Illnesses That Can Cause Migraine Headaches

According to the Mayo Clinic, seventeen percent of women and six percent of men experience migraines. Migraines can last from four to seventy-two hours causing nausea, vomiting and severe sensitivity to light and noise. Migraines may be brought on by food, hormonal changes, stress, medication, or an existing illness. It is difficult to treat a patient with co-existing conditions because some medications can trigger symptoms of the other condition. It is important to talk to your doctor about all illnesses, so treatment can be effective.

Significance

• Epilepsy is a condition that causes muscle spasms when groups of nerve cells in the brain discharge at the same time. People with epilepsy are more apt to have migraines than people without the illness. Both migraines and epilepsy share common characteristics of hyperactivity in the brain and nervous system. Migraines and epilepsy also share common abnormalities of serotonin, which transmits nerve signals. Bright lights and noise can trigger an epileptic seizure as well as a migraine. Medication must work for both conditions or the medication will set off the other condition. Divalproex (Depakote) is a drug that helps epilepsy and migraines.

Effects

• Another illness connected to migraines is Raynaud's phenomenon, which is a spastic condition affecting the small arteries in the toes and fingers. Cold, stress and emotional situations cause the blood vessels to constrict, cutting off circulation. Migraines are more common in people with Raynaud's phenomenon. Studies suggest a direct connection between migraines and Raynaud's because people suffering from migraines have more sensitivity to changes whether physical or emotional. Migraine medications can intensify Raynaud's phenomenon bringing on attacks. Biofeedback is effective with patients who must learn to recognize signals in their body and avoid situations that bring on both conditions.

Theories/Speculation

• There may be a connection between people with depression and migraines. According to Psychology Today, people with depression are more likely to suffer a migraine. It is also true that migraine sufferers are more likely to suffer from depression. Migraines are also common in people suffering from bipolar disorder. Studies show a link among serotonin, depression, and migraines.

Types

• Diabetes, heart disease, irritable bowel disorder, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis are all illnesses associated with migraines. Because these illnesses are common, there may be a coincidence that a patient has both. Studies, however, show that these illnesses may bring on migraines.

Warning

• Because studies are inconclusive, it is hard to tell if an illness directly causes migraines. Some illnesses are common, and therefore, a person can have the illness and migraine headaches with no association. The major concern for physicians is treating the illness and the migraine. For example, people with heart disease cannot take most medications for migraines, and some medications may bring on a migraine.