Is There a Connection Between Aphasia and Migraine?

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Although pain and discomfort are the primary symptoms of migraine attacks, aphasia is one of the neurological (brain-related) complications that they might occasionally cause.

Strong headaches known as migraines are frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.

One potential neurological consequence is aphasia, a disorder that impairs speech. It may involve trouble with writing, reading, speaking, or interpreting speech. Studies indicate a relationship between aphasia and migraine.

When aphasia manifests itself without a prior diagnosis, it is regarded as a medical emergency and has to be assessed right away by a physician.

Let’s examine the connection between these two disorders as well as the signs and management of migraine-induced aphasia.

Can migraine cause aphasia?

Aphasia may occasionally result from a migraine. Aphasia typically occurs during the aura stage of a migraine attack, but it can occur before or throughout.

Aura is a group of symptoms that might include aphasia, sensory abnormalities, and visual problems as well as verbal difficulties.

The brain experiences alterations in blood flow and electrical activity during a migraine aura, which may momentarily impair language processing regions. Aphasia, a condition where you may have difficulty speaking clearly, finding words, or understanding language, can be brought on by this disruption. In contrast to persistent aphasia, migraine-related aphasia is transient and often goes away in one to two days, depending on how long a migraine episode lasts. Rarely, a prolonged migraine that causes aphasia may even necessitate hospitalization.

Are there any other connections between migraine and aphasia?

There exist further implicit associations between aphasia and migraine. For instance, a stroke can result in aphasia, and strokes can occasionally trigger migraine episodes. This does not imply that aphasia in and of itself can trigger a migraine attack.

Transient aphasia caused by migraine symptoms

The following are possible signs of migraine-induced temporary aphasia:
  • having trouble putting it into words
  • uttering nonsense or unfinished sentences
  • difficulty interpreting written or spoken words
  • having trouble writing or reading
  • accidentally repeating words or phrases 
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Once the migraine attack is over, these symptoms usually go away on their own. But because aphasia can also be a sign of a stroke, it can be a frightening experience.

When to get medical help

Even though migraine-related temporary aphasia is typically benign, it’s crucial to rule out more serious illnesses like stroke.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Seek immediate medical attention if you encounter:
  • abrupt and unexpected aphasia
  • additional symptoms of a stroke, such as:
    • balance issues
    • vision changes
    • face drooping
    • weakness on one side of the body
  • For the first time, aphasia accompanied by migraine

Aphasia caused by migraine treatment

Once a migraine attack has passed, aphasia connected to migraines typically goes away. Treating the migraine episode itself is the best course of action for treating temporary aphasia.

For the treatment of migraine, several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs are available, such as:

  • pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • triptans like sumatriptan
  • ergotamines

Can you prevent aphasia caused by migraine?

Controlling the causes of migraine episodes and preserving general brain health is key to preventing aphasia brought on by migraines. Among the tactics to think about are:
  • recognizing and staying away from migraine triggers, such as particular meals, stress, and sleep deprivation
  • keeping a regular sleep schedule and receiving enough sleep
  • keeping a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water
  • using calming methods to manage stress, such as yoga or meditation
  • taking prescription drugs for prevention, such as erenumab or topiramate, as directed by a medical expert
  • maintaining a healthy weight

Takeaway

The relationship between aphasia and migraines demonstrates how intricate the brain is. In addition to following aphasia brought on by a stroke, migraines can also induce brief aphasia during the aura stage. If you have sudden aphasia coupled with other stroke symptoms, you should see a doctor very away.

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Migraine episodes can be less common with the use of treatment and preventative techniques. See a doctor if you experience recurrent episodes, whether or not you have aphasia, for individualized guidance and treatment recommendations.

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