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Migraine Chronification, Are You at Risk?
Migraine is a debilitating disorder that can be subdivided into several categories. Two of those categories, chronic migraine and episodic migraine, are both part of a tapestry of migraine disorders. One of the things many people are not aware of when first diagnosed with migraine is that this is a complex neurological disease that can chronify. This means that it is possible to go from low frequency episodic to high frequency episodic and then to chronic migraine.
Read MoreMigraine Comorbidities: Tinnitus
Pete Townshend, of the legendary British rock group The Who, has talked often of his struggles with hearing loss and tinnitus—a common problem affecting 15-20% of people. [1] Townshend attributes his tinnitus to the use of headphones in the recording studio. For people like Townshend, tinnitus can be an occupational hazard. While sustained exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus, this “ringing in the ears” condition, which is comorbid with migraine, is generally triggered by an underlying condition such as:
• age-related hearing loss
• ear, head, or neck injury
• circulatory systems problems
• temporomandibular joint disorder (TMI).
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: 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.
Read MoreMigraine Symptoms: Closing Thoughts
When people think about migraine, often what comes to mind is head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. These are also the hallmark symptoms commonly used to identify and diagnose migraine. But those with migraine know these are often just the tip of the iceberg.
Read MoreLesser-Known Migraine Symptoms: Yawning, Thirst, Tinnitus
By now this Migraine Symptoms blog series has proven that migraine goes far beyond head pain. However, in addition to some of the more common symptoms, many people with migraine also experience a set of symptoms that is lesser known—yawning, thirst/dry mouth and tinnitus to name just a few. These symptoms can vary from being mildly annoying to having an intensely negative impact on quality of life.
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