When a migraine strikes, it will create a throbbing head pressure, sensitivity to light, nausea, and all these overwhelming symptoms require immediate attention. Also, we can say that migraines are very common these days, and are disturbing more than 1 billion individuals over the world. One common question that often arises in our minds is whether migraines can result in serious neurological problems, like a brain hemorrhage.
Further, this blog will explain the intricate relationship between migraines and brain hemorrhages, clear common misconceptions, and also highlight when a migraine might signal something more serious.
What is a migraine?
You need to understand that migraine is something apart from common headaches, and whenever you feel like your condition is getting worse, consider reaching out to the best neuro hospital in Coimbatore to get the desired results. This complicated neurological condition causes:
- Intense, pulsating headache, mostly on one side
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Nausea and vomiting
- Aura-related issues
Typically, migraines are the result of unusual brain activity disturbing nerve signals, blood vessels, and brain chemicals. Simply, reasons for migraines can be environmental or genetic factors.
What causes migraine headaches?
Typically, migraines are caused by brain activity disturbing the nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels. The common causes of migraines include stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, insufficient sleep, and sensory stimuli such as bright light or loud sounds. Further, genetics plays a major role, making the individuals not just prone to migraines.
What is a brain hemorrhage?
A brain hemorrhage is one of the types of stroke triggered by bleeding in the brain. This can be triggered by different reasons, like:
- Trauma to the head
- Hypertension
- Aneurysm
- Blood vessel abnormalities
- Bleeding disorder
What are the types of brain hemorrhage?
The three common types include:
- Intracerebral hemorrhage: Starts bleeding within the brain cells.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding occurs between the brain and the thin tissues covering it.
- Subdural or epidural hematoma: Bleeding between the skull and brain layers, due to trauma.
You need to understand that brain hemorrhages are medical emergencies. Only based on their location and severity, they will result in brain damage, coma, or death.
Does migraine result in a brain hemorrhage?
Further, let’s get an answer to this central question. The straight answer is no, migraines do not directly cause brain hemorrhages. However, the relationship between migraines and brain bleeds is not completely black and white. Also, at times, both conditions intersect or are mistaken for each other.
What are the possible connections between migraines and hemorrhage?
- Migraine with aura and stroke risk:
First, you should be aware of the reasons for migraines before exploring the connection between migraines and hemorrhage. Research has highlighted that individuals who experience migraine with aura have a slightly increased risk of ischemic stroke (caused by blocked blood flow to the brain), and at times, hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain).
Also, the risk is quite low; it’s believed that changes in brain blood vessels during a migraine aura may make the brain more vulnerable under certain conditions, notably if other risk factors are present, like:
- Smoking
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Family history of stroke
Simply, migraine is not the sole cause of bleeding in the brain.
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS):
In very rare cases, blood vessels in the brain will abruptly narrow, which may result in severe headaches and a few cases, a brain hemorrhage. While RCVS is not a migraine, its symptoms can mimic one. Also, individuals with a history of migraines may be more sensitive to RCVS, and in some rare cases, it will coexist with or be misdiagnosed as a migraine attack.
- Misdiagnosis of brain hemorrhage as migraine:
Those intense and severe headaches resulting from a brain hemorrhage are referred to as a ‘thunderclap headache’ and can initially be mistaken for a migraine, notably if the individual has a history of migraine. Whereas, these thunderclap headaches will strike an individual abruptly, and will also reach maximum intensity within seconds, and most individuals describe it as the ‘worst headache of one’s life.’
What are the warning signs of serious migraine headaches?
Most of the migraine headaches are benign, simply, the key lies in knowing when a headache could result in something serious. Consider getting immediate medical care when experiencing:
- An abrupt, intense headache that comes on like a ‘bolt of lightning’.
- A headache along with confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness.
- Seizures.
- A new type of headache occurs if you are above the age of 50.
- A headache that follows head trauma
- Numbness or weakness in one side of the individual’s body, and vision-related issues
These are the prompt signs of stroke, brain hemorrhage, or another life-threatening condition, and not a typical migraine.
Are imaging tests necessary for migraine headaches?
Most of the patients with migraines do not require brain imaging. But in very rare cases, migraine specialist in Coimbatore may recommend an MRI or CT scan, like:
- Your headache pattern changes
- Occurrence of neurological symptoms
- Experiencing new headache types, especially after the age of 50
- Family or personal history of stroke
These scans help in ruling out complex issues like tumors, bleeds, or vascular problems. Also, there are a few ways that help in managing migraine and brain health, including:
- Identifying the triggers: Always closely notice what brings you the headache, and the common culprits include stress, certain foods, insufficient sleep, dehydration, and hormonal changes.
- Medical adherence: Strictly follow the prescribed medications, never overuse a painkiller, as they can result in rebound headaches or increase the risk of stroke when misused.
- Control blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension can pose a major risk factor for both stroke and hemorrhage. So, regularly monitor and manage it.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: These habits could affect your blood vessels and increase your risk of both migraines and brain hemorrhages.
- Regular health checks: When you have been experiencing frequent migraines, you should consider reaching out to a neurologist.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, migraines do not directly cause brain hemorrhages. But at times, you may be confused due to the overlapping signs or risk factors. Understanding your body’s warning signs, staying informed, and reaching out to a healthcare provider if anything feels odd is the key to protecting your brain health. Simply, if you are a migraine sufferer, don’t panic. With the appropriate medical support, lifestyle management, and awareness, you can keep your migraines in check and safeguard your brain.
