'Red flag' symptom that could be a sign of stroke or meningitis

Health experts say to watch out for a "red flag" symptom that could indicate a worse condition. For many people, having a migraine is a common occurrence, but something they can actually be a sign of a bigger issue.

Experts at said migraine symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke or , which makes it very important to keep an eye on what you're experiencing. A migraine is a type of headache disorder often accompanied by problems with vision and nausea.

The World Health Organization ranks as the sixth most disabling health condition worldwide. Triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, alcohol and certain foods.

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Symptoms of migraines

Migraine symptoms vary, but often include a "usually intense and throbbing" headache that is focused on one side of the head. In some cases the pain affects both sides and can spread to the face and neck, and moving around often makes it worse.

Aura, or neurological symptoms, are also symptoms of a migraine. says around a third of migraine sufferers experience warning signs just before an attack, including visual disturbances, such as zigzag lines, flashes of light or blind spots.

Some people also have speech problems, or tingling, numbness or weakness in the limbs or face. Severe migraines can also cause you to feel sick or vomit.

Other symptoms sometimes include sensitivity to light and sound, as well as a lack of energy, frequent yawning, low mood and food cravings for up to two days before a migraine starts. It’s also common to feel tiredness and brain fog for a couple of days following an attack.

Treatment for migraines

Taking over-the-counter painkillers or lying down in a darkened room ease symptoms for many people. Dr Gerry Saldanha, consultant neurologist at Benenden Hospital, said: "If you are taking lots of painkillers and experiencing many days when you can’t function, contact your doctor."

While a migraine is most often simply a migraine, experts say they are often a sign of something more. They said: "If you have new symptoms, such as a sudden agonising headache, paralysis or weakness in your arms or face, slurred speech, or a headache with fever, stiff neck or a rash, get medical attention as soon as possible."

Signs of meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

According to the , symptoms of meningitis can appear in any order. You should get medical help immediately if you're concerned about yourself or your child.

Symptoms of meningitis and include:

• a high temperature
• cold hands and feet
• vomiting
• confusion
• breathing quickly
• muscle and joint pain
• pale, mottled or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• spots or a rash (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• headache
• a stiff neck
• a dislike of bright lights
• being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• fits (seizures)

Signs of a stroke

A stroke is when blood stops flowing to a part of your brain, which can affect things like speech and movement, and take a long time to recover. A stroke needs urgent medical help in hospital because it can be life-threatening.

The main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly, according to the . They may include:

• face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile
• arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm
• speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused

The easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.

There are other signs that you or someone else is having a stroke. These include:

• weakness or numbness down 1 side of your body
• blurred vision or loss of sight in 1 or both eyes
• finding it difficult to speak or think of words
• confusion and memory loss
• feeling dizzy or falling over
• a severe headache
• feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)