Migraine headaches are unlikely to result in death or brain damage. However, migraine with aura may be associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events as well as an increased risk of stroke.
This article examines the possibility of mortality from migraine as well as the probable complications that may occur.
It also examines the long-term health repercussions of migraine and when a person should seek medical attention. Read on to find out more.
Can Migraines Kill You?
A large-scale 2020 research in women found no relationship between migraine and all-cause mortality. This includes migraine with or without aura, as well as a history of migraine. The phrase "all-cause death" refers to all deaths in the population, regardless of the reason.
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However, the researchers discovered that migraine with aura might raise mortality risk due to cardiovascular events.
According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), migraines may raise the risk of cardiac disease, including heart attacks and angina.
Migraine may also significantly raise the risk of stroke, coronary events, and other associated deaths. It may also increase the risk of heart disease due to decreased blood flow.
Although the actual cause of migraine and cardiovascular difficulties is unknown, it might be related to inflammation, blood clotting, or abnormalities with the artery lining.
Migraine and stroke have also been linked. Migrainous infarction, a stroke that occurs during a migraine episode, may occur in certain situations.
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According to the AMF, stroke may occur outside of a migraine headache and is more common in those who have or have previously had migraine.
Can Migraines Cause Long-Term Harm?
According to the American Headache Society, migraines do not cause long-term brain damage.
The organization cites two population studies that used brain scans of migraine patients and non-migraine patients to assess the long-term impact on the brain.
After 9-10 years, researchers discovered white lesions on the brains of certain migraine patients, although these alterations were unrelated to changes in cognitive or brain function.
The AMF also affirms that research has shown white matter damage in certain migraine patients but that these lesions are typically unrelated to cognitive decline or neurological disorders.
Migraine Complications
Migraine may lead to the problems listed below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme sensitivity to light, noises, and odors
- Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Individuals may need stronger prescription pain relievers or antinausea medicines if standard therapies, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are ineffective.
If symptoms do not improve, patients may need hospital care, which may include:
- IV fluids
- Medicine, such as antinausea treatments like ondansetron and anti-seizure
- Antipsychotic drugs like valproate or chlorpromazine
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Migraine Headaches and Other Long-Term Health Consequences
Migraines are unlikely to produce long-term brain damage or impair brain function or cognitive abilities.
Chronic migraine may affect certain people's quality of life, putting frequent migraine sufferers at risk of mental health or sleep problems.
Suffering a migraine with aura nearly doubles the chance of having an ischemic stroke in a person's lifetime compared to people without migraine. The overall risk of stroke from migraine is low, with high blood pressure and smoking being greater risk factors.
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Headache Warning Signs
The following are warning indications to look out for with headaches, according to the AMF:
- Thunderclap headache: A strong headache that peaks in severity in a matter of minutes.
- Positional headache: A headache whose strength fluctuates dramatically as a person changes position, such as standing up to lying down or vice versa.
- Exertion-related headaches: If a cough, sneeze, or straining creates a headache.
- New headaches: If individuals begin to have new, frequent headaches, particularly if they are over the age of 50 or have a pre-existing medical condition such as a blood clotting issue or cancer.
- Considerable change in headache pattern: A significant rise in headache frequency or difference in headache symptoms.
- Continuous headache: A continuous headache is one that happens in the same place on a regular basis or one that never goes away.
- Unusual migraine aura symptoms: People who experience migraine with aura with unusual symptoms, such as symptoms lasting more than 60 minutes, symptoms that appear suddenly, or symptoms that do not disappear entirely, will need medical treatment.
People who suffer from any of the aforementioned headaches or have worries about migraine headaches should see a doctor. A doctor may perform physical exams and neurological testing to examine symptoms.
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People will also need medical treatment if they suffer any odd headache symptoms, such as:
- A shift in awareness
- A weakening on one side of the body
- Difficulty walking
- Fever
- Chills
- Nocturnal sweats
- Weight loss
Summary
Migraine headaches may be severe, but they are seldom fatal and are unlikely to cause long-term brain damage.
Migraine with aura has been linked to an increased risk of migraine infarction, which is an ischemic stroke that happens during a migraine episode. Migraine may also raise your chances of having another cardiovascular attack.
If individuals have any strange symptoms while suffering from a headache or migraine headache, they should see a doctor to determine what is causing them.
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Individuals exhibiting any signs of a stroke or cardiovascular incident should seek immediate medical assistance.
