The Common Side Effects of Untreated Migraines

Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are a neurological condition that can disrupt your life in profound ways.

If you've ever experienced the debilitating pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound that come with a migraine, you know how challenging it can be to get through the day. But what happens when migraines go untreated?

Ignoring or inadequately managing this condition can lead to a number of side effects that affect not only your physical health but also your mental well-being and overall quality of life.

Migraine Recap: The Symptoms

A migraine is a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. It is a neurological condition that often comes with a variety of other symptoms and can significantly impact daily life. Migraines can last for hours to days, and the pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.

Symptoms of Migraines

Migraines typically go through several stages, and symptoms can vary depending on the stage and the individual. Here are the most common symptoms associated with migraines:

Prodrome (Pre-headache Phase)

• Mood Changes: Irritability, depression, or euphoria.
• Food Cravings: Unusual cravings for specific foods.
• Neck Stiffness: Tightness or discomfort in the neck.
• Frequent Yawning: Excessive yawning, often without feeling sleepy.
• Increased Thirst and Urination: Needing to drink more fluids and urinate more frequently.
• Constipation or Diarrhea: Changes in bowel movements.

• Visual Disturbances: Seeing flashes of light, zigzag patterns, or blind spots (scintillating scotoma).
• Sensory Changes: Tingling or numbness, often starting in one arm and spreading to the face.
• Speech or Language Problems: Difficulty speaking or finding the right words.
• Motor Symptoms: Weakness or difficulty moving limbs, in rare cases.

• Throbbing or Pulsating Pain: Typically on one side of the head, but can occur on both sides.
• Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Difficulty tolerating bright lights.
• Sensitivity to Sound (Phonophobia): Difficulty tolerating loud noises.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach and possibly vomiting.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary loss of clarity in vision.
• Dizziness or Vertigo: Feeling unsteady or like the room is spinning.

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and drained.
• Confusion: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
• Mood Changes: Feelings of elation or depression.
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Continuing to experience sensitivity even after the headache subsides.
• Muscle Weakness: Generalized weakness or soreness, particularly in areas that were tense during the headache.

Short-Term Side Effects of Untreated Migraines

Untreated migraines can lead to various short-term side effects that can significantly impact your daily life. Here are some common short-term side effects:

• Increased Pain and Discomfort. Without treatment, the throbbing pain associated with migraines can become more severe, debilitating, and last longer, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
• Nausea and Vomiting. Migraines commonly cause nausea and vomiting. When left untreated, these symptoms can become more frequent and severe, leading to dehydration and additional discomfort.
• Sensitivity to Light and Sound. Increased sensitivity to light and sound can make it challenging to be in noisy or bright environments, affecting work and leisure activities.
• Cognitive Impairments. Untreated migraines can cause "brain fog," making it hard to focus on tasks, remember information, or think clearly. Your short-term memory can also be affected.
• Mood Changes. The persistent pain and discomfort from untreated migraines can lead to increased irritability, anxiety, and even depression.
• Physical Exhaustion. The constant pain and stress of an untreated migraine can drain your energy levels, leading to extreme fatigue and a lack of motivation.
• Gastrointestinal Distress. Nausea and vomiting can cause stomach discomfort and lead to a reduced appetite, further weakening the body.
• Insomnia. The pain and discomfort of a migraine can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia.

Long-Term Side Effects of Untreated Migraines

When left untreated for longer periods of time, the side effects of migraines become more serious.

• Chronic Migraine Development. Frequent untreated migraines can evolve into chronic migraines, defined as experiencing headaches on 15 or more days per month, with at least eight days involving migraine features.
• Rebound Headaches. Overusing over-the-counter pain relief medications to manage untreated migraines can lead to medication overuse headaches, creating a cycle of dependency and worsening headache frequency.
• Anxiety and Depression. The constant battle with migraines can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The stress of dealing with chronic pain and its impact on daily life can exacerbate these conditions.
• Memory Problems. Chronic migraines can affect cognitive functions, leading to memory issues and difficulties with concentration and attention. Your ability to make decisions and problem solve will also be affected.
• Reduced Work Performance. Frequent migraines can lead to absenteeism and decreased productivity at work, potentially affecting career advancement and your finances.
• Increased Risk of Stroke. Studies have shown that people with migraines, especially those with aura, may have an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
• Cardiovascular Problems. There is a potential link between migraines and an increased risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Seizures: Although rare, there is a higher incidence of seizures in people with chronic migraines, particularly those with migraine with aura.
• Musculoskeletal Problems. Persistent migraines can lead to tension and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back, resulting in musculoskeletal issues over time.

The Importance of Seeking Treatment

Migraines are tough enough to deal with without treatment. However, ignoring your pain and thinking you can simply deal with it could lead to a number of other side effects that can completely transform your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing migraines on a regular basis, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.