MyMigraineTeam

It's understandable to be concerned about stroke-like symptoms during a migraine — they can be really alarming. The good news is that while some migraine symptoms can look similar to stroke symptoms, an actual stroke occurring during a migraine is extremely rare.

Of the roughly 800,000 strokes that happen in the U.S. each Show Full Answer

It's understandable to be concerned about stroke-like symptoms during a migraine — they can be really alarming. The good news is that while some migraine symptoms can look similar to stroke symptoms, an actual stroke occurring during a migraine is extremely rare.

Of the roughly 800,000 strokes that happen in the U.S. each year, only about 2,000 to 3,000 are linked to migraine. That's a very small number in the grand scheme of things. The increased stroke risk is specifically linked to migraine with aura, and is most common in women under 45. It has not been observed in people who have migraine without aura.

Some symptoms that can overlap between migraine and stroke include:

- Sudden vision changes
- Confusion or speech problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Severe headache

The key difference is timing — stroke symptoms come on very suddenly, while migraine symptoms tend to build up more gradually. If symptoms ever come on suddenly and feel different from a typical migraine, it's important to call 911 immediately. When it comes to strokes, every minute truly counts. When in doubt, always seek emergency care.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Migraine and Stroke Risk: What You Need To Know

Hemiplegic Migraine Symptoms Explained