Navigating Transient Aphasia During a Migraine Episode

Have you ever had a migraine that begins with strange visual effects—flashing lights, shimmering lines, or unusual patterns—followed by trouble speaking or finding the right words? For some people, migraines with aura bring a surprising and unsettling symptom called transient aphasia.

At San Jose Chiropractic in Jacksonville, Dr. Thuraia Owais helps patients who experience both the physical and cognitive effects of migraines, including speech and language difficulties. Understanding this condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.

What Is Transient Aphasia?

Transient aphasia is a temporary loss or reduction in the ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. During a migraine with aura, it can develop gradually or suddenly, and the severity may vary from one episode to the next.

Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty expressing words clearly

• Trouble understanding spoken language

• Problems reading or writing

• Confusion when solving even simple math problems

Why It Happens During a Migraine

One leading theory points to spreading cortical depression—a slow-moving wave of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This wave is the same process believed to cause visual aura symptoms, and when it spreads to the areas responsible for speech and language (Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas), it can cause temporary communication problems.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Transient aphasia can occur in anyone who experiences migraines with aura, but it’s more common in:

• People who already experience visual aura symptoms

• Women, who are generally more affected by migraines

• Individuals experiencing hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause

When to Seek Medical Attention

In most cases, transient aphasia during a migraine resolves on its own. However, if speech and language difficulties last longer than an hour or occur with other symptoms like weakness or facial drooping, seek immediate medical care. These could be signs of serious conditions such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

How Upper Cervical Care Can Help Migraine Sufferers

Once serious conditions are ruled out, a migraines chiropractor in Jacksonville may be able to help address the root cause of recurring episodes.

Misalignments in the upper cervical spine—particularly in the atlas (C1) vertebra—can disrupt nerve communication, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid movement. This imbalance can make the nervous system more vulnerable to migraine triggers, including those that cause transient aphasia.

Dr. O uses gentle, precise Upper Cervical adjustments to restore alignment, reduce nervous system stress, and help the body function at its best. Many patients find that correcting these misalignments leads to fewer migraine days and less severe symptoms.

Take the First Step Toward Relief in Jacksonville and Mandarin

If migraines with aura and transient aphasia are disrupting your life, there is a natural and gentle way forward. Upper Cervical Care at San Jose Chiropractic focuses on restoring proper spinal alignment so your body can heal and function more effectively.

Call 904-683-4476 or request an appointment online to see how Dr. O can help you take back control from migraines.