A migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headache pain that can significantly interfere with daily activities. A fever, conversely, represents a temporary elevation in the body’s core temperature, signaling the immune system’s response to an underlying illness or inflammation.
Typical Migraine Symptoms
Migraine attacks involve specific symptoms beyond headache. The pain is frequently unilateral and often intensifies with physical activity. Individuals commonly experience pronounced sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and sometimes smell (osmophobia). Nausea is reported in almost 90% of people, with about one-third experiencing vomiting. Fever is not a typical symptom of a migraine attack.
Some individuals may also experience an “aura,” which are reversible neurological symptoms like visual disturbances (e.g., flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots) or sensory changes (e.g., tingling or numbness) that typically precede or accompany the headache.
Understanding Fever
Fever is a physiological response orchestrated by the hypothalamus in the brain, which acts as the body’s thermostat. When the immune system detects an infection or inflammatory process, the hypothalamus raises the body’s temperature set point, triggering mechanisms to produce and conserve heat. A temperature measured orally at 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever in adults. Common causes include viral infections (such as the flu or common cold), bacterial infections (like sinusitis or urinary tract infections), inflammatory conditions, certain medications, and some vaccinations.
When Migraine and Fever Occur Together
While migraines do not directly cause a fever, experiencing both symptoms simultaneously often points to an underlying medical condition. The fever indicates an illness, and the headache might be a symptom of that illness, or the illness could trigger a migraine attack. Common scenarios include viral infections, such as influenza or COVID-19, where headaches and fever are frequently reported symptoms. Bacterial infections, like acute sinusitis, can also lead to both headaches and fever. In rarer, more severe instances, conditions such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue) can present with a severe headache and fever.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if a headache occurs alongside a fever, especially if other concerning symptoms are present. Warning signs that warrant immediate medical evaluation include a sudden, unusually severe headache, a stiff neck, confusion, or a new skin rash. Persistent vomiting, neurological changes such as weakness on one side of the body, or an altered level of consciousness also necessitate prompt medical consultation. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and appropriate management.