5 Common and Not So Common Symptoms of a Migraine

Though head pain is the flagship symptom of migraines, a surprising number of other, less common symptoms can also occur. This post looks at several migraine symptoms and how you might find relief from your Colorado Springs dentist. Many of these symptoms may occur whether you’re suffering from chronic migraines or just the occasional one.

Though they are not the only symptom of a migraine, headaches are the most well known. Migraines can cause chronic headaches that last for quite some time. Often, migraine sufferers feel an intense, throbbing pain on one side of their head.

No part of a migraine is particularly pleasant, but nausea and vomiting are two of the more unsavory symptoms of migraines. These can be particularly aggravating when combined with chronic head pain.

In rare cases, migraines take the form of ophthalmic migraines, according to HealthLine.com. This type of migraine is marked by visual disturbances. Another migraine variant, ophthalmoplegic migraines, can also affect a person’s sight. Migraine treatment in this case may involve the doctor checking for an aneurysm. 

Certain stroke-like effects also fall on the uncommon end of migraine symptoms. Per HealthLine, a pair of rare migraine types, familial hemiplegic and sporadic hemiplegic migraines, can cause paralysis, speech disturbances, and other stroke-like symptoms.

In rare cases, a migraine may be accompanied by a fever. The presence of a fever means you should see a doctor.

Different migraine solutions work for different patients, but if you are suffering from migraines, there may be a surprising source of help: your dentist. Dental problems can contribute to migraines. This is particularly true when it comes to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). For instance, WebMd.com points out that issues with the temporomandibular joints can lead to migraines. Essentially, pain begins there and then spreads, leading to a migraine. Other dental issues, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching, can lead to damage, and therefore head pain as well.

It is important to check in with your primary care provider if you are experiencing migraine symptoms. However, it is also wise to visit a dentist to see if a TMD or other dental problem is the cause. A dentist may recommend treatments such as fillings or advise an orthodontic route to realign the teeth. Another common treatment is the use of a night guard. Regardless of the treatment, the end goal will be to get your jaw, and the rest of your head back to feeling normal and functioning well.