


Now that you know to seek emergency care if you or a loved one experience a headache after stroke, let’s discuss other potential causes. Studies show that individuals who experienced a headache during the onset of their stroke are likely to experience a persistent headache roughly 1-6 months after the initial injury.īecause it’s impossible to tell if a headache is a sign of another stroke or a symptom of the aftermath, it’s important to exercise caution and seek emergency medical attention. While headaches can occur during the onset of a stroke, they can also occur months down the road. Therefore, if your headache is severe and accompanied by an aura, it’s even more important to seek emergency medical attention. Those who experience migraines with auras have been shown to have a 2.4 times higher risk of stroke as compared to those with migraines without auras. These migraines occur with a visual aura, such as flashing lights or blind spots. A specific type of migraine is related to an increased risk of stroke: ocular migraines. Migraines, which are a severe type of headache, are more likely to be associated with stroke than more mild headaches. When a stroke occurs in the vertebrobasilar system, which is responsible for supplying blood to the back of the brain, it can cause a headache at the back of the head. The location of the headache is sometimes influenced by the area of the brain affected.įor example, when a stroke involves the carotid artery, which is the major artery in the neck that delivers blood to the brain, it can produce a headache in the forehead. Studies show that roughly 18% of patients experience a headache during the onset of their stroke. Therefore, when blood vessel changes occur during a stroke, a headache may be triggered. This may occur due to changes in blood vessel size and muscle tension, among other factors. Headaches occur when pain-sensing nerves in the head, face and/or neck are activated. However, there are many signs of stroke that are not as common or well-known, including headache, vertigo, confusion, and sudden vision problems. The most common signs of a stroke include weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping on one side of the face, and slurred speech. When this occurs, swift medical treatment is needed to stop the stroke, restore blood flow in the brain, and save the person’s life. As brain tissues are deprived of oxygen, cells begin to sustain damage. In order to fully understand the connection between headache and stroke, let’s first explore what happens during a stroke.Ī stroke occurs when the supply of blood in the brain is compromised, depriving areas of oxygen-rich blood.

While headaches may occur in conjunction with a stroke, this is not always the case. What is the link between headache and stroke?.Use the links below to jump directly to any section. This article will discuss potential underlying causes of headaches after stroke, effective management techniques, and when to seek immediate medical attention. Although not all cases are severe, it’s important to learn about headaches after stroke to know what to do if/when one occurs. In severe cases, a headache could be a sign of a stroke, making it necessary to seek emergency medical attention. What do headaches after stroke mean and what should you do? Experiencing a headache after stroke can be concerning to both survivors and caregivers alike.
