If you live with migraine, you're likely familiar with how unpredictable and overwhelming an attack can be. Head pain is often just one part of the experience, and for many people, visual symptoms like blurry vision or shimmering lights can be just as disruptive.

Understanding what might be causing these symptoms is a key step in getting the right treatment and avoiding more serious complications. While migraine is one of the more common causes of headache and visual changes, there are others to be aware of, too — some mild, others that may need emergency care.

Below, we walk through seven possible causes of headache with blurry vision — starting with migraine — and share tips for talking with your doctor so you can feel more in control of your health.

1. Migraine

Headaches are a common migraine symptom, but they’re not the only one. More than a quarter of people with migraine also have vision problems during an attack.

Blurry vision can make it seem like you’re looking through water or heat waves. Other eyesight changes associated with migraine attacks may include:

• Blind spots or tunnel vision
• Distorted distance vision (objects seem closer or farther than they are)
• Vision that’s fractured or sparkly, like looking through broken glass or a kaleidoscope
• Muted or gray-toned vision
• Visual disturbances like sparkles, dots, stars, squiggles, or flashing lights
• Hemianopsia (temporary blindness on one side)
• Zigzag lines that shimmer and travel across the field of vision

Members of MyMigraineTeam have described how their migraine episodes feel. “I have intense pain in my eye and temple. My vision is so blurry, and vertigo (dizziness) is kicking my butt. I’m nauseous as well,” said one member.

Another wrote, “I have migraine symptoms that mimic stroke symptoms. I hate this kind. My face and arm are numb but still functioning. I have trouble finding words and have light, sound, and vision issues.”

Vision problems can be a lingering symptom of migraine, even when headaches are no longer an issue. By age 50, it’s not uncommon for people with migraine to experience vision changes only during an attack.

2. Hypertensive Crisis

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition for adults around the world. However, most people don’t notice any symptoms. As a result, they may not know they have high blood pressure until it’s checked at the doctor’s office.

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher is considered high. But most people don’t notice any symptoms until their blood pressure climbs much higher. When it reaches 180/120 mm Hg or above, it may trigger noticeable symptoms like headaches, blurry vision, chest pain, or shortness of breath. This is called a hypertensive crisis, and it’s a medical emergency.

Other possible symptoms of a hypertensive crisis include:

• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Nosebleeds
• Vomiting

High blood pressure can have many causes. Missing a dose of blood pressure medication, using certain drugs, or having another health condition can cause a sudden spike. If you think you’re experiencing a hypertensive crisis, don’t wait — seek emergency medical care right away.

3. Concussion

Concussions are another possible cause of headaches and blurry vision. A concussion is a head injury that affects brain function. It’s a traumatic brain injury that can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in teens and people who have had concussions in the past.

People can get concussions from:

• Car or bike accidents
• Physical fights
• Serious falls
• Sports injuries

If there’s a chance you have a concussion, a healthcare provider will check your physical, mental, and nerve functions. They’ll also check how your eyes move and how they react to light. They may also test your memory, hearing, and balance and ask about any headache symptoms.

After a concussion, your brain needs rest to heal. Your doctor may advise taking a few days off from using your phone, driving, reading, working out, drinking alcohol, and watching television.

If your headache is getting progressively worse, contact your doctor. Other signs of a serious complication include:

• Bleeding from the ears
• Continuous vomiting
• One eye pupil is bigger than the other
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Trouble walking straight

4. Stroke

Strokes are also known as brain attacks (similar to heart attacks). During a stroke, the brain is deprived of blood. Strokes happen when a blood vessel bursts or gets blocked.

Some stroke symptoms can look like migraine symptoms, especially the visual changes. A stroke may cause:

• Double vision
• Vision loss on one side of your visual field
• Complete blindness — often without any headache

You might also feel suddenly dizzy, weak, clumsy, or numb — especially on one side of the body. Stroke symptoms tend to come on very suddenly, unlike migraine symptoms, which usually build up more gradually.

A stroke is a medical emergency. Brain damage can happen quickly, so every minute counts. If you or someone around you shows signs of a stroke — like sudden vision changes, confusion, slurred speech, trouble walking, or a severe headache — call 911 right away.

5. Eye Strain

Have you ever felt like your eyes are exhausted from staring at screens all day? If so, you’ve experienced eye strain. Eye strain can happen after driving long distances, working on the computer, or pulling an all-night gaming session.

Common symptoms include headaches and blurry vision. You may also develop watery or dry eyes, trouble concentrating, and light sensitivity. Fortunately, eye strain isn’t usually serious. It’s a short-term problem that gets better with rest.

You can help reduce eye strain by:

• Adjusting the lighting in your room or on your devices
• Buying glasses or contact lenses meant for computer work
• Changing the brightness or contrast in your screen settings
• Taking regular breaks to look away and rest your eyes
• Using eye drops to lubricate your eyes

6. Brain Tumor

It’s easy to worry about the worst-case scenario, like a brain tumor. But keep in mind that these are rare, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Many brain tumors don’t show signs right away.

Nonetheless, if you have ongoing issues and your doctor has already ruled out other conditions, it’s worth considering the possibility. Some brain tumors are cancerous, and others aren’t. Getting the right diagnosis can help you find medical care to improve your outlook and quality of life.

Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. It’s important to push for the right diagnosis if you have strange symptoms, like a headache and blurry vision, but haven’t found an answer for what’s going on.

7. Fatigue

Aside from medical emergencies like strokes and brain tumors, headaches and blurry vision can also be warning signs that you need to take better care of yourself.

Fatigue is a common problem that causes real physical symptoms. It means you’re exhausted all the time, even after resting. If you always feel worn out and rundown, it might be time to pause and focus on your health. Fatigue is actually a symptom, not a condition. It can happen in people with:

• Depression or grief
• High levels of workplace stress
• A lack of regular physical activity
• Heavy use of alcohol or drugs
• Sleep apnea or insomnia
• Underlying health problems (like anemia, thyroid disorders, or the flu)

If you’re feeling fatigued all the time and notice other symptoms like headaches and blurry vision, it’s a sign that something needs to change. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out what’s going on and get advice on what changes to make. The right changes can help you feel better and protect your health.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMigraineTeam, the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones, more than 85,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with migraine.

Do you get visual symptoms with your migraine headaches? What tips do you have for better brain and eye health? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

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