We're now accepting early applications. Our official launch is on 1 January 2027, but you can apply now and may receive funding sooner than planned. If you need help paying for all or part of your treatment, equipment or support, please apply.

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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Migraine types we support

Migraine guide

Migraine, aura and stroke

Migraine with aura is linked to a small increase in the risk of stroke. For most people the extra risk is very small, but it helps to know how to tell aura from a stroke, and how to lower your risk.

Extra risk for most people
Very small
Higher risk with
Smoking and oestrogen pills
Aura lasting over 1 hour
Needs checking
If unsure
Call 999

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

Related guides: Migraine with aura, Hemiplegic migraine, Aura without headache.

The link with stroke

People who have migraine with aura have a slightly higher chance of a stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel. The risk is higher for women under 45 who have aura, people who smoke, women taking contraception containing oestrogen, and people whose aura starts after the age of 50. Migraine without aura does not seem to carry the same risk.

Migrainous infarction

Very rarely, a stroke happens during a migraine aura. This is called migrainous infarction. It's diagnosed when an aura that is otherwise typical lasts more than an hour and a scan shows a stroke with no other cause. Some people have aura symptoms that carry on for a long time without a stroke; this is also rare and needs specialist assessment.

Aura or stroke?

More like migraine aura

  • Builds up gradually over minutes
  • Symptoms you notice, such as flashing lights or tingling
  • Symptoms move or spread
  • Usually passes within an hour

More like a stroke or TIA

  • Starts suddenly
  • Loss of something, such as sight, feeling or movement
  • Facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech
  • Different from your usual attacks

These are only guides. Hemiplegic migraine and brainstem aura can look just like a stroke. If you're not sure, call 999.

Lowering your risk

  • Don't smoke
  • Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly
  • Keep active and a healthy weight
  • If you get aura, avoid contraception that contains oestrogen and talk to your GP about alternatives

When to get urgent help

Remember FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999.

Call 999 if you have

  • a drooping face, arm weakness or slurred speech
  • sudden loss of sight or feeling
  • aura symptoms that are new or different
  • a sudden, extremely bad headache

Call NHS 111 if

  • your aura lasts more than an hour

See your GP if

  • you have aura and want to review your contraception
  • your aura has changed or started after 50

Work and your workspace

Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments that often help

  • Flexible hours and working from home on bad days
  • Regular short screen breaks
  • A quiet, dark place to rest and take medicine
  • Time off for appointments
  • Flexibility over migraine-related absence

A migraine-friendly workspace

  • A chair with good lumbar and neck support
  • A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
  • Screen raised so the top is at eye level
  • A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
  • Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight

Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A private specialist appointment to review aura that has changed
  • Travel to specialist appointments
  • Support to agree a safe working plan

Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

The Migraine Trust

Information and support service

Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.

migrainetrust.org

National Migraine Centre

Charity headache clinic

Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.

nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.