Migraines don’t just mean head pain. For many people, they come with a grab bag of strange, unsettling symptoms that can feel downright scary—especially the first time they happen. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this even a migraine, or am I dying?” you’re not alone. Below are some of the most bizarre, unnerving migraine symptoms people report, along with what’s (usually) going on.
1. Visual hallucinations that look like something out of sci-fi
Before a migraine hits, some people see shimmering lights, zigzags, or even full-blown hallucinations that look like they came straight from a glitchy video game. This is called migraine aura, and it affects up to one-third of people with migraines. It’s caused by a wave of brain activity called cortical spreading depression.
2. Numbness or tingling
When one side of your body suddenly goes numb or tingly, it’s easy to panic. This is a common symptom of hemiplegic migraine, a rare subtype that can mirror stroke symptoms. Even if your words slur or you lose coordination, it’s still a migraine—but it’s worth getting checked to rule out anything more serious.
3. Alice in Wonderland syndrome
If you suddenly feel like your hands are huge, your room is shrinking, or time is warping, you might be experiencing Alice in Wonderland syndrome, a rare migraine aura named after Lewis Carroll’s famous novel. It can be incredibly disorienting, but it’s typically harmless and temporary.
4. Speech problems
Sometimes during or before a migraine, you may find yourself slurring, forgetting words, or speaking gibberish. This is called aphasia, and it’s linked to changes in brain activity during aura. It can feel terrifying—like you’re losing control of your mind—but it usually passes once the migraine subsides.
5. Sudden mood swings (rage or euphoria included)
A burst of unexplained anger, sadness, or even giddy happiness can precede or follow a migraine attack. These prodrome or postdrome phase shifts are neurological, not emotional, and are believed to be caused by changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. You’re not “being dramatic”—your brain is just doing its weird migraine thing.
6. Vertigo or feeling like you’re falling through the floor
Some people with vestibular migraine experience spinning, swaying, or a sudden drop sensation—without any headache at all. It can feel like a panic attack or motion sickness from nowhere. You might grip the walls or avoid walking altogether, unsure if you’re safe to stand.
7. The “migraine hangover” that feels like you’re floating in fog
Even after the pain fades, many migraineurs describe feeling spaced out, detached, or like they’re watching themselves from a distance. This is the postdrome phase, sometimes nicknamed the “migraine hangover.” Up to 80% of people experience it, and while it’s not dangerous, it can be unsettling—especially if you feel like you’re not “back to normal” for a day or two.
If any of these symptoms have happened to you, you’re definitely not alone. Migraines are a full-body, full-brain experience, and the symptoms can be unpredictable. If something new happens, it’s okay to check in with a doctor.