Can Migraine with Aura Lead to a Stroke? What You Should Know

You wake up with flashing lights in your vision. Zigzag lines blur your sight. Then comes the pounding headache. If you experience these symptoms, you know what a migraine with aura feels like. But there’s another worry that might cross your mind: could this lead to a stroke?

Many Australians who suffer from migraines with aura share this concern. The fear is real, and the questions are valid. Understanding the connection between these two conditions can help you take the right steps to protect your health.

This article explains what research says about migraines with aura and stroke risk. You’ll learn who faces higher risks, what warning signs to watch for, and how to manage your symptoms safely. If you need professional advice, an online doctor consultation can help you identify risks and create a management plan that works for you.

What Is a Migraine with Aura?

A migraine is more than just a bad headache. It’s a neurological condition that causes intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of your head. The pain can last anywhere from four hours to three days.

A migraine with aura includes additional symptoms that appear before the headache starts. These warning signs typically occur 10 to 30 minutes before the pain begins.

Common aura symptoms include:

• Flashing lights or bright spots in your vision
• Zigzag lines that move across your field of view
• Temporary blind spots
• Tingling or numbness in your face, hands, or arms
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Feeling confused or disoriented

Not everyone who gets migraine experiences aura. About 25% of migraine sufferers report these visual and sensory disturbances.

Several factors can trigger a migraine with aura. Stress is a common culprit. Hormonal changes, especially in women during menstruation or pregnancy, can also spark an attack. Other triggers include certain foods, lack of sleep, bright lights, and weather changes.

Understanding your triggers helps you avoid them. Keeping a migraine diary can help you spot patterns and identify what brings on your symptoms.

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What Happens During a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of your brain stops or is significantly reduced. Brain cells need oxygen and nutrients from blood to survive. When the blood supply is cut off, brain cells start to die within minutes.

There are two main types of strokes:

• An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of all strokes.
• Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds into surrounding tissue. This type is less common but often more serious.

Both types can cause lasting damage if not treated quickly.

Warning signs of stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• Trouble speaking or understanding others
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Dizziness or loss of balance

The F.A.S.T. method helps you remember key stroke symptoms:

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms?
• Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
• Time: Call 000 immediately if you notice these signs

Both migraines and strokes affect brain blood flow. This similarity is one reason why researchers have studied the connection between these conditions.

The Connection Between Migraine with Aura and Stroke Risk

Research shows that people who experience migraine with aura face a slightly higher risk of stroke compared to those without migraines. Multiple studies have confirmed the link over the past two decades.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that individuals with migraine with aura are more than twice as likely to have an ischaemic stroke than those who don’t experience aura. Another study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that women with migraine with aura face a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

The risk is highest among women, particularly those under 45 years old. Women who smoke or take hormonal contraceptives face even greater risks.

However, it’s important to understand what these statistics mean in real terms. The absolute risk remains small. Most people who experience migraine with aura will never have a stroke. The increased risk means that if 1,000 people without migraine might have one stroke, then 1,000 people with migraine with aura might have two or three strokes.

Other health conditions can increase the risk further. High blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease make the connection stronger. If you have migraine with aura plus any of these conditions, monitoring your health becomes even more important.

If your migraine symptoms seem unusual or more intense than usual, book an online GP consultation through TelehealthDr for professional medical advice.

Possible Reasons Behind the Link

Scientists are still working to understand exactly why migraine with aura increases stroke risk. Several theories exist, though none fully explain the connection.

One theory points to blood vessel sensitivity. During a migraine with aura, blood vessels in the brain go through changes. They first narrow, then widen. These repeated changes might make vessels more prone to problems over time.

Genetics may play a role, too. Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to have both migraines and strokes. These genetic factors affect how blood vessels work or how blood clots.

Hormonal influences appear significant, especially for women. Estrogen affects blood vessels in the brain. Changes in estrogen levels can trigger migraine and may also affect stroke risk. This explains why women face higher risks than men.

Another possibility involves temporary blood flow changes during an aura. The brain experiences a wave of reduced blood flow that moves across the cortex. In rare cases, this reduction might be severe enough to cause damage similar to a stroke.

Blood clotting is another factor. Some research suggests that people with migraine with aura might have slight differences in how their blood clots. Even small changes in clotting can affect stroke risk over time.

These mechanisms are complex and often work together. More research is needed to understand how they interact fully.

How High Blood Pressure Can Worsen Migraine Risk

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke on its own. When combined with migraine with aura, the risk increases even more.

High blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout your body, including those in your brain. Over time, this damage makes vessels weaker and more likely to have problems.

A blood pressure headache feels different from a typical migraine. You might notice:

• A throbbing sensation on both sides of your head
• Pressure or tightness that feels like a band around your head
• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Blurred or double vision
• Nausea that comes with the headache

If you have both high blood pressure and migraine with aura, your GP might recommend more frequent monitoring. Keeping your blood pressure under control is one of the most effective ways to reduce stroke risk.

Regular blood pressure checks at home or through your GP help you stay on top of your numbers. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg. If yours is consistently higher, treatment might be needed.

Managing high blood pressure involves several approaches. Medication is often necessary. Lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight also help.

Managing blood pressure and migraine symptoms early can help prevent complications. Speak with an Australian-registered GP online today.

Who Is at Higher Risk? (Key Risk Factors)

Not everyone with migraine with aura faces the same level of stroke risk. Several factors increase the likelihood of problems:

• Women over 30 with aura: The risk is highest in this group, particularly for women in their 40s
• Smokers: Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases stroke risk
• People with high blood pressure: Hypertension multiplies the risk when combined with migraines
• Those with diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels over time
• Individuals with heart disease: Pre-existing heart conditions add to the risk
• Hormonal contraceptive users: Birth control pills that contain estrogen can increase risk
• Family history of stroke: Genetics plays a role in both migraines and stroke susceptibility
• People who experience frequent migraine: More frequent attacks may indicate a higher overall risk

If you fit into multiple categories, talking to your GP about a personalized risk assessment makes sense. They can help you understand your individual situation and recommend appropriate steps.

How to Reduce Stroke Risk if You Have Migraine with Aura

The good news is that you can take steps to lower your stroke risk, even if you experience migraine with aura.

• Quit smoking immediately: Smoking is one of the biggest controllable risk factors for stroke. Quitting at any age provides benefits. Your GP can help with quit programs and support.
• Stay physically active: Regular exercise strengthens your heart and blood vessels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent choices.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, salt, and processed foods. A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce stroke risk.
• Manage your blood pressure: Check it regularly and take prescribed medications as directed. Don’t skip doses or stop medication without talking to your GP.
• Control your cholesterol: High cholesterol contributes to blocked arteries. Diet changes and medication can help keep levels in a healthy range.
• Take your migraine medications as prescribed: Some medications help prevent migraine from occurring. Taking them consistently can reduce the frequency of attacks.
• Consider your contraceptive options: If you take hormonal birth control and have migraine with aura, discuss alternatives with your GP. Non-hormonal options might be safer for you.
• Attend regular check-ups: Seeing your GP regularly allows for early detection of problems. Telehealth appointments make it easier to stay on top of your health, especially if you live in regional or remote areas.
• Manage stress: Stress triggers migraines and affects overall health. Find stress management techniques that work for you, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.

Want to manage your migraine and reduce your stroke risk? Book a telehealth consultation with an Australian GP at TelehealthDr now.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Knowing when to get emergency help can save your life or prevent serious disability.

Call 000 immediately if you or someone near you experiences:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
• Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache, unlike anything you’ve felt before
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance

Use the F.A.S.T. test:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

Time: If you see any of these signs, call 000 right away.

Time is critical during a stroke. The faster the treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital. Call an ambulance.

It’s also important to know the difference between a severe migraine with aura and a stroke. This can be difficult because some symptoms overlap.

A migraine with aura typically:

• Develops gradually over several minutes
• Includes visual symptoms that move across your field of vision
• Comes with a headache that follows the aura
• Follows a pattern you recognize from previous attacks

A stroke typically:

• Happens suddenly with no warning
• Causes symptoms that don’t move or change
• May or may not include a headache
• Feels different from anything you’ve experienced before

When in doubt, seek medical attention. It’s always better to check and be safe.

How TelehealthDr Can Help

Managing migraine with aura and reducing stroke risk requires ongoing care and monitoring. TelehealthDr makes it easier to access the support you need.

You can consult with an Australian-registered GP from anywhere in the country. This is particularly helpful if you live in regional or remote areas where seeing a doctor in person can be challenging.

Online consultations are suitable for:

• Reviewing your migraine symptoms and triggers
• Discussing prevention strategies
• Getting prescriptions for migraine medications
• Managing high blood pressure or other risk factors
• Obtaining medical certificates if migraines affect your work
• Receiving referrals to specialists when needed

All TelehealthDr doctors are fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). They follow the same standards as doctors you’d see in a clinic.

Consultations are confidential and secure. You can book appointments that fit your schedule, including evenings and weekends. Most consultations take 10 to 15 minutes.

If you need a prescription, your doctor can send it directly to your preferred pharmacy. If you need a medical certificate for work or study, you can receive it during your consultation.

Regular check-ins with a GP help you stay on top of your condition. You can track changes in your symptoms, adjust medications if needed, and address new concerns as they arise.

Book your online GP consultation through TelehealthDr today and get trusted migraine advice, prescriptions, or medical certificates from home.

Conclusion

Migraine with aura does increase stroke risk slightly, particularly for women and people with other health conditions. However, the absolute risk remains small, and most people with migraines never experience a stroke.

Understanding your risk factors and taking steps to manage them makes a real difference. Quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, staying active, and working with your GP all help reduce your risk.

Awareness is powerful. Knowing the warning signs of stroke and acting quickly if they appear can save lives. Don’t ignore changes in your symptoms or unusual headaches. When something feels different, trust your instincts and seek medical advice.

With the right care and attention, you can manage your migraines effectively and protect your long-term health. Telehealth services like TelehealthDr make it easier than ever to access quality medical care, no matter where you live in Australia.

Take control of your health today. Your brain will thank you for it.

FAQ’s

Are migraines with aura dangerous?

Migraines with aura are not usually dangerous on their own. However, they do indicate a slightly higher risk of stroke compared to regular migraines or no migraines at all. The overall risk remains small. Most people with migraine with aura live normal, healthy lives. If you have other risk factors, like high blood pressure or if you smoke, managing those factors becomes more important.

How can I tell if my migraine is turning into a stroke?

A stroke happens suddenly and feels different from a typical migraine. Stroke symptoms include sudden weakness on one side of your body, trouble speaking, or vision loss that doesn’t improve or change. A migraine with aura develops gradually over several minutes and follows a pattern you might recognize. If symptoms feel different or more severe than usual, or if they come on suddenly, call 000 immediately.

What are common triggers of migraines with aura?

Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes (particularly in women during their menstrual cycle), lack of sleep, certain foods (like aged cheese, processed meats, or chocolate), alcohol, bright lights, strong smells, and weather changes. Keeping a migraine diary helps you identify your personal triggers so you can avoid them.

Can I get a prescription or medical certificate online for migraine treatment?

Yes. Through TelehealthDr, you can consult with an Australian-registered GP online. The doctor can review your symptoms, prescribe appropriate migraine medications, and provide a medical certificate if your migraines affect your ability to work or study. The consultation is confidential, and prescriptions can be sent directly to your preferred pharmacy.