Comorbidities
Light Therapy for Migraine
Though light sensitivity is often a migraine symptom, light therapy is an emerging treatment option for those with migraine and chronic pain. Research shows light exposure to be a safe, effective treatment that reduces the frequency, severity, and symptoms of migraine attacks. It comes with a very low risk of side effects and no risk…
Read MoreVision Therapy for Migraine
Have you ever wondered if treating your vision could help with the frequency and severity of migraine attacks? As a long-time glasses wearer, this is something I’ve often thought about. Like most people, I see an ophthalmologist regularly. At my appointment each year I tell my doctor about my migraine, eye fatigue, and visual aura…
Read MoreThe Privilege Of Being Able-Bodied: Life With Migraine
A change in my healthcare plan suddenly made me aware of the privilege of being able-bodied! I work in people management, and have for the last half-decade of my life. I’ve always been big on communication and leading with empathy. Traits that, in my opinion, are invaluable to any role where you work with other…
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Going to Therapy with Migraine
Living with migraine, we often spend a lot of time caring for our physical health. We go to doctors’ appointments, take supplements and medications, try physical therapy and exercises, and maintain certain diets. But caring for our mental health is also an important, and yet often overlooked, piece of a well-rounded treatment plan. May is…
Read MoreMigraine 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 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] Â 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…
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