Right Before I Get a Migraine, Face Pain Sets in. Is This Normal?
Migraines are known to cause allodynia, which is a pain, unusual sensation, or soreness in the jaw, facial skin, or the scalp.
Dr. Ninan T. Mathew responds:
It is not uncommon for some people with migraine to have facial pain, either at the onset or during the headache. This pain, abnormal sensation, or soreness in the jaw, facial skin, or the scalp is known as allodynia.
The pain is caused by changes in the central nervous system when a migraine occurs. During a migraine, the blood vessels that connect to the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation, become inflamed and dilated. The trigeminal nerve becomes sensitized and causes allodynia.
These symptoms are sometimes an early sign that a migraine is approaching and that you should therefore take your medication. The longer you wait, the less effective the medications are.