Jan 26 (ABC) :Migraine headaches do not directly cause other diseases, but research shows they are associated with a wide range of medical conditions, some of which can share similar symptoms or occur more frequently in people who experience migraines.
Doctors note that certain serious illnesses, including stroke and seizures, can sometimes be mistaken for migraines. Migraines with aura or sudden-onset “thunderclap” migraines may resemble stroke symptoms such as severe headache and vomiting. However, migraine pain usually builds gradually, while stroke symptoms appear suddenly. Warning signs of stroke include facial drooping, weakness or numbness in one arm, and difficulty speaking. Medical help should be sought immediately if a stroke is suspected.
Heart disease is more common among people with migraines, particularly men and women who experience migraines with aura. While the frequency of migraines does not appear to increase the risk, studies show a higher overall likelihood of heart-related conditions in migraine sufferers.
High blood pressure has not been conclusively linked to migraines, but evidence suggests it may increase how often headaches occur. Migraines are also strongly associated with seizures, with research showing that people with migraines are at least twice as likely to experience epilepsy. While migraine aura and seizures can share symptoms such as visual disturbances, seizures tend to be brief, while migraine aura can last up to an hour, followed by headaches lasting several hours.
Hearing-related issues, including sudden hearing loss, are also more common in people with migraines, though the condition remains rare overall. Fibromyalgia, a disorder marked by widespread pain and fatigue, frequently occurs alongside migraines, but there is no proof that migraines directly cause it.
Mental health conditions show a strong connection with migraines. Anxiety and depression are common among migraine sufferers, particularly those who experience aura. Post-traumatic stress disorder has also been found to occur at much higher rates in people with migraines.
Pregnancy-related complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia have been linked to migraines in some studies, though researchers say more data is needed. Doctors advise people with migraines to consult specialists before pregnancy, as symptoms may worsen and treatment plans may need adjustment.
Digestive and sleep disorders are also more prevalent among migraine patients. Research suggests people with migraines are significantly more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome, possibly due to shared involvement of serotonin, a key brain chemical. Restless legs syndrome and insomnia are also common, with poor sleep often acting as a migraine trigger.
Other conditions may closely resemble migraines, including tension headaches, sinus headaches, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, meningitis, glaucoma, and rare neurological disorders such as reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In these cases, sudden onset, worsening symptoms, fever, vision loss, or severe pain may point to a more serious cause and require urgent medical attention.
Experts say migraine sufferers, especially those with aura, face a slightly higher risk of stroke, particularly women and people under the age of 45. However, this risk declines significantly after the age of 50.
Doctors emphasize that while migraines are linked to many conditions, early diagnosis and awareness of warning signs can help prevent serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes.