Muscle Tension as a Migraine Symptom

You've probably read many articles that say migraines do not cause muscle tension, and that is true, but muscle tension is a symptom of migraine. The migraine itself is not going to directly cause your muscles to be tense. But as a symptom, your muscles in your neck, shoulders, head, even in your back may become tense. I personally notice a difference when a nasty storm rolls in and the barometric pressure changes. I like to call it "cement muscles". I may not even have a headache, but my muscles will become tighter. Do you have to feel the headache to have the symptoms? No. There are many other symptoms that may occur as well, and they are explained in Dr. Buchholz's book. They can range from nausea, change in stools, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbances, and dizziness, to difficulty speaking, loss of eyesight, feeling of heaviness or tingling in the extremities, forgetfulness, and more. If you have questions about a new symptom, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure there is nothing else going on. If nothing can be found, or if the symptom only happens for a few minutes or in relation to the headache, chances are it is migraine related. That should be determined by you and your doctor, however. Best wishes for symptom-free days.