Is it normal to have migraines after a stroke?

I have had several patients who get migraine headaches after a stroke. The first thing I always try to do is make sure nothing dangerous is causing the headaches - usually this means getting an MRI of the brain and an MR angiogram of the vessels of the head and neck. This rules out any ongoing swelling, bleeding, or disease of the arteries that can cause headaches.

Once it appears the headaches are benign, I usually treat with headache preventative medications. The one I use the most is called topiramate. Others include verapamil, propranolol, gabapentin, and amitripytline. These are often very effective in reducing the number and severity of the headaches.

Please schedule an appointment with your local Neurologist to discuss the above, and good luck!!