Is There a Link Between Dyslexia and Migraine Attacks?

Explore the possible link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, what current research suggests, and practical ways to manage visual stress and reduce triggers.

For years, people have reported experiencing both dyslexia and migraines, leading to the natural question: are the two conditions connected? 

While scientists haven’t found a direct cause-and-effect relationship, research does suggest that some people with dyslexia are more likely to experience migraines than the general population. 

Here’s what we currently know, and why understanding the overlap can make day-to-day life a little easier.

Understanding Dyslexia and Migraine: Two Conditions With Brain-Based Origins

Dyslexia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Migraine, meanwhile, is a complex neurological condition involving sensory hypersensitivity, changes in the brain’s pain pathways, and, sometimes, aura symptoms such as flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, or temporary visual loss.

Although the two conditions are very different, both involve variations in brain networks that handle sensory and cognitive processing. This shared neurological basis is one reason researchers believe they may appear together more often than chance alone would predict.

What the Research Suggests

1. Higher Rates of Migraine in People With Dyslexia

Some studies have found that people with dyslexia report migraines at a slightly higher rate than the general population. This doesn’t mean dyslexia causes migraines. Rather, both conditions may stem from certain shared patterns in brain function, particularly in the visual and language-processing regions.

2. Visual Stress May Play a Role

Visual stress, sometimes referred to as visual discomfort or Irlen-type symptoms, is more common in some people with dyslexia. This can include sensitivity to:

Striped or high-contrast patterns

Flickering lights

Harsh brightness

Text that seems to “move” on the page

Interestingly, these same sensory triggers can provoke or intensify migraine attacks. When a person has both dyslexia and migraines, these visual sensitivities can stack up, making reading or screen work more likely to trigger symptoms.

3. Cognitive Fatigue Can Increase Migraine Risk

People with dyslexia may need to use more effort or energy to read for long periods, especially when dealing with dense text, unfamiliar vocabulary, or prolonged screen time. 

Cognitive fatigue is a known migraine trigger, meaning that sustained concentration can sometimes contribute to an attack.

What’s Not Yet Proven

Despite promising insights, researchers still emphasise that:

Dyslexia does not cause migraines.

Migraines do not cause dyslexia.

Many people experience one condition without the other.

Any link is likely due to overlapping neurological traits rather than a direct connection.

Practical Ways to Reduce Migraine Triggers When You Have Dyslexia

If you or someone you know experiences both conditions, a few small adjustments can make daily tasks far more comfortable.

Adjust Your Visual Environment

Reduce screen brightness and increase text size.

Use warmer or softer screen tones rather than stark white backgrounds.

Try tinted overlays or reading rulers if visual stress is an issue.

Consider gentle lighting rather than bright overhead bulbs.

Manage Your Screen and Reading Time

Take short visual breaks, 20 seconds every 20 minutes can help.

Break reading tasks into manageable chunks.

Use audiobooks and text-to-speech tools to reduce strain.

Keep an Eye on General Migraine Triggers

Good management of lifestyle factors can reduce attack frequency:

Maintain steady hydration.

Keep a consistent sleep pattern.

Avoid skipping meals.

Manage stress with relaxation techniques or gentle movement.

When to Seek Support

If migraines are frequent, severe, or getting worse, speaking to a GP is important. They can help rule out other causes and offer treatments ranging from preventative medications to non-drug therapies.

If reading is becoming increasingly difficult or visually uncomfortable, an eye specialist or dyslexia-informed assessor can offer additional strategies.

While there’s no definitive, direct link between dyslexia and migraine attacks, the two conditions can overlap in meaningful ways, particularly through visual sensitivity and cognitive fatigue. 

Understanding these connections can empower people to create more comfortable, migraine-friendly reading environments and reduce unnecessary pain.