Comorbidities
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: Mental Health Disorders
Migraine is comorbid with a range of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD and many other mood disorders. According to one study, up to 47% of people with migraine have comorbid depression, and up to 58% have comorbid anxiety—both commonly occurring especially among people with chronic migraine. Researchers believe there may be some neurological connection between migraine and mental health disorders and there is emerging evidence of genetic links between migraine, depression, and anxiety.
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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