Can Migraines Cause Fever and Chills?

A migraine headache causes symptoms such as severe head pain and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. Migraines do not, however, cause a fever or chills. Fever and chills may be red flags of another condition if accompanied by other signs such as night sweats, weight loss, or a sudden "thunderclap" headache. If these symptoms occur, you should see a doctor immediately.

A migraine headache is a neurological disorder that is different from other types of headache disorders, that causes severe head pain along with sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.

Symptoms of migraine may occur in five phases: 

• Prodrome: warnings before a migraine
  • Mood changes
  • Subtle changes in sensations such as an unusual taste or smell
  • Muscle tension 
  • Fatigue
• Aura: visual disturbances that precede the headache phase
  • Blind spots (scotomas)
  • Geometric patterns or flashing, colorful lights
  • Loss of vision on one side (hemianopsia)
• Headache
  • May last 4-72 hours
  • Usually occurs on one side of the head, but may occur on both sides
  • Throbbing pain 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia) 
  • Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Headache termination
  • Pain usually goes away with sleep, even if the migraine is not treated
• Postdrome: other signs can linger after the pain goes away
  • Inability to eat
  • Problems concentrating
  • Fatigue

Certain headache “red flags” may be signs of another condition that is not a migraine. See your doctor if you experience any of the following: 

• Fever, chills (migraines do not cause fever and chills)
• Weight loss
• Night sweats 
• Changes in frequency, severity, or features of the migraine usually experienced 
• Thunderclap headache (may be described as “the worst headache of your life”)
  • An extremely severe headache that occurs within minutes: this is a medical emergency – call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department immediately
• A headache that changes significantly in intensity with changed position
• Headache that occurs from exertion, such as while sneezing, coughing, or straining 
• New headache
• Chronic headache in the same location
• Headache that does not go away
• Worrisome neurologic symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, change in consciousness, significant difficulty walking, or other concerning symptoms 
  • These may be signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency — call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department immediately