Can You Die From a Migraine?

Can Migraines Be Life-Threatening?

May 15, 2024 by Amy H 0 comments

Reading Time: 4 mins

Reading Time: 4 minutes

It only takes seconds for head pain to derail your day. You might find it difficult to concentrate, and it could also prevent you from completing basic tasks.

You might be surprised to learn that over 4% of adults are bothered by intense headaches or migraines. Migraines are often perceived as bad headaches, but they can be indicators of serious conditions. This leads many to ask “Can you die from a migraine?”

The answer isn’t as black and white as you might anticipate, and we’ve written a brief guide will the key details you need to know. Let’s explore what to keep in mind.

Migraine Symptoms and Their Impact

A migraine is more than a headache. It’s a complex neurological condition with symptoms that can include severe throbbing pain.

This usually occurs on one side of the head. Those with migraines can also experience nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. For some, migraines are accompanied by visual disturbances known as “auras.”

These further add to the discomfort. Migraine symptoms can last from a few hours to several days.

Even minor incidents can be inconvenient and lead to substantial distress. Long-term migraine symptoms can also be damaging to one’s mental health. To clarify, imagine experiencing a migraine multiple times per week.

This could lead to anxiety about when the next migraine will occur. Being unable to enjoy your life and handle your obligations can also cause depression.

Are Migraines Dangerous?

Migraines themselves aren’t overly dangerous, but they can lead to dangerous complications. They might also be caused by medical issues.

One of the most notable is a migrainous infarction, where a migraine with aura is associated with a stroke. A status migrainosus is a severe migraine lasting more than 72 hours.

While these are rare, they’re serious issues that need immediate medical attention. Left unchecked, they can cause major health issues. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you can better maintain your health.

Types of Migraines

Understanding the types of migraines can help in managing them effectively. Migraines are mainly categorized into two types: migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

A less common type is a hemiplegic migraine, which involves temporary paralysis or neurological deficits. A retinal migraine may cause temporary blindness in one eye.

Each type has specific symptoms and treatment strategies, highlighting the need for a tailored approach to care. Recognizing the type of migraine you experience can be difficult as it’s occurring. Intense pain or the inability to focus can make identifying it impossible until the symptoms subside.

How Long Does a Migraine Last?

The duration of a migraine can vary. Most migraines last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The frequency and duration can vary widely from one person to another.

Some people may experience migraines several times a month. Others might have them less frequently. Extensive migraines can be highly detrimental to one’s quality of life, as they’ll prevent you from handling your everyday responsibilities.

Migraine Treatment

Managing migraines often requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication. Sometimes, alternative treatments can be used.

Over-the-counter pain relief medications will help manage symptoms in many cases, but they aren’t always strong enough. Others may require prescription medications that prevent migraines or mitigate their severity.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep schedules, will go a long way. The same is true for staying hydrated, avoiding known migraine triggers, and managing stress.

The latter is especially important, as migraines are often triggered by stressful situations. It’s worth noting that unchecked stress can lead to many other health issues, such as high blood pressure.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Migraine-related issues can quickly become worse, and it’s imperative to know when to seek medical attention. This will help prevent them from evolving into something worse. Listed below are some of the most notable circumstances.

Sudden, Severe Onset

If a migraine occurs abruptly and severely, it could indicate a more serious condition. For instance, this scenario could be an indicator of an aneurysm or hemorrhage.

Migraines that aren’t as intense aren’t as much of a concern. The same holds true for migraines that occur gradually.

Changes in Pattern

Changes in the frequency, severity, or characteristics of your migraines are a red flag. It’s essential to document the key details of your migraine experiences. This will help you have an easier time discerning when something’s changed.

Neurological Symptoms

While some migraines come with visual or sensory symptoms known as auras, you should be cautious if you experience other neurological issues. These can include confusion, seizures, double vision, or weakness in parts of your body.

Neurological issues often need immediate medical treatment. They’re also unlikely to go away on their own.

Persistent Pain

A migraine that lasts more than 72 hours can sometimes be a medical emergency. This condition can lead to dehydration and more severe complications if not treated. More issues can arise if the migraine progressively gets worse as time passes.

When in doubt, seek medical attention if you’ve suffered from a migraine for 24 hours straight. More often than not, this will help prevent problems from evolving into something worse.

Accompanying Risk Factors

If your migraine is accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, or rash, it could be a sign of meningitis. This is especially true if you haven’t experienced these symptoms with migraines before. This is one of the most serious complications that can occur alongside migraines.