Migraine Explained: Migrainous Stroke
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One of the stigmas most people that battle Migraines have to endure is that it is “just a bad headache”. Nothing could be further from the truth as I discussed in the four-part series, The Phases of Migraine. There are also some serious complications that can occur due to Migraine and one of those is Migrainous Stroke or Migrainous Infarction.
What is a Migrainous Stroke?
Migrainous Stroke, also called Migrainous Infarction, is when an Ischemic Stroke occurs during a Migraine attack. In order to further understand this, it is important to recognize what an Ischemic Stroke is. According to the American Stroke Association, an Ischemic Stroke is, “when a vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed.”
Migrainous Stroke is a rare occurrence but it is very important to recognize the symptoms. Seeking treatment immediately is imperative in order to get life saving treatment.
Migrainous Stroke Symptoms
In order for a stroke to be classified as a migrainous stroke, the Stroke must happen in conjunction with a migraine with aura. the Majority of ischemic strokes occur suddenly, and time is crucial.
Some of the symptoms of a migraine with aura include:
- Flashes of light
- Blind spots
- Tingling in the hands or face
- Fatigue
You can find out more about Migraine Aura and other symptoms, HERE. Although these symptoms can be alarming, having these symptoms does not mean that you are definitely having a Migrainous Stroke. Now we need to look at the symptoms of Stroke to put together the next piece of the puzzle.
The American Stroke Association states that the symptoms of Ischemic Stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden trouble speaking
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Because the symptoms of some types of Migraine, such as Hemiplegic Migraine, can mimic a Stroke. It is very important that you know what is normal for you and look for any inconsistencies when you have Migraine attacks.
If you ever experience the symptoms of a stroke, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention. Stroke is a life threatening condition and minutes matter! Call 9-1-1 immediately!
Risk Factors for Migrainous Stroke
Although the connection between Migraine and Stroke are not completely understood, research has shown an increase of stroke risk in patients with Migraine Aura. Women age 45 and younger also appear to have a greater risk due to hormonal changes and birth control medications.
I know that my doctor doesn’t prescribe Triptan abortive medications because those can increase stroke risk. Since I have Hemiplegic Migraine and my Aura symptoms last for a long duration, he doesn’t use any medications that would also increase my stroke risk.
Family history is also an indicator of Stroke risk. If you have parents, grandparents or siblings that have had a Stroke, you have an elevated risk for stroke as well.
Decreasing your Risk for Migrainous Stroke
While you Migraine with Aura doesn’t have a cure, it is important to focus on reducing your risk factors of Stroke. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can reduce your risk for Stroke. Because smoking increases your risk substantially, it is important to stop smoking. Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes is also imperative to reducing your risks.
Migrainous Stroke is Rare
Although Migrainous Stroke is rare, it is important to know the risks and symptoms so you are ready to act if necessary. Because of the stigma that Migraine is “just a headache”, the seriousness of the complications are often overlooked. Know what your typical Migraine looks like and acknowledge any differences and seek treatment immediately if necessary.
Migraine Explained Series:
- Migraine Explained: Cognitive Dysfunction
- Migraine Explained: Migraine Triggers
- Migraine Explained: Season Change
- Migraine Explained: Allodynia
- Migraine Explained: Status Migrainosus
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and first hand accounts about a serious medical condition. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
19 Comments
Veronica Lee
I haven’t heard of this before. Thank you so much for sharing this important info.
#kcacols
Crummy Mummy
Misery Guts gets terrible migraines so this was a really interesting read! #KCACOLS
Ali Duke
This is really interesting to know and it could save someones life.
#KCACOLS
Bread
This was really interesting, I’ve been enjoying your posts about migraines immensely. #kcacols
Malin - Sensational Learning with Penguin
Thank you for the great information about this! It’s so important to be able to recognise the signs of a stroke x #KCACOLS
Lisa Pomerantz
OMG. Migraines are bad enough — add the possibility of stroke, and yikes. I totally understand your pain, and I have the deepest empathy. And may we never, ever experience such a horror. Thank you for the warning signs. Be healthy! #kcacols xoxo
Jen Cannon
Thank you! I am glad you like my post. Thank you for joining #KCACOLS
Lana
Thank you so much for sharing! I have been getting migraines since I was 18 and I didn’t know all of this. #KCACOLS
Jen Cannon
I am glad you found it useful! I do post most every Monday called Migraine Explained where I highlight things about Migraine!
Thank you for participating in #Kcacols
Jenna - Northernbird84
This is so scary! My husband gets migraines and I would never have thought to look out for these symptoms so thank you so much for sharing #KCACOLS
Jen Cannon
I am glad that it was useful! I do a series most every Monday called Migraine Explained where I write about a different Migraine fact.
Thank you for participating in #KACOLS
Lydia C. Lee
#kalcols
Jen Cannon
Glad to know I am not the only one that forgets to put in the hashtag! LOL
Lydia C. Lee
I get regular migraines but thankfully not the stroke kind. they sound terrible.
Jen Cannon
Fortunately, I have not either but the type that do have, Hemiplegic Migraine, does increase my stroke risk by a good amount. Thank you for participating in #KCACOLS!
Sarah | Digital Motherhood
I haven’t heard of this before so it’s good to know #KCACOLS
Sonya
My mother had a migraine that turned into a hemorrhagic stroke. She is now paralyzed, and can not talk. I am currently trying to get answers and help as I have always had hemiplegic migraines, however I am having frequent headaches and migraines with medication resistance including injections. I’m close to my mothers age when it happened. My PC has directed me to go to the ER any time I have a hemi as she said we need to make sure it’s not a bleed or a stroke. Btw my father had a stroke the same summer my mother did.
*No history of HBP in our family
tracey bowden
This is really interesting as I had no idea this could happen with a migraine. thanks so much for sharing #kcacols
Jen Cannon
Yes! Migraine is much more than a headache! Thank you for commenting!