for stroke.
Migraine and stroke are separate conditions, but they can sometimes have overlapping symptoms. Having some types of migraine may raise your risk of stroke.
Talk with a doctor about any migraine symptoms you have, and get urgent medical attention if you think you’re having a stroke.