When people think of migraine, headaches are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But migraine can come with many other symptoms, including aphasia. Aphasia is a disruption in how you process language. “It’s very frustrating when I know what I want to say, but can’t find the word I need,” said a MyMigraineTeam member.

Another member wrote, “It’s something garbled, twisted, jumbled, or some slow speech. I can’t quite seem to form a sentence, no matter how hard I try. It’s very scary. Sometimes the words, the idea just leaves. It’s like watching the words fly away in a tornado, then I don’t know what I was going to say.”

Here’s what you should know if migraine makes it hard for you to find your words.

What Is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a communication disorder. It affects the ability to speak, read, and write. It can also make it harder to understand spoken or written words.

Signs of aphasia may include:

• Not understanding what others are saying
• Saying or writing words that don’t make sense
• Trouble finding the right words
• Using shorter sentences

People may develop aphasia suddenly because of a stroke or head injury. If aphasia develops gradually, it may be related to a disease that slowly damages the brain, such as a brain tumor, dementia, or inflammatory disease. Since aphasia can signal a medical emergency, you shouldn’t ignore it. Even if you have a history of migraine, aphasia should be checked by a healthcare provider to make sure there isn’t another cause for concern.

Transient Aphasia and Migraine

People may experience aphasia before or during a migraine attack. This temporary condition is known as transient aphasia.

In rare cases, migraine-related aphasia may last longer than a typical migraine attack.

One member of MyMigraineTeam said they have frequent, long-standing issues with aphasia. “I have aphasia and have had it for way over 10 years. I get spells three to four times a week. I lose my ability to talk, read, write, and understand.”

Some members have linked aphasia to other disruptions that trigger their migraine episodes. “I’m having increased issues with memory and aphasia, with headaches so severe that nothing helps,” wrote one member. “My cycle is messed up too, and I don’t know if the increased headaches are hormonal or a combination of hormones and migraine.”

Any migraine symptoms that affect your quality of life should be taken seriously. It’s important to seek answers about why you have aphasia and what you can do to help prevent and manage it.

Common Signs of Migraine-Related Aphasia

Migraine symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Usually, aphasia is an aura symptom, meaning it happens before a migraine attack. About a quarter of people with migraine have auras that signal when an attack is coming. Visual disturbances, like seeing flashing lights, or unusual sensations, like tingling, are common aura symptoms.

Aphasia is a less common symptom that can be harder to hide. Here’s what aphasia can feel like for the person experiencing it, and how it may seem to others.

Problems Finding Words

Someone with aphasia may know what they want to say, but struggle to find the correct word. They might pause often, use vague terms like “thing,” or substitute the wrong word without realizing it.

“I have aphasia today, and that makes me crazy,” said a MyMigraineTeam member. “Sometimes I have to stop in the middle of a sentence because I can’t recall a word. Sometimes I stutter (which I have never had before),” she wrote.

“Occasionally, I say the wrong word, but it sounds somewhat like the word I want, like horse instead of house, or mine instead of mind. It comes and goes. It annoys me when others decide my intent from my unfinished sentence and have a whole conversation that wasn’t even close to what I wanted to say.”

Trouble Understanding and Being Understood

Simple instructions or familiar phrases may cause confusion. It can be hard to communicate basic things, like what you need or how you’re feeling. This can lead to frustration, anger, sadness, and fear.

Issues With Reading or Writing

Aphasia can also make it harder to read and write. “I have a hard time comprehending things when my body and brain are like this,” said a MyMigraineTeam member. “People think I’m trying to be annoying, but I’m really not. It’s like my brain can’t process. Even typing this, I’m having to reread and edit it, over and over,” she shared.

When To Seek Help for Aphasia

Migraine-related aphasia and stroke symptoms aren’t exactly the same. For one, migraine aura symptoms tend to develop a little more gradually. Stroke symptoms come on suddenly.

In addition, migraine symptoms may shift from one type to another. For example, someone may notice vision changes, then language problems. Stroke symptoms are more fixed.

Migraine-related aphasia is also temporary, and most migraine-related language symptoms improve as the attack passes. But if symptoms don’t improve as expected or last much longer than usual, you should seek urgent medical care.

Stroke symptoms may continue or get worse without treatment.

It’s best to treat any speech problems as a potential medical emergency. Get help right away, especially if:

• It’s the first time you’ve had aphasia
• The aphasia is more severe than usual
• Your language issues aren’t improving as expected
• You have other symptoms of a stroke (weakness on one side of the body or facial drooping)

When in doubt, get medical attention. A healthcare provider can decide whether your symptoms are migraine-related or something else.

In some cases, treatment strategies for migraine, such as preventive medications or lifestyle adjustments, may improve aphasia and other aura symptoms. There’s also a chance that aphasia is a side effect of migraine medication. Your headache specialist can help sort out the details and find the right treatment plan for you.

Managing the Emotional Impact

Learning about aphasia and connecting with others has helped MyMigraineTeam members feel less isolated.“I didn’t know what aphasia was until about six months ago, when I started seeing content on Facebook about migraines,” explained one member. “It has helped to know that I am not alone and that there is actually a name for what’s happening.”

Members have also benefited from trying to stay positive. “When I get things done, it improves my depression, which improves my attitude. Sunshine and summer are usually good for me. I haven’t noticed any aphasia in several months,” a member explained.

Join the Conversation

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Has migraine ever made it hard for you to speak, read, or find the right words? Let others know in the comments below.

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