Can Migraines Cause Other Health Problems?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting approximately 1 in 7 people globally, migraine is a complex neurological disorder that can impact much more than a person's head. For many, the condition is not an isolated event but is linked to a variety of other health issues. This raises the important question: Can migraines cause other health problems?

Quick Summary

Migraines are strongly linked to various comorbidities, including a significantly higher risk for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Evidence also connects them to cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and other neurological conditions, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Key Points

Migraines are comorbidities: Migraines are frequently linked with other health conditions, a phenomenon known as comorbidity, due to shared biological or genetic factors.
Mental health is a major concern: There is a strong, bidirectional link between migraines and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Cardiovascular risks are elevated with aura: Individuals with migraine with aura face a slightly higher risk of stroke, heart disease, and heart abnormalities like PFO.
GI issues are commonly associated: Many people with migraine also experience gastrointestinal problems, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Other neurological links exist: Migraines show associations with other neurological disorders, including epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and restless legs syndrome.
Brain lesions are usually not significant: While migraines can be linked to small brain lesions seen on MRIs, they are typically not clinically significant and don't affect long-term brain function.
Holistic treatment is essential: Managing migraines effectively requires addressing all coexisting conditions, not just the headache pain, to improve overall health outcomes.

Understanding Migraine and Comorbidities

Migraine is often misunderstood as merely a severe headache. However, it is a complex neurological disease that can have widespread effects throughout the body. The term 'comorbidity' describes when two or more medical conditions occur at a rate higher than can be explained by chance, a phenomenon extensively documented in relation to migraine. These comorbid conditions don't always mean that the migraine directly 'caused' them, but rather that shared biological pathways, genetic factors, or systemic inflammation may link them together.

The Strong Link to Mental Health

Migraine has a significant association with mental health disorders. The constant worry of a potential migraine attack can cause psychological stress, and there's also a deeper physiological connection.

Anxiety and Depression: Migraine is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, with this relationship often being bidirectional.

Cardiovascular Risks to Consider

Certain cardiovascular risks are elevated, especially for some people with migraine.

Stroke: There is a slightly increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly for younger women experiencing migraine with aura. This risk is increased by factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and using oral contraceptives. Recognizing the difference between migraine with aura symptoms and stroke symptoms is crucial, and any new, concerning symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Heart Disease: Links exist between migraine and conditions such as heart attacks and atrial fibrillation. This risk appears higher for those with migraine with aura.
Heart Abnormalities: A Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), a small heart hole, is more common in individuals with migraine, especially with aura. Research is ongoing to understand this connection.

Migraine's Connection to Gastrointestinal Issues

Problems with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are frequently seen alongside migraine.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Studies consistently show a high co-occurrence of IBS and migraine. Shared pathways or imbalances in chemicals like serotonin might be involved.
Gastroparesis: This condition of delayed stomach emptying is also associated with migraine and can impact how oral migraine medications are absorbed.

Overlapping Neurological Conditions

Migraine has associations with other conditions affecting the nervous system.

Epilepsy: People with either migraine or epilepsy are at least twice as likely to have the other condition.

Do Migraines Cause Brain Lesions?

Some studies indicate that migraine is associated with a higher likelihood of certain brain lesions, specifically white matter hyperintensities visible on MRI scans.

The Findings: These lesions are more common in people with frequent migraines, particularly those with aura.
Clinical Significance: Generally, these lesions are not considered clinically significant and do not appear to impact long-term brain function or cognition.
Preventive Measures: Managing migraine frequency and triggers may help reduce the chance of developing these lesions.

Taking a Holistic Approach to Treatment

Addressing comorbidities is vital for effective migraine treatment. Treatment should not solely focus on head pain but also manage coexisting conditions.

Accurate Diagnosis: Identifying all coexisting conditions is key. Treating both migraine and conditions like depression can be more effective than treating one alone.
Integrated Care: Migraine treatment plans may need adjustment based on other health issues. Some treatments might benefit multiple conditions, while others may not be suitable. Therapies like physical therapy and biofeedback, along with lifestyle changes, can be helpful.
Lifestyle Management: Managing triggers is essential for migraine. A comprehensive lifestyle approach can benefit overall health.

Comparison of Migraine with Aura and Stroke Symptoms


Symptom	Migraine with Aura	Stroke	What to Do
Onset	Gradually builds over minutes (5–60)	Sudden and abrupt onset	Call 911 if onset is sudden
Sensation	Flashing lights, zigzags, blind spots, tingling face/limbs	Sudden numbness or weakness, often on one side of the face or body	Call 911 if new numbness/weakness occurs
Speech	Trouble speaking clearly or word-finding difficulties	Sudden slurred speech or difficulty understanding others	Call 911 for sudden speech changes
Headache	Often throbbing, can be on one side, follows aura	Can occur suddenly and be the "worst headache of your life"	Call 911 for the worst headache of your life
Balance	Vertigo or dizziness can occur	Sudden loss of balance or coordination	Call 911 for sudden balance issues

It is vital to understand the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if there is any doubt.

Conclusion: The Broader Picture of Migraine Health

The question of whether can migraines cause other health problems highlights the complex connections between this neurological condition and various related health issues. While a direct cause-and-effect isn't always proven, the strong evidence for comorbidity is clear. These associations with mental health, cardiovascular risks, gastrointestinal issues, and other neurological conditions underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. By addressing all coexisting conditions, individuals can achieve better migraine management and improve their overall health. For more information, refer to {Link: Johns Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/migraine-headaches}.

Frequently Asked Questions

While migraines themselves are a complex neurological condition, they are not typically a symptom of a more serious disease. However, the symptoms of some serious conditions, like a stroke or brain aneurysm, can mimic a migraine. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Yes, studies indicate a small, increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly for younger women who experience migraine with aura. This risk is higher if other factors like smoking or using oral contraceptives are present. It is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your healthcare provider.

Yes, there is a strong and often bidirectional link between migraines and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The chronic pain and disruption of life caused by frequent migraines can contribute to these conditions, and conversely, the mood disorders can also influence migraine frequency and severity.

Research shows that people with migraines are significantly more likely to also have IBS. The exact link is unclear but may involve shared underlying mechanisms, such as problems with the brain chemical serotonin which affects both the brain and the gut.

Studies suggest that people who get migraines, especially with aura, have a slightly higher chance of heart disease and heart attacks. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help mitigate this risk.

Brain lesions are areas of damage that can be detected on an MRI scan. While some studies show that individuals with migraines may have a higher prevalence of certain types of brain lesions, these are generally not considered clinically significant and do not appear to cause long-term harm or cognitive decline.

Yes, a holistic and consistent treatment approach can help manage migraines and their comorbidities. Treating associated conditions like anxiety or sleep disorders can often lead to an improvement in migraine symptoms, and vice-versa. Addressing triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key.