Migraine expert says 1 sign means dial 999 'immediately' - 'it could be a stroke'

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Millions of people are living with migraine but the condition can have some symptoms similar to those of a stroke - Dr Nada Hindiyeh shares one key thing to look for

A doctor has shared a key sign for people with migraine to help them spot if their headache is actually a stroke. Migraine is a long-term neurological condition that typically involves throbbing head pain of moderate-to-severe intensity with attacks usually lasting between four and 72 hours, which can be highly disabling.

In addition to head pain, migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sensitivity to light, sound and smells. Approximately 10 million people live with migraine in the UK - that is one in seven people. The Migraine Trust, estimates that over one million live with chronic migraine, meaning they experience symptoms for at least 15 days a month.

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness and nausea but up to one in three people with the condition can suffer a "migraine aura" - a set of temporary symptoms, usually visual disturbances such as flashing lights, shimmering spots or zigzag lines, that happen before or during an attack.

However some of the symptoms can be found in other conditions - and one in particular could be a stroke, an expert has warned. Neurologist and headache specialist Dr Nada Hindiyeh, Chief Medical Officer of Haven Headache & Migraine Center, has now shared how to spot the difference between the two conditions - and one sign that means you should seek emergency help immediately.

Vision changes, tingling or numbness, and trouble speaking can occur during migraine aura, while true weakness can occur in the less common hemiplegic migraine subtype. These symptoms can also signal a stroke. According to Dr Hindiyeh, one of the most important differences is how quickly those symptoms develop.

She says: "Migraine aura usually builds gradually over at least 5 minutes, with each individual symptom typically lasting 5 to 60 minutes." Symptoms may occur in succession and spread from one area to another — for example, you might first notice a small blind spot, followed by tingling in your hand and then difficulty finding words.

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