What's Your Secret: Dealing With Aphasia

By Holly Harding

1 min read

Aphasia - or experiencing the challenge of finding words or speaking, is a common prodrome for many migraineurs. A lot of us have stories of being in the midst of a conversation and suddenly falling silent, struggling to find the word that is on the tip of the tongue. We turn into human thesauruses, offering synonyms in a desperate attempt to jumpstart our brains. We begin a weird game of Pictionary with the person we are talking to - silently trying to demonstrate the word that is trapped inside.

As with all What's Your Secret videos, we invite you to share your stories and any tips on how to manage this symptom in the comments section below. Let's learn from one another!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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cindowski Member
Yes
glassmind Member
I've been fortunate to have extraordinarily patient people who will wait as I speak slowly giving my mind time to find words and fomulate sentences. I also directly say, "Please use small words and speak slowly with short sentences in a soft voice. I am having a migraine, and it is hard to think right now." Otherwise, I politely excuse myself. This is more common especially in text or phone. I simply say "Sorry, migraine. Talk to you on the other side." Luckily, I am retired for a variety of medical reasons and rarely must do anything. So when migraine strikes, I can focus on getting better.
1. glassmind Member
 Pocket cards are great! I have a few for other medical issues. Why I have waited to carry a migraine one, is silly! Thanks for the reminder. Cards can be found online at sites like <a href='https://stickmancommunications.co.uk/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://stickmancommunications.co.uk/</a> Or male your own! I might make a badge or button, so I only need wear it, too! Lol Thanks again.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3906820" username="glassmind"/> - what a tremendous resource of which I'd never heard! I'm sure we could all make our own carry-along cards like these, but they are so well- tailored for migraine and other comorbid conditions-- the site is like a treasure trove! Thank you very much for sharing this with the rest of us. <a href='https://stickmancommunications.co.uk/epages/747384.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/747384/Categories/All_products/topics/Migraine' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://stickmancommunications.co.uk/epages/747384.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/747384/Categories/All_products/topics/Migraine</a> Love it.
kirstennb Member
Wait! I'm not the only one who experiences this? When in conversation, I just tell people things like "I'm having trouble finding my words today". Only those closest to me know that it is an ongoing problem and how much it gets in the way. Unfortunately, I have had experiences when I have lost words during presentations at work and during job interviews. In those situations, people don't understand and/or don't care. Your explanation of both aphasia and of migraines in the video are so well-done, that I am sharing it with my boss. She is fairly understanding of how poorly I feel and function when I have a migraine, but I honestly think that she thinks it's "just a headache". I'm hoping your video will help her to understand that this really is a disorder and that it's something that I cannot control. Thanks so much for your video! Cheers!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Greetings! So glad this video resonated with you and helped you see that you are not alone in experiencing aphasia. Also great that you feel you might be able to use it to educate your supervisor so that she may better understand what you're up against. I have used this site in the same way for friends, family and coworkers (forwarding articles that resonate with me) to help them see that I'm not crazy or alone and rather that I'm part of a huge tapestry of millions of people who are managing this complex neurological disease every single day right along with me. So glad you're here with us. Please stay in touch!
seslie Member
Thank you for helping me to see I’m not alone in this. Sadly, I usually try to discourage any conversation because I feel mentally incomplete. I recently had a migraine while seeing my Neurologist. He tried to ask about my vacation and I couldn’t even tell him where I went. He said that his wife experiences the same thing when she has a migraine. I am thankful to have an understanding doctor. Thank you for your video!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 So glad that this video helped you see that you are not alone in experiencing aphasia. It can be quite alarming to encounter this situation. It really can throw us off and make it hard to even say something simple like, "I'm having a hard time finding my words because of a migraine attack." Good to hear your doctor is compassionate and understanding! Thanks for chiming in and please stay in touch.
lauralooblue13 Member
I really struggle with this too. I have chronic daily migraines, and I don't have aphasia with every migraine, but with many of them I do. I am lucky that I have a compassionate and understanding boss, and that I have been able to have a conversation with her about this part of my migraines. I didn't know there were cards, so that's exciting! Thank you for sharing that too! This website has been instrumental in helping me navigate this condition; a real lifesaver, and I can't say thank you enough. 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="lauralooblue13" user-id="3809009"/> Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and letting us know this information resonates with you. You're not alone in this struggle. Migraine disease can impact so many part of our lives. I'm so happy to hear your employer is compassionate and understanding. I'm sorry to say that doesn't happen very often. Sending you pain free wishes and I hope you'll keep us posted on your journey, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
sw17 Member
I’ve had aphasia before I even knew there was a name for it! My neurologist advised that many medications taken for migraines have that effect. I didn’t put the two together until we just were discussing things. I have only a few people I speak to frequently and they just roll with it, or if it’s someone new I tell them directly “I have aphasia, similar to Bruce Willis (closest thing that it’s been associated with) where I forget words”. It bothers me so much because I now cannot remember hardly anything and it’s so frustrating! I seem so dumb when simple things just stump me.
1. Kiera_Rose Member
 I was told it was the after effect of frequent migraines. I’m so thankful to hear that others go through the same thing and it isn’t just permanent damage to my brain.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kiera_Rose" user-id="8515235"/> - Interestingly, aphasia is one of those conditions that is not commonly known (even though it's commonly experienced) so many of us have felt great relief when we realize we are not alone in this experience. As to your comment that you thought it was an after-effect of migraine- the truth is, aphasia, like many symptoms of migraine- can appear before, during, and/or after an active attack. We are all different in the way it can appear. So glad you figured out you are not alone in dealing with this. And yes, although it feels like it, it's not related to brain damage. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
katherineo Member
The first time I really noticed this was in the middle of class I was teaching. I wrote a name on the blackboard, looked at it, and knew it was spelled wrong, but I couldn't figure out what was right. And I didn't really know what to do. Now when it happens, I explain that I probably have a migraine coming and I'm in the aphasia phase. I have never had a situation where something wasn't sympathetic and patient. If they were, they got crossed off my list.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="katherineo" user-id="3851422"/> - Thank you for sharing some of your journey with us. I do think it can be helpful to have a word for it as it can help to explain the situation to others. The thing that can be tricky about aphasia, as well as some other migraine symptoms, is that we aren't always aware that it is going on while it is unfolding. Brain fog, another common symptom of migraine, can cloud our ability to assess the situation. When that is coupled with aphasia, we can be left a bit paralyzed from being able to assess and articulate what is happening and that a migraine is the cause. Glad you've been able to educate others about this symptom and that you've encountered compassion when doing so. Grateful you took the time to share this story with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
dizzylizzy7 Member
I often have this. I will tell folks it is a migraine symptom. Sometimes I say the wrong word. I will often hold up my hand to stop others when they try to come up with the word. Others interrupting my thought/ word search makes it much harder for me. I may say “wait for it.” Usually the word will come after what may be a very long pause. When others interrupt me , I lose the thought process entirely. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dizzylizzy7" user-id="3890787"/> - I love this explanation. I (and I'm sure others) can really relate to the challenge of our thought process being further challenged by others interrupting and want to so solve things. That struggle seems to only further paralyze our ability to articulate ourselves. I had aphasia recently and couldn't think of the term "aphasia" to explain what was happening as I sat and looked perplexed at my mother and sister. It was like we were playing a game of charades as they tried to guess what I was thinking. That only slowed my thought-process further. So frustrating when this hits. Thanks for sharing! Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
stacielc Member
I often call these, “Topomax Moments.” When I started taking this med the neuro told me I might have trouble with words. I certainly do. If I have a bad migraine don’t ask me to do math or spell either. This didn’t use to be a problem. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="stacielc" user-id="3888227"/> - Thanks for this question- I also had only been adding things for years. I recently started to ask myself what is actually working here? Is there anything I'm taking that is either not helping or is causing more challenges than good outcomes? I actually created a video about this process that might interest you: <a href='https://migraine.com/video/restart-treatment-plan' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/restart-treatment-plan</a>. As to weaning off the Topamax, I asked my doctor if he thought this would be a good idea (I was also struggling to keep weight on me due to stress and the side effect of Topamax that kills appetite). He agreed and helped me create a calendar that illustrated how to decrease the dosage over a 6-week period (basically cutting the dosage by half for 10 days, then again by half for another 10 days and so on- and if I felt any odd sensations, to stick longer at that dosage before decreasing further). This is an individualized process that should be discussed with your doctor before trying. Everyone is so different in the way they respond to medications. I was surprised that I had no problems going off of it and have noticed zero change in my migraine attack frequency or severity - so in my case, I think it really wasn't doing anything to help and was causing more problems than good. Hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any additional questions. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team. 
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="sw17" user-id="3879323"/> - Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Topamax/Topiramate with us. Interesting to hear you felt differently depending on the brand vs. off-brand version of this drug. So wonderful that you feel a good partnership with your migraine doctor. That can make all the difference. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
wirr Member
About 3 months ago I was back in my migraine specialist clinic and addressed this problem directly. Due to the prolonged auras, I have this condition not only in the prodrome phase, but mostly throughout the entire attack. I then often replace the missing word with the appropriate word in the only foreign language that I speak to some extent, which sometimes causes disturbed looks. According to the clinic, this is a far more than very common disorder in migraineurs.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="wirr" user-id="3682405"/> - That is fascinating that you are able to access the word you are looking for in a different language. The brain and its pathways are wild in this way. Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
katetyndall Member
I'll just substitute the word thingy with a wave of my hand (or, if I'm with my husband, I'll use the German word ding(e), because we learned German during the pandemic), and keep on going. People get it; it's hardly ever a problem in conversation.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="katetyndall" user-id="3784210"/> - You learned German during the pandemic?? Wow! That is so impressive. Love how it has come in handy in this way. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
dpasek Member
 This is Broca's aphasia that you are describing. I get this type. When I have this problem and need to communicate with someone, I am direct with them and say ... I ... have ... migraine ... can't ... talk... and then try my best to say what I need even if I have to pantomime. This might at least help raise awareness that migraine is not "just a bad headache". There is another type of aphasia (which I also get) that involves Wernicke's area which causes difficulty reading where you can see the word perfectly well but cannot interpret its meaning. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wernicke's_area 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="dpasek" user-id="3725273"/> - Thank you so much for sharing more information about aphasia. Also grateful you shared the strategies you employ to navigate the challenge. I wanted to share a resource we recently developed of awareness-raising cards to hand out when we're in the midst of an attack and/or aphasia. Perhaps this would come in handy for all of us: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/printable-symptom-awareness-cards' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/printable-symptom-awareness-cards</a>. Let me know what you think. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
dpasek Member
I have seen those cards and they might be really helpful for some people; good idea to mention them again. The only kind that I might find personally useful would be one that says something to the effect that ..." I am having a migraine, *NOT* a stroke. My symptoms should mostly resolve without assistance within about 45 minutes or so." ... in case someone gets the idea that I might need some emergency intervention when I really do not. Many migraine aura symptoms and migraine cognitive impairments actually do mimic stroke symptoms, but clear up in a short time with no aftereffects. There is no need to get stuck with an emergency care bill for unnecessary services.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dpasek" user-id="3725273"/> - Really good idea, there. As we could be unable to speak and explain what is happening and that can be very alarming to those who are unfamiliar with migraine. I've considered making my own personal version of those cards that suits me specifically. It wouldn't be hard to do. Perhaps that's something you could try? Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
Noi H Member
Today at RfH due to too many people at a department and lots of talking noise my hemiplegic migraine kicked in and I collapsed. How i deal with when I can't talk normally is just wait until is better and noting with my head or say very short words cos I don't even have energy to talk during migraine attack. Let's say, today I did say to the nurse suddenly came on as i even needed a wheelchair to role me in the room. However, I don't really care what people think. Simply people has to be patient with each other. This stickman communication card are really awesome so i bought that i need as I also have FND, Dystonia. Thank you for the person who shared the website. My head gets so messed up I can't remember anything on that days. I have as well this speech problem until is not resolved the whole HM. I am waiting to receive the botox inj. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Noi H" user-id="8613611"/> - Thank you so much for chiming in. I'm sorry to hear you got hit so hard with an attack yesterday. Your post illustrates how comprehensively migraine can impact us in far-reaching ways. Hope you've found some relief since then? Thank you, too, for sharing some of the strategies you use to navigate Aphasia. Using short words is a great tip. I also love what you said about wishing people would be more patient (and kind) to one another. So glad you're with us and hope the botox injections are effective for you. Please let us know about that. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team
Kiera_Rose Member
I struggle a lot with this condition. I lose mostly nouns. My daughter has gotten good at playing the guessing game with me. One time I lost the word “refrigerator.” I started the game as play and talked about “the cold place.” She gets frustrated at times but helps me through it. It’s very frustrating at work when I sound like a babbling idiot. I let people know that I’m having a migraine day and ask they be patient. I’m an executive assistant so I constantly represent the boss. I’m not sure how to handle that better with aphasia. I am eager to see if other people have suggestions for getting through it at work. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Kiera_Rose" user-id="8515235"/> - Thank you so much for sharing some of your journey with us. The story of playing charades with your daughter is one to which many of us can relate. It can help to use smaller words ("the cold place&quot😉 when we're unable to reach for the more complex term we want to find. I know you are looking for suggestions about managing aphasia in the workplace but I have to say I think you're doing a tremendous job to let your coworkers know when a migraine attack is active and to ask for patience. It's impressive that you are able to stay at work during an active attack. It sounds like you are doing the best you can do manage migraine and this troublesome side effect. That said, if you'd like to pose a question to our community regarding looking for tips as to how to manage aphasia in the workplace, I'd encourage you to do so on our forums page: <a href='https://migraine.com/forums' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/forums</a>. Doing so may help to get more community responses on the topic. So glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
ccf23 Member
I think the best example of aphasia that I remember is talking to my mom on the phone while a migraine was starting to take hold. She asked me how I was. I replied "I have a microwave". Word substitution is super fun. Sometimes I have no words and if I am aware of it I try to stay home. In the house. One day my neighbors joyfully waved and yelled "Happy Thanksgiving !" from across the street as they were getting in their car. I was raking leaves to get some fresh air to my muddled brain. I froze. The reply was in my mind, where I was screaming it, but nothing came out. They looked at me perplexed and I watched that expression turn to offended. We do exchange pleasantries now but I never explained that day. It's hard enough to explain to family. I feel like the more I explain to neighbors the more they judge me. One said "oh it must be nice not to work". Seriously? Did you not hear everything else I said before that? So I'm fine with rationships without words. I'm the wrirdo who takes the trash out in her pajamas and doesn’t leave the house for days. Lol! It could be so much worse. I do love the idea of having cards to hand out. I may try that!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ccf23" user-id="3691909"/> - I love hearing more about your life. Thank you for sharing. I really relate to the challenge of connecting with neighbors. I have told a couple of my neighbors that I live with chronic migraine. My next-door neighbor called out "how are you?" the other day, and a long weird sentence came out of my mouth where I gave TMI about a migraine I'd been dealing with all week. As soon as I said it, I couldn't believe the overshare as we were calling out from across a yard. They gave me such an odd stare and then returned to loading their car without another word. I was so embarrassed. Like you, I never circled back to explain that I was unable to clearly articulate myself due to an active migraine. Sharing anything about a chronic health condition feels like an overshare, unfortunately. And migraine is such an isolating condition it's awful that we feel we must suffer in silence due to fear of judgment. All that said, I also think it's wonderful when we have enough energy to help raise awareness among the migraine-free community- doing so helps us all. But, it's a tricky balance between how/when to do so and how much to share. Lastly, I just wanted to say if taking the trash out in pajamas and not leaving the house for days makes you a weirdo, then I join you in weirdoness! So glad you're with us- you made me feel less alone by reading what you shared - please know you are definitely not alone in your experience. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.
CommunityMember34292e Member
I’ve struggled with aphasia, because of my brain injury. I wasn’t aware that you could get it from migraines. 😮
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember34292e" user-id="6694663"/> - Oh yes. Aphasia accompanies various stages of the migraine process for money. It hits me right before the attack. Sounds like you may have a double dose with the brain injury plus migraine! Glad you’re with us. Hope you continue sharing so that we can learn from you. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team