Migraines can cause temporary difficulty with language, often described as “forgetting words.” This phenomenon is a recognized part of the migraine experience and stems from complex neurological changes within the brain.
What is Word-Finding Difficulty?
When someone experiences “forgetting words” during a migraine, it is medically referred to as transient aphasia or dysphasia. This condition involves a temporary impairment in the ability to process language, affecting both spoken and written communication. Individuals might struggle to retrieve the correct words, speak in incomplete sentences, or have trouble understanding what others are saying or reading. This is a temporary disruption in the brain’s language processing centers.
Cognitive Changes During Migraine Phases
Word-finding difficulties often manifest within specific phases of a migraine attack. A migraine typically progresses through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome. The prodrome phase, occurring hours or even days before the headache, can include symptoms like difficulty concentrating or remembering words.
The aura phase is most commonly associated with language disturbances. During aura, individuals might experience speech or language problems, along with visual or sensory disturbances. Even after the headache subsides, in the postdrome phase, some individuals may continue to experience cognitive issues such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, or trouble speaking, often described as a “migraine hangover.”
The Brain’s Role in Migraine-Related Word Issues
The temporary language difficulties experienced during migraines are rooted in specific neurological processes. One significant mechanism is cortical spreading depression (CSD), a slow-moving wave of intense electrical activity followed by a period of reduced activity across the brain’s surface. CSD is believed to be the underlying cause of migraine aura symptoms, including language disturbances, depending on the brain region affected. This wave temporarily disrupts normal neuronal function and ionic balance.
Changes in blood flow to the brain also contribute to these cognitive impairments. During a migraine, there can be fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, with some areas experiencing decreased blood flow. This altered blood supply can affect the function of language centers in the brain, leading to temporary difficulty in word retrieval and comprehension.
Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers, play a role. Serotonin and dopamine, for instance, are implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Fluctuations in their levels can affect brain activity and contribute to word-finding challenges.
When to Consult a Doctor
While word-finding difficulties can be a symptom of migraines, certain “red flags” warrant immediate medical attention. If language difficulties appear suddenly, especially if accompanied by symptoms like sudden numbness, trouble seeing, or a severe headache, it could indicate a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is temporarily blocked, and it can be a warning sign of a future stroke.
New, worsening, or persistent cognitive changes, particularly if there is no prior history of migraines or if the symptoms differ significantly from typical migraine experiences, should prompt a medical evaluation. Other conditions like brain tumors, infections, or degenerative brain diseases can also cause language difficulties. A healthcare provider can assess the symptoms, conduct necessary tests like MRI or CT scans, and provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.