Migraine episodes are mostly known for causing pain and discomfort, but they can also sometimes have neurological (brain-related) effects, including aphasia.

Migraine headaches are intense headaches often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.

One possible neurological effect is aphasia, a condition that affects your ability to communicate. It can involve difficulty speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing. Research suggests a connection between migraine and aphasia.

Aphasia appearing without prior diagnosis is considered a medical emergency and should be quickly evaluated by a medical professional.

Let’s explore the relationship between these two conditions, as well as the symptoms and treatment of aphasia caused by migraine.

Migraine can sometimes cause transient (temporary) aphasia. Aphasia can happen before or during the migraine episode, usually at the aura stage.

Aura is a collection of symptoms that can include visual disturbances, sensory changes, and language difficulties, such as aphasia.

During a migraine aura, the brain undergoes changes in blood flow and electrical activity, which can temporarily disrupt language processing centers in the brain. This disruption can result in aphasia, where you may have trouble finding words, speaking clearly, or understanding language. Unlike chronic aphasia, migraine-related aphasia is temporary and usually resolves within 1 or 2 days, depending on the duration of a migraine episode. In very rare cases, migraine with aphasia can be persistent and even require hospitalization.

There are other indirect connections between migraine and aphasia. For example, aphasia can happen during a stroke, and a stroke can sometimes cause a migraine episode. However, this doesn’t mean that aphasia itself can cause a migraine episode.

The symptoms of transient aphasia caused by migraine can include:

  • difficulty finding the right words
  • speaking in incomplete or nonsensical sentences
  • trouble understanding spoken or written language
  • difficulty reading or writing
  • repeating words or phrases unintentionally

In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own once the migraine episode is over. However, it can be a frightening experience, especially because aphasia can also be a symptom of a stroke.

While transient aphasia associated with migraine is usually not harmful, it’s important to rule out other serious conditions like stroke.

Medical emergency

Get medical help right away if you experience:

Migraine-related aphasia usually clears up after the migraine episode is over. The best way to treat transient aphasia is to treat the migraine episode itself.

Several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can be used to treat migraine, including:

Read more about medications used to treat migraine.

Preventing aphasia caused by migraine involves managing migraine episode triggers and maintaining overall brain health. Some strategies to consider include:

  • identifying and avoiding migraine triggers, such as certain foods, stress, and lack of sleep
  • following a regular sleep schedule and getting adequate rest
  • staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet
  • managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • taking preventive medications, such as topiramate or erenumab, as prescribed by a healthcare professional

Let’s answer a few common questions that people with migraine ask their doctors about aphasia.

Can a migraine make you forget words?

During a migraine aura, some people may experience difficulty finding words or may forget words altogether. This is a type of transient aphasia that typically clears up once the migraine episode subsides.

How common is migraine with aphasia?

Around 25% of people who have migraine episodes experience auras, and only some of them have transient aphasia, making this a relatively uncommon symptom.

How long does migraine-caused aphasia last?

Migraine-related aphasia usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the duration of an aura. Sometimes it can persist for the entire migraine episode.

The connection between migraine and aphasia highlights the complexity of the brain. Migraine can cause transient aphasia during the aura stage, but migraine can also follow aphasia caused by a stroke. It’s crucial to get immediate medical attention if you have sudden aphasia along with other symptoms of a stroke.

Treatment and prevention strategies can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing migraine episodes. If you have frequent episodes with or without aphasia, speak with a medical professional for personalized advice and treatment options.