Everyday Health Migraine attacks are best known for causing painful headaches. Strokes are best known for causing numbness and weakness on one side of the body, as well as slurred speech, confusion, decreased or double vision, dizziness, and loss of balance and coordination. But some migraine attacks also cause numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, visual changes, and vertigo. And some strokes cause a sudden, severe headache. Given the sometimes overlapping symptoms of migraine and stroke, it can be difficult to tell which you’re having and whether you should go lie down in a dark, quiet room or go immediately to the emergency room.