Comorbidities
Migraine Comorbidities: Restless Leg Syndrome
Pulling. Throbbing. Aching. Itching. Restlessness. These are just some of the symptoms affecting people with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease. Comorbid with migraine, RLS causes an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs, usually to relieve an unpleasant sensation. Moving typically relieves the feeling temporarily, but it is not always as simple as that.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. Migraine and epilepsy are frequently described as highly comorbid conditions and both appear to have a genetic predisposition. The risk of having migraine is significantly higher for those with epilepsy—with one study estimating that risk is up to twice as high as compared to those without epilepsy.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Asthma
Migraine and asthma are comorbid chronic disorders with episodic attacks involving both
inflammatory and neurological mechanisms. According to the American Lung Association, more
than 25 million Americans are living with asthma. Asthma happens when airways narrow and swell, producing extra mucus, which makes breathing difficult and triggers coughing and wheezing. While mild for some people, for others asthma can interfere with daily activities and even lead to a life-threatening attack. Situations that might cause an attack include, but are not limited to, exercise, illness, occupational
triggers, or environmental allergies.
Migraine Comorbidities: Allergies
Have you ever wondered why you have so many allergies? Did you know that allergies are comorbid with migraine, so you are not alone! Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, pets and mold can trigger allergic rhinitis or hay fever, a common condition causing inflammation of the nasal mucosa. People who have allergies are more likely to have migraine headaches and allergies can increase the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Fibromyalgia
Comorbid fibromyalgia for people with migraine is often an unpleasant reality. In fact, many studies indicate that 20-36% of people with migraine also have fibromyalgia, a painful, chronic disease affecting the muscles, joints, and bones. A recent study found a two-way (bi-directional) association between the onset of fibromyalgia and migraine disease, and vice versa. However, it’s not always known or understood which disease came first. To date, no explanations have been provided for the rate of co-occurrence.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: GI Disorders
Many people with migraine also live with comorbid gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. These include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, celiac disease, GERD, and cyclical vomiting syndrome among others. Recent studies have found that GI disorders appear to be more frequent in patients with migraine than in the general population.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities
A comorbid condition is a disease or condition that is simultaneously present with another, generally occurring in a greater frequency than with the general population. People with migraine often have one or more comorbid conditions, which further complicates their treatment. Today, Migraine Meanderings begins a new blog series, “Migraine Comorbidities.” This series will explore common comorbidities and the ways they impact life with migraine.
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