Comorbidities
Migraine Myths: Migraine Doesn’t Get Worse
Migraine is a complex disease that can severely impact one’s health and overall quality of life. While we know migraine is so much more than just a headache, many people are not aware that migraine can worsen over time, or chronify. Preventing migraine from becoming chronic is not always possible, but there are steps we…
Read MoreMigraine Myths: You Get Migraine Because You Don’t Take Care of Yourself
Do you ever feel judged for having migraine? Like everyone in your life believes that if you were just a little healthier you would be cured and feel better? Or maybe it’s you who is hard on yourself when a migraine attack strikes. Have you ever blamed yourself for an attack and thought … “If…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Temporomandibular Disorders
Have you ever experienced facial or jaw pain during your migraine attack? If so, you are definitely not alone. While facial pain can be due to conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, it could also be a temporomandibular disorder that is to blame. In this, the last of our current comorbidities series, we are going to…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Parkinson’s Disease
Migraine is comorbid with Parkinson’s Disease, a central nervous system disorder that affects movement. It is a progressive disease, where symptoms generally begin slowly and worsen over time. Parkinson’s causes a gradual loss of the nerve cells in the brain that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine.[1] The reduction in dopamine causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as…
Read MoreIs It a Sinus Headache or a Migraine?
Have you ever had a sinus infection and then got a migraine attack? If so, you’re not alone in this. In fact, pain caused by the sinuses and migraine attacks can have very similar symptoms, so much so that it can be hard to know which type of pain you are experiencing. However, identifying the…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: PTSD
Did you know that research shows PTSD is comorbid with chronic migraine? In fact, people with migraine are 3 to 4 times more likely to live with PTSD. [1] Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by a reaction to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD is quite common and can…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Patent Foramen Ovale
So, you’ve been told that you have migraine disease! Some people are relieved to finally have a diagnosis while others have sudden fear and anxiety. On top of that, your health care provider shares with you that you have migraine with aura. This brings a whole new set of questions and issues. Then, as you’re…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Back Pain
Along with migraine, do you experience back pain? Many people with migraine also have back, joint, shoulder, and neck pain. In fact, according to the U.S Pain Foundation’s 2022 survey report, A Chronic Pain Crisis, 95% of adults surveyed said they have at least one other comorbid (chronic) pain condition. Causes of Migraine and Back Pain…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Autoimmune Diseases
How many chronic conditions do you have, including migraine? Many people with migraine also live with autoimmune diseases – some have multiple – this is because migraine and autoimmune diseases are considered to be comorbid! (Note: a comorbid condition is a disease or condition that is simultaneously present with another, generally occurring in a greater frequency than…
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Insomnia
Does a lack of sleep trigger your migraine attacks? Do you have trouble sleeping? You are not alone if you answered “yes” to either of these two questions. According to the American Migraine Foundation, people living with migraine are between two and eight times more likely to experience trouble sleeping (sleep disorders) than the general public.…
Read MoreManaging Seasonal Depression: Taking Care of the Body
Daily, consistent self-care is key for managing seasonal depression and seasonal affective disorder. Taking care of your physical body is so important during the darker months. Focusing on the following can help manage SAD, and is also beneficial for migraine and other chronic conditions.
Read MoreMigraine, Seasonal Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Migraine, Seasonal Depression and SAD: Part I As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s common to feel the “winter blues.” But for many—especially those of us battling migraine and other chronic conditions—seasonal depression can go far beyond just feeling down during the darker months. This is something I have a lot of personal…
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