Unraveling the Connection: The Link Between Stress and Migraines

Researchers are not yet aware of the exact causes of migraine, but this problem can definitely occur due to stress. Many studies have suggested a relationship between stress and migraine. 

A study found that people who have been facing some stress since childhood are more likely to get migraines in adolescence. Some traumatic events in childhood can cause migraine symptoms in adults. Therefore, it can be said that migraine pain can arise due to stress. Even the duration of migraine can increase due to stress.

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Stress and migraine symptoms may be related to each other. If migraine occurs due to stress, then in this situation you can feel the symptoms of stress before migraine. Common symptoms of stress include –

• Muscle Strain
• Irritability
• Tiredness
• Pain In Chest
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Sadness And Depression
• Decreased Sex Drive
• Loss Of Appetite
• Mood Swings
• Stiff Neck
• Constipation
• Yawning Frequently

All these can be symptoms of stress. If these symptoms are bothering anyone for a long time, then one should definitely contact the doctor, because as the stress increases, the chances of getting migraine will increase and severe pain can be felt in one part of the head.

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For people who already have migraine, the symptoms of migraine may increase due to stress. If a person has acute or severe stress, the duration of migraine may increase. Therefore, if someone is already a victim of migraine, he should completely avoid stress.

Episodic migraine can become chronic due to stress. Its symptoms can last for more than 15 days per month. According to a study, about 4 percent of people suffering from migraine become victims of chronic migraine every year.

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Severe migraine pain can be troubling when you are under stress, but migraine can be avoided by reducing stress. The following measures can be taken to reduce stress -

• Spend More Time With Your Family And Friends.
• Do Those Things Which Make You Happy. Avoid The Work Which Gives You Difficulty In Doing.
• Keeping Distance From Negative People Can Help In Reducing Stress.
• To Reduce Stress, Yoga, Meditation And Exercise Are Considered The Best Options.
• Relaxation Therapy Can Also Reduce Stress. Taking This Therapy Can Help In Reducing Stress And Migraine Pain.
• Biofeedback Is A Therapy That Can Help Reduce The Symptoms Of Both Stress And Migraine.
• Talk Therapy Is An Effective Treatment For Many Types Of Stress. In This, Psychiatrists Try To Reduce The Stress Of The Patient By Talking.

Migraine treatment includes medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future episodes. If stress is causing your migraines, there are ways to reduce your stress levels.

Medicines
Medicines to relieve migraine pain include:

• Over-the-counter (Otc) Pain Relievers, Such As Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Or Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Prescription Pain Relievers, Such As Naproxen
• Triptans, Such As Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Almotriptan (Xert), And Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• Ergots, Which Combine Ergotamine And Caffeine, Such As Cafergot And Migergot
• Ubrogepant (Ubrelvi), Which Can Be Used To Treat Migraine Symptoms During An Episode
• Rimagepant (Nurtec Odt), Which Can Be Used To Prevent Migraine Episodes Or Treat Symptoms

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OTC migraine medications are available that combine acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, such as Excedrin Migraine. However, these can sometimes cause side effects known as headache or relapse headache from excessive use of the medicine.

If you experience nausea and vomiting with migraines, you may also be prescribed anti-nausea medication. Corticosteroids are sometimes used with other medications to treat severe migraines. If you get migraines due to stress, your doctor may simply prescribe medications to reduce stress. Preventive medications include:

• Beta-blockers, Such As Propranolol
• Antidepressant Medications, Such As Amitriptyline Or Venlafaxine (Effexor Xr)
• Cgrp Receptor Antagonists, Such As Rimagepant (Nertec Odt) Or Etogepant (Culipta)
• Anti-seizure Medications Such As Topiramate (Topamax)
• Botox Injections In Areas Associated With Migraine Symptoms

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There are some things you can do to reduce migraines caused by stress. These remedies can also help provide relief from the symptoms caused by both stress and migraine. As -

• Incorporate Relaxation Exercises Like Yoga And Meditation Into Your Daily Routine.
• Rest In A Dark Room When You Feel A Migraine Attack.
• Get Enough Sleep, Which Can Be Achieved By Keeping A Set Bedtime Every Night.
• Try Massage Therapy. According To An Older Study From 2006, It May Help Prevent Migraine Incidents, Reduce Cortisol Levels, And Reduce Anxiety.
• Exercise As Many Days As Possible. It Can Reduce Stress Levels And Help Reduce The Frequency, Intensity, And Length Of Migraine Attacks.
• Consider Seeing A Therapist Who Offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This Type Of Psychotherapy Can Help Reduce The Incidence Of Migraines, And Reduce Their Impact On Your Life.
• Try Biofeedback Therapy. It Teaches Techniques To Help You Recognize And Manage The Physical Effects Of Stress.
• If You Are Having Trouble Dealing With Stress And Find That Stress Is A Trigger For Your Migraine Episodes, Talk To Your Doctor. They Can Suggest Ways To Deal With Stress.

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More research is needed to find out exactly the relationship between stress and migraine. Many researches have also proved that migraine can occur due to stress. Also, stress can trigger migraine symptoms in some people. Therefore, if anyone feels any symptoms of stress, do not ignore it at all. Otherwise migraine pain can bother you again and again.