According to the American Migraine Foundation, many conditions coexist with migraines, including depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), sleep disorders, and more. Comorbidity refers to the statistical association of two distinct conditions in the same person to a degree greater than is likely by chance. Some findings have revealed that up to 90% of chronic migraine sufferers have a comorbidity. The problem with having an overlapping or co-morbid condition is that each condition needs to be treated, not just the migraine. So if you have anxiety or depression and migraines, the anxiety or depression needs to be treated as well as the migraine. Treating the anxiety or depression may improve migraine symptoms — or worsening the anxiety or depression may cause the migraine to worsen. If you have a comorbid condition with migraine, it's important to learn how you can regain control of your overall health.
Chronic pain disorders
According to a review published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology, several chronic pain disorders have been reported to be associated with migraine. Previous research has particularly noted fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition with widespread muscle pain and tenderness in the body’s trigger points. In fact, more women than men report migraine with fibromyalgia. Interestingly, people with fibromyalgia have a higher prevalence of insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), both comorbidities of migraine, and report more psychological stress.
Depression and Anxiety
In a study in Frontiers in Neurology, researchers found that mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and suicidal thoughts, often overlap with migraine. The research suggests that if you look at all migraine patients, the health conditions with the greatest overlap are depression and anxiety. Treating comorbidities can help manage migraine frequency and severity.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
IBS, a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by symptoms of chronic abdominal pain or discomfort, has similar risk factors to migraine, according to a national database study published in April 2017 in the journal Medicine. Both typically affect women and younger adults. Research published in September 2016 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that this comorbidity may be associated with conditions of smooth muscle dysfunction.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are associated with more frequent and severe migraines, according to a study published in July 2018 in the journal Headache. While insomnia is the most common sleep disorder with migraine, others include snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disorders.
The importance of correct diagnosis
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, IBS, or a sleep disorder with migraine, it is important to see a specialist to get an accurate diagnosis. The specialist will discuss your health history, perform a physical exam, and refer you for lab tests, if needed, before making a diagnosis.
Get a clear treatment plan
Some migraine sufferers may benefit from a prescription medication for both conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Others may need medication for each separate condition. Talk about the pros and cons of preventive and curative medication, and trust your doctor to know what's right for your body.
Manage your lifestyle
It's important to know that migraines don't like change. Lifestyle reassures your brain that everything is okay. Eat meals at the same time, go to bed at the same time, exercise regularly, and be consistent. These are the things that set the patterns for the brain so it knows what's coming: sleep, eat, wake up, exercise.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
It is also recommended to wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time. The migraine brain is particularly sensitive to changes – weather, sleep cycle, illness. Keep your lifestyle consistent and follow a planned lifestyle to avoid problems. Limit caffeine, alcohol and other over-the-counter medications. Minimize caffeine and sugar. Minimize processed foods in your diet and avoid chemical agents like MSG and nitrites, which can trigger migraines.
Live your life.
Above all, live your life to the fullest. It's important to get away from this linear correlation with migraine. Take a holistic approach, take precautions but live your life.
