Can migraines cause numbness and what should I do if this happens?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, migraines can cause numbness, typically appearing just before the headache begins as part of a neurological warning phase called an aura. Numbness often affects one side of the face, arm, or hand.

Hemiplegic migraine is a specific, rarer type of migraine that causes both numbness and temporary weakness on one side of the body, sometimes mimicking stroke symptoms. Other migraine-related causes of numbness include sensory aura and migraine with brainstem aura.

Because numbness can also signal more serious conditions like stroke, TIA, or multiple sclerosis, it's essential to identify what's actually driving your symptoms. A free, instant, AI-powered symptom check can help you evaluate your specific combination of symptoms, understand possible causes, and determine how urgently you should see a doctor—all in about 3 minutes, with no signup required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Migraines can sometimes cause numbness in some people. Hemiplegic migraine is an uncommon type of migraine that can cause temporary weakness as well as numbness on one side of the body, often immediately before the headache symptoms start. This can be scary, but hemiplegic migraine symptoms are temporary and improve on their own (unlike symptoms of a stroke).

If you experience numbness with a migraine, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and understand whether your symptoms may be migraine-related or indicate another health condition. The appropriate treatment plan will depend on what the healthcare provider identifies as the cause of your symptoms. Getting medical advice is always a good step to ensure your health and well-being.

(References)

Kumar A, Samanta D, Emmady PD, & Arora R. (2025). Hemiplegic Migraine. Unknown Journal, 30020674.
Guiloff RJ, & Fruns M. (1988). Limb pain in migraine and cluster headache. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, 3216204.
Ilik F, & Ilik K. (2014). Alice in Wonderland syndrome as aura of migraine. Neurocase, 23957288.

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