Migraine attacks are often recognized by their intense head pain, yet they can also bring about noticeable physical changes on a person’s face. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as “migraine face.” While the primary migraine symptom is often a throbbing sensation, facial changes can indicate an ongoing attack. These can be subtle or pronounced.
Understanding Migraine Face Symptoms
During a migraine, individuals may experience a range of facial symptoms. One common presentation is pallor, where the face appears unusually pale due to reduced blood flow. Conversely, some may experience localized redness or flushing, particularly on one side of the face. Unilateral sweating, affecting only one side of the face, is another symptom.
Changes in eye appearance are frequently reported. Eyelid drooping, known as ptosis, can occur, making one eye appear smaller or partially closed. Pupils might also show changes, either dilating (widening) or constricting (narrowing). Watery eyes or eye redness may also occur.
Facial swelling can develop, and expressions like grimacing or furrowing the brow are common.
The Science Behind Facial Manifestations
Facial changes during migraine are rooted in the nervous system. The trigeminal nerve, a major cranial nerve, plays a central role in transmitting sensory information from the face and head to the brain. During a migraine attack, triggers can activate pain-sensitive nerve endings, which then send signals through the trigeminal nerve. This activation can lead to the release of substances like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), contributing to the pain.
The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like blood flow and sweating, also becomes involved. This system has two branches: the sympathetic, responsible for “fight or flight” responses, and the parasympathetic, which handles “rest and digest” functions. During a migraine, an imbalance or overactivity in these branches, particularly the parasympathetic system, can lead to symptoms like tearing, nasal congestion, and changes in pupil size. This autonomic activation can alter blood vessel constriction or dilation in the face, affecting skin color and temperature, and influencing sweat gland activity.
Strategies for Relief
To manage facial symptoms associated with migraines, several approaches can be used. Applying a cool compress or an ice pack to the forehead, scalp, or neck can help alleviate pain and discomfort by potentially reducing blood flow. Some individuals find relief with a warm compress, depending on their symptoms. Resting in a dark, quiet room is beneficial, as sensitivity to light and sound can exacerbate migraine symptoms.
Gentle facial massage, particularly around the temples and jaw, can help release tension that builds up during a migraine. This can include techniques to relax the eye area and jaw muscles. Staying hydrated by drinking water is also advised, as dehydration can be a migraine trigger. While these strategies focus on symptomatic relief, managing the migraine attack itself with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers remains important for symptom resolution. Regular sleep, stress management, and identifying personal triggers can also reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.