Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Migraine complications: medication-overuse headache, chronic migraine, status migrainosus, stroke risk with aura.
Most people with migraine live normally between attacks. But frequent or severe migraine can lead to problems.
Medication-overuse headache
Taking painkillers on more than 2 to 3 days a week can lead to daily headaches. Stopping the overused medicine under a doctor's guidance helps.
Chronic migraine
Episodic migraine can become chronic, with headache on 15 or more days a month. Risk factors include overuse of medicines, obesity, poor sleep and depression.
Status migrainosus
An attack lasting more than 72 hours, which may need hospital treatment.
Persistent aura and migrainous infarction
Rarely, aura lasts more than an hour, or a migraine with aura is linked to stroke. Seek emergency help.
Increased risk of other conditions
Daily life effects
Pregnancy
Many women have fewer attacks in pregnancy, but some medicines are unsafe. Plan with a doctor.
Reducing the risk
Treat attacks early, limit painkillers, keep regular habits, avoid smoking, and review prevention with your doctor.
Emergency (112 or 102)
Sudden worst headache, one-sided weakness, speech loss, confusion or fits.
Remember
Most complications can be reduced with early, correct treatment and steady habits.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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