If you have been diagnosed with migraines, you may be wondering if there are any associated complications. Wondering what migraine can cause is perfectly normal, but it’s important to remember that for the vast majority of people there are no complications associated with having occasional migraines.
That said, finding information about the possible complications of migraine (what they can cause or conditions that they can be associated with), can be difficult. In this article, we explore what migraine can cause and some common questions associated with migraines, including:
- Can migraine cause dizziness?
- Can migraines cause brain damage?
- Can migraines cause jaw pain?
Migraine Complications
The following list of possible complications has been drawn from information compiled by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE):
- Reduced functional ability and quality of life: Migraines can significantly impact family and social life, education, and employment.
- Medication overuse headache: Migraines are the most common cause (around 80%) of headaches resulting from overusing medication.
- Progression to chronic migraine: Migraines can become more frequent and severe over time.
- Status migrainosus: This is a severe migraine attack lasting for more than 72 hours.
- Persistent aura without infarction: These are aura symptoms (like visual disturbances) lasting more than a week, with no evidence of a stroke.
- Migrainous infarction: This occurs when aura symptoms last more than 60 minutes, and there’s evidence of a stroke-like effect on the brain when imaging is done.
- Migraine aura-triggered seizure: A seizure triggered by a migraine with aura symptoms.
- Increased risk of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke: People with migraines have a higher risk of developing a stroke caused by a blood clot. It is important to remember that risk of stroke changes from person to person, and it is likely that even if you do suffer severe migraines your overall risk of stroke will still be very low. If you are concerned about your risks, it is worth discussing this with your GP.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Migraines might be a risk factor for a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain, though this link has not been properly proven by research yet.
Note that the risk of stroke may be higher in women using combined hormonal contraception.
How Can I Decrease My Risk of the Complications That Migraine Can Cause?
Many of the lifestyle modifications used to reduce the frequency or severity of migraines will also overlap with those that reduce the risk of the complications that migraine can cause listed above. These include:
- Maintaining regular sleep patterns: Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake-up times to improve sleep quality.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to promote better sleep.
- Limit exposure to screens: Minimise the use of electronic devices before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to avoid dehydration, a common migraine trigger.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Eat regular meals and avoid skipping meals, as it may contribute to migraines.
- Limit caffeine intake: High caffeine consumption can trigger migraines, so it’s crucial to minimise caffeine intake.
- Identify food triggers: Keep a food diary to identify and avoid potential food triggers of migraines.
- Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate-intensity physical activity to help manage stress and improve overall well-being.
- Manage stress: Employ stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help prevent migraines.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: Limit or quit alcohol and smoking, as they may worsen migraines in some individuals.
- Maintain a healthy body weight: Keep a healthy body mass index to reduce the likelihood of migraines and also stroke.
Can Migraine Cause Dizziness?
A common question among individuals experiencing migraines is, can migraine cause dizziness? The short answer is yes, migraine can cause dizziness. This is often the case with a specific type of migraine known as a vestibular migraine. Vestibular migraines may cause dizziness, problems with balance, and issues with coordination. Symptoms can also include sensitivity to motion, which might cause a sense of spinning, unsteadiness, or problems with coordination even without a headache.
However, it’s important to remember that dizziness can be caused by a variety of health issues, not just migraines. If you’re experiencing dizziness, particularly if it’s severe or persistent, you should consult with a healthcare professional to understand the underlying cause.
Can Migraines Cause Brain Damage?
Migraines themselves do not typically cause brain damage. However, they can lead to certain changes in the brain, and research has suggested that people with chronic migraines may have an increased risk of certain types of changes in brain structure, including white matter lesions, infarct-like lesions, and volumetric changes in gray matter.
It’s important to note that the clinical significance of these changes is not entirely clear, and the presence of such changes does not necessarily mean that a person will experience cognitive decline or neurological symptoms. The relationship between migraines and brain changes is complex and not fully understood.
In very rare cases, migraines can be associated with a type of stroke known as a migrainous infarction. This occurs when a migraine with aura is associated with an ischemic stroke that happens during the course of a migraine attack. This is quite rare and is more likely to occur in people with certain risk factors.
As always, if you have concerns about your migraines or their effects on your health, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Can Migraine Cause Jaw Pain?
Yes, migraines can cause jaw pain. Some individuals experience what’s called a “migraine with aura,” which can include sensory disturbances like tingling in the face or hands. If the migraine is particularly severe, or if it coincides with a tension headache, the muscles in the jaw or neck might tense up, leading to additional pain in those areas.
Moreover, there is a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects the joints and muscles that control the movement of the jaw. TMJ can cause jaw pain, and there can be an overlap between TMJ disorders and migraines. Some people may experience both conditions concurrently, leading to both migraine and jaw pain.
However, it’s also important to note that jaw pain can be caused by a variety of other conditions, including dental problems, sinus infections, or other types of headaches. If you’re experiencing persistent jaw pain, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.
Further Information and Support
The migraine trust provides information and support via their website: Home – The Migraine Trust.
For more generalised information about migraine and what migraine can cause, you can visit the NHS website’s information page at: Migraine – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Conclusion
In conclusion, migraines can cause various complications, but it’s essential to note that the vast majority of people experience no severe complications from having occasional migraines. By understanding the possible complications, you can take steps to manage your migraines effectively. Implementing lifestyle modifications such as maintaining regular sleep patterns, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can not only help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, but also lower the risk of related complications. If you have concerns about your migraine risks and complications, consult your healthcare professional.
