Migraine with Stroke Like Symptoms: Recognize, Respond, and Stay Safe

Written and verified by Holly Hazen

Living with migraines is challenging enough, but experiencing migraine with stroke like symptoms alongside them can be downright terrifying. You’re not alone - many migraine sufferers worry about mistaking migraine symptoms for a stroke or vice versa. Knowing the difference between these conditions isn’t just helpful; it could be lifesaving. By reading this you'll learn to recognize key distinctions, understand your unique risk factors, and know when to seek emergency care.

Let’s walk through what you need to know about migraines that mimic stroke symptoms, including how to protect your health and reduce your risks.

⚠️ EMERGENCY WARNING

If you experience sudden onset of any stroke symptoms, call emergency services immediately:

• United States: 911

• Australia: 000

• Europe: 112
  

• Wiki >> International Emergency Phone Numbers
  
  

REMEMBER F.A.S.T.

Remember the F.A.S.T. Test for Stroke:

• Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?

• Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one drift down?

• Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?

• Time: Every minute counts - call emergency services immediately (T = Tongue Test too!)
  
  

Migraine, particularly with aura, can share these similar symptoms with a stroke: numbness, visual changes, or even trouble speaking. But there are important differences in how these symptoms present.

Migraine with aura often follows a predictable sequence and develops gradually, whereas strokes tend to come on suddenly and severely. Knowing how to recognize these differences is essential, especially if you or someone close to you suffers from recurring migraine attacks.

Let's explore this now in greater detail so you are prepared for the worst-case scenario.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Migraine and Stroke Symptoms

Gradual vs. Sudden Onset: A Key Difference Between Migraines and Strokes

The onset of symptoms is one of the most telling differences between a migraine with stroke-like symptoms and an actual stroke. Migraines, particularly those with aura, usually develop slowly, starting with a visual disturbance or a tingling sensation that may spread from one area to another.

Strokes, on the other hand, tend to be sudden. You’ll often hear people describe stroke symptoms as "out of nowhere," with severe symptoms appearing in seconds or minutes.

Key takeaway: If symptoms develop slowly, it may be a migraine. If they hit suddenly, think stroke, and seek emergency help.

Key Statistics:

• 25% of people living with migraine experience aura

• Women over 45 with migraine may have double the stroke risk

• Migraine with aura increases stroke risk by 2-3 times

• Recognizing patterns can reduce emergency room visits by 50%
  
  

Critical Differences

Migraine Pattern:

• Symptoms typically develop gradually
• Follow a predictable pattern unique to the individual
• Usually have recognizable triggers
• Visual disturbances often progress in a specific sequence

Stroke Pattern:

• Symptoms appear SUDDENLY
• No warning or buildup
• Often accompanied by complete one-sided weakness
• Symptoms don't "travel" through the body

Learning to recognize your body's specific signals for an incoming migraine can make all the difference, especially when it comes to migraine with stroke like symptoms. Being mindful from the beginning helps you prepare and respond more effectively to your unique pattern of symptoms.

For instance, my early warning signs typically start as a slow-building pain behind my eyes or neck, and this discomfort gradually escalates over the next three hours. But unlike the steady onset I usually experience, migraine with stroke like symptoms can appear suddenly, often mirroring the abrupt nature of an actual stroke.

When we talk about strokes, it’s essential to understand that they result from a sudden disruption in blood flow to the brain, often due to a blockage or a blood vessel bleeding. This interruption can lead to brain damage within minutes, affecting areas that depend on the compromised blood supply. The severity of stroke effects varies greatly depending on how much brain tissue is involved and how quickly blood flow can be restored.

Stroke symptoms often appear without warning, typically manifesting in seconds or minutes. However, in some cases, symptoms can develop gradually, starting with mild dizziness, tingling, or weakness that increases over a few hours. A person might even notice subtle changes in balance or coordination.

If you notice any sudden or unexplained symptoms like these, it’s critical to consult a healthcare provider immediately. These changes could be due to another migraine or signs of aging, but they could also indicate something more serious. 

How Migraine Aura Symptoms Can Resemble Stroke Symptoms

Recognizing Common Triggers and Patterns in Migraine Aura

Migraines with aura often start with recognizable signs, like shimmering lights, blind spots, or zigzag patterns in your vision. You might feel a tingling sensation that gradually moves from your hand up your arm. Knowing your usual migraine pattern is essential - it helps you differentiate a typical migraine from something more serious.

Triggers for migraine with aura often include:

• Bright or flickering lights
• Lack of sleep
• Stress or emotional upheaval
• Certain foods, such as caffeine or aged cheeses
  
  

If you recognize these triggers, it’s another clue that your symptoms could be migraine related.

Unique Signs of Stroke to Watch For

While migraines and strokes can share some symptoms, strokes have distinct signs. These include sudden, complete weakness or numbness on one side of the body, drooping of one side of the face, and difficulty speaking clearly. Unlike a migraine, stroke symptoms do not usually move around the body or develop gradually.

Quick Tip: Familiarize yourself with the F.A.S.T. signs below to help spot a stroke fast.

Stroke Symptoms to Watch For

Face drooping, Arms drifting down, Speech difficulties, Time to call emergency services.

If you or someone around you experiences sudden symptoms, act quickly. Use the F.A.S.T. test to check for signs of a stroke and get help immediately:

• Face: Can you smile or is one side of your face drooping?

• Arm: Can you raise both arms or does one drift downward?

• Speech: Is your speech slurred or strange? 

• Time: Every minute counts - call emergency services immediately. (T can also = Tongue test)
  
  

Critical Diagnostic Tongue Test

The tongue test is an important diagnostic check. Ask the person to stick out their tongue. If it deviates to one side, this could indicate a stroke and requires immediate medical attention.

• Normal: Tongue extends straight out.

• Stroke Warning: Tongue deviates to one side.

• Action Required: If tongue deviates, call emergency services.
  
  

Additional Sudden Stroke Symptoms

Other stroke symptoms can appear unexpectedly, including:

• Sudden numbness, weakness, or tingling on only one side of your body. It could also present as a loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, on one side of your body.

• Sudden vision changes, including loss of vision in one or both eyes.

• Sudden difficulty speaking and forming words.

• Sudden unexpected confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.

• Sudden dizziness or problems walking.

• A sudden, severe headache that is different from any of your past headaches or migraines. Often described as "the worst headache of my life."

Recognizing and understanding these warning signs can help you respond quickly and make the best decision. A stroke is always, always a medical emergency and require urgent medical attention. Even if you suspect a migraine, it’s better to be safe and seek help.

>> Learn Your Migraine Early Warning Signals

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Symptoms Comparison & Key Comparison Chart

Migraine with Aura Progression:

1. Symptoms move sequentially through the body
2. Usually starts with visual disturbances
3. May affect speech temporarily
4. Typically resolves within 20-60 minutes (the aura not the whole migraine episode)
5. Follows familiar patterns for the individual
   
   

Stroke Symptoms:

1. Sudden onset
2. Complete side affected at once
3. Face drooping (particularly noticeable)
4. Persistent symptoms
5. Different from previous experiences
   
   

Key Symptoms Comparison Chart

Here are a few more examples:

Women-Specific Warning Signs

Women often experience different stroke symptoms than men, making diagnosis more challenging. Research shows these unique (atypical) presentations:

1. Sudden Unexplained Symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness or fainting (60% of cases)
• Breathing difficulties (58% of cases)
• Sudden falls or accidents (63% of cases)
• Unexplained pain (70% of cases)
• Seizure-like episodes (58% of cases)
  
  

2. Additional Female-Specific Risk Factors:

• Hormonal birth control use
• Pregnancy and postpartum period
• Menopause transition
• History of complicated pregnancies
  
  

Risk Factors and Prevention

Migraine with aura comes with certain risk factors that can overlap with those for strokes. Identifying and managing these factors is an important step in protecting your health.

Known Risk Factors:

• History of migraine with aura
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Hormonal birth control
• Age (particularly over 45)
• Previous cardiovascular issues

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Yourself from Stroke and Migraine Risks

1. Regular blood pressure monitoring
   
2. Avoid smoking
3. Daily exercise routine
4. Maintain a balanced heart-healthy diet
5. Practice stress management techniques
6. Stay hydrated (8 glasses daily)
7. Regular sleep schedule
8. Limited alcohol consumption
   
   

Managing Your Risk

Daily habits can make a big difference in reducing the frequency of migraines and lowering stroke risk. Here are some practical ways to manage your health.

Daily Prevention Tips:

• Keep a symptom diary: Document your migraine triggers and typical symptoms to notice patterns.

• Share your migraine history with family and friends so they know what’s normal for you.

• Create an emergency plan: Have contact numbers ready and educate those around you on how to respond if symptoms escalate.

• Consider daily low-dose aspirin (only under a doctor’s supervision), which may help reduce stroke risk.

• Practice stress reduction techniques: Even a few minutes of relaxation daily can help lower blood pressure and stress-related triggers.

• Establish regular sleep patterns - the migraine brain loves routine.

• Stay properly hydrated for YOUR body
  
  

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Migraine With Stroke Like Symptoms FAQ

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Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health Against Migraine with Stroke Like Symptoms

Understanding how to distinguish between a migraine with stroke like symptoms and an actual stroke can give you peace of mind. By learning these signs, keeping track of your patterns, and managing your risk factors, you’ll be better equipped to act confidently and take action when needed. Always consult your healthcare provider to tailor prevention and care strategies to your needs.

Stay informed, stay safe, and take steps today to protect your health for the future.

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<sub>Migraine with Stroke Like Symptoms References:
1. WebMD. Stroke Symptoms. Available [online] at: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/tc/stroke-symptoms.
2. Phend, C. staff writer for MedPage Today. Atypical Stroke Symptoms in Women. Available [online] at: https://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ISC/5022
3. American Stroke Organisation. Warning Signs of Stroke. Available [online] at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms Updated Nov. 4, 2024
4. Purdy, Dr. A (2018) Migraine World Summit. Available [online] at: https://www.migrainesavvy.com/summit
5. WebMD. Hemiplegic Migraine Headaches. Available [online] at: https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/hemiplegic-migraine-headaches-symptoms-causes-treatments#1
Migraine with stroke like symptoms updated Nov.5, 2024</sub>