From memory lapses and attention issues to challenges finding the right words, cognitive dysfunction is common for many people with migraine. “Severe migraine attack and I’m losing my cognitive function,” one MyMigraineTeam member said.

Here’s what you need to know about the connection between migraine and cognitive function. You’ll also discover what might worsen your symptoms and when you need immediate care.

How Does Migraine Affect Cognitive Function?

Changes in cognitive function during a migraine attack can be debilitating. In fact, people with migraine sometimes rank it as a leading cause of disability, second only to pain. During an attack, it’s common to have trouble focusing, remembering things, or paying attention.

One small study used the Migraine Clinical Outcome Assessment System to see what cognitive dysfunction felt like to someone with migraine. Most people reported issues with language, attention, memory, and executive function (skills that help you complete tasks).

Here are some examples of cognitive dysfunction people with migraine reported:

• Challenges talking, listening, and remembering words
• Difficulty paying attention and feeling disoriented, fuzzy-headed, and confused
• Issues remembering things, which impacted learning and memory recall
• Challenges processing information
• A reduced ability to plan or make decisions

Sometimes people call these changes in cognitive function “brain fog.” This is because they reduce your mental clarity and make certain tasks harder to complete.

When Does Cognitive Dysfunction Occur?

Everyone experiences migraine and cognitive dysfunction differently. Some will notice cognitive changes up to 48 hours before their headache pain starts. Others may notice cognitive issues during their headache or after the pain goes away.

The study mentioned above found that 90 percent of participants reported symptoms of cognitive impairment before their headache began (the prodrome phase). About 88 percent said they had changes in cognitive function during the headache phase.

Meanwhile, 68 percent of participants still had the effects of cognitive dysfunction after their head pain subsided (postdrome phase). About one-third said they had changes in their cognitive abilities between migraine attacks.

Potential Consequences of Cognitive Dysfunction

Having both migraine symptoms and cognitive dysfunction can create a vicious cycle. This may potentially lead to more migraine attacks.

Additionally, cognitive issues may make it harder for you to follow your migraine treatment plan. It also can make migraine attacks more debilitating. Likewise, cognitive dysfunction could increase your stress level and reduce your quality of life.

Which Factors Worsen Cognitive Symptoms?

Sometimes how long your migraine lasts or its severity can worsen your cognitive symptoms. For instance, one study found that if you have chronic migraine, you may have more cognitive issues than someone with infrequent migraine attacks.

Some researchers have noted that having severe migraine pain along with depression and anxiety symptoms could make cognitive symptoms worse. Even sleeping poorly or not getting enough sleep could be linked to worsening cognitive symptoms.

Tips for Managing Cognitive Symptoms and Migraine

If you have frequent cognitive symptoms alongside your migraine attacks, there are ways to manage both issues. Try these strategies to reduce your brain fog.

• Practice stress management — Experiment with mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other stress reduction activities. This can help improve cognitive function and reduce your migraine attacks.
• Prioritize your treatment plan — If your migraine treatment plan is too complicated, ask your headache specialist to simplify it. Also, become more attuned to your migraine attack warning signs, and start pain medications early when you can.
• Make lifestyle adjustments — Exercise regularly, prioritize sleep, and eat nutritious foods. These simple adjustments can improve cognitive performance and may reduce migraine frequency.
• Put less pressure on yourself — When you’re in the midst of a migraine attack and your cognitive function declines, reduce the internal pressure to perform or complete tasks. Recognize it may take you longer to do things.
• Implement self-care strategies — If you’re experiencing brain fog during a migraine attack, find a quiet place and relax. You may also want to drink plenty of water and rest.

Join the Conversation

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

If you have been diagnosed with migraine, how does it impact your cognitive function, and how do you cope? Let others know in the comments below.

Are your headaches a symptom of migraine? Get a quick assessment.