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Why chest tightness with a migraine?

During the past couple migraines I've had, I've noticed my chest gets very tight and it feels hard to breathe or catch my breath. If I notice this, I try to take deep breaths, hoping to fall asleep. I wonder if this is something very serious? Or if anyone else experiences it? I wonder if it is just panic (from knowing the pain is either coming or won't be gone for a while). Does anyone have any insight to chest tightness during a migraine? Thank you.

  1. Hi greeningo,

    Thank you for your question. The chest tightness you describe may be from anxiety or panic before/during a migraine attack. Having said that, the best thing you can do is contact your doctor and make sure everything checks out.

    Please let us know how you make out,
    Nancy

    1. Thank you, Nancy. I'll let you know what I find. I appreciate your help.

  2. Hi there, as a nurse, I echo Nancy, this may be panic but should be checked out by your doctor. As migraines reflect a change in the constriction/dilation of your blood vessels and tight chests can relate to heart problems which also relate to how your blood vessels are operating, an appointment to your doctor would be a good idea. Michel

    1. Thank you michelm.
      I plan to get this looked at.. thanks for your advice.
      Take care.

  3. What are u taking for migraine? When i tried tryptophans, I had severe chest tightness/ so i stopped it. But def see a good doc about this symptom - I don’t think it’s a normal migraine symptom

    1. Hi marigoldmg, thanks for the response. I've been taking sumitriptan. I find it's not very effective and maybe attributing to the chest tightness, too.
      Thanks again, take care.

  4. Have you tried stretching as muscles maybe tight or deep breathing to relax. That is what helped me with ended up being a panic attack. Talk with your doctor.

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