What is comorbid with migraine, and what does that mean? Comorbidity basically refers to two conditions that tend to go together. That doesn’t mean that one caused the other. In fact, we usually don’t know why they go together.
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It could be there’s a common cause, or maybe one could cause the other. It could be something in the environment, or something genetic, or even a coincidence.
But, of course, when we see the same diseases going together over and over, the coincidence hypothesis eventually goes out the window.
What we do know is that the two (or more) things interact. Sometimes there can be a common treatment. Sometimes it means that you can’t take a certain medication, because it may increase your risk of something else.
So it’s important to think about what you may have on top of migraine disease, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about it.
Now there’s a great deal of debate when it comes to migraine comorbidity. Most of these have pretty good research behind them, but sometimes research conflicts and there’s debate about whether a certain thing should be in the list.
But for what it’s worth, here are 15 common diseases, disorders and syndromes that tend to go hand in hand with migraine. That does not mean you will definitely have any of these . . . just that they seem to be more common in migraine patients than the general population. Ones that seem to be more common come first:
Now wait – did I miss one that you’re familiar with? Or have you found one or more of the 15 to be true of you? Leave a comment, and let us know how knowing this has helped or hindered in your treatment.
And if you’re thinking about the connection for the first time – talk to your doctor!
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{ 58 comments… read them below or add one }
Doesnt this fit in with the doctor who calls it Migraine syndrome.
he talks about all these conditions.
I had IBS first, then Fibro, then Migraine (which is the worst of all).
I have anxiety, had thyroid problems, get depressed (reactive)
Thing is, what do we do?? Shouldnt there be a clue here??
I have numbers 2,8,11, and 14. I hope other people weigh in and we see what everyone is dealing with.
Interesting that Pen says migraine is the worst of all. I would have to agree but I’d like to know what others think.
It is for me Suzie, because I managed to have a life with the IBS and the Fibro. The migraines are chronic (3 a week for at least a whole day) No drugs really work.
I guess before I got the migraines the IBS was worst.
I got myself over the FMS to an extent whenit was still CFS.
If I coudl get rid of the migraines and myofascial head pain, I could maybe have a life and enjoy my grandkids.
Chiari Malformation wasn’t mentioned, but so many go years being treated for ‘migraines’ that end up finding out after years of ineffective treatments that they really do have Chiari Malformations.
Yes, Chiari Malformation can trigger migraine. It’s not included because it’s more of a trigger or underlying cause, not technically a comorbid condition. There are actually quite a few things that, like Chiari Malformation, could be causing your symptoms.
Thanks for pointing that out!
I am sorry, I have never heard of this, could someone explain please.
I’m not sure if you’re referring to my post, but just in case: A Chiari Malformation is where part of the cerbellar tonsils protrude down, outside of the skull. This can put pressure on the brainstem and spinal cord. You can go to conquerchiari.org or asap.org to read more information about it. Often times, it will be noted on an MRI radiology dictation as “tonsilar ectopia” or “tonsilar ectopia, but within normal limits”. There is much disagreement about what those limits really are, and most neurosurgeons base their decision about its signifcance more on symptoms than films.
Apologies, Yes I was. I have had to try to get through today without a Triptan today. I think perhaps I am a bit Tripped myself.
Should have been more specific, sorry.
I will go take a look, and also check
this out over here in the UK.
~Thank you for explaining
I’ve read that mitral valve prolapse and migraines can go together. I’m not sure if this often minor heart defect actually causes migraines or not.
I suspect I have 1, 2, 14, 15 to go along with migraine, but I don’t think I had any of these other than 14 before the headaches started. The human body is so weird…
My mother suffered from migraines. I’ve never had one, but one of my sons does. He also takes meds for hypertension, so he’s got at least one of the 15.
I started with IBS, I all but fixed it and then started with the FMS but took years to get diagnosis and had CFS crash before that happened. THEN the migraines, with peri menopause.None in my life before that.
Between I have had 3 bouts of depression, one post natal., And now a lot of anxiety, not surprising when I ma told to take medication immediately for the pain, but don’t take too much or I will get MOH…..
Yes to 1, 2, 5 and 9, but I would also like to include other general nerve pain. I also suffer from spinal stenosis. It seems that in general my nervous system is very sensitive to stimulation and frequently reacts with the sensation of pain.
I have 1, 2, 7, and 14. I also have heard that clotting is another migraine related disorder. I have factor V leiden and my pulmonary embolisms happened after a really bad month of head pain. Maybe not a coincidence.
Many of the diseases in the migraine spectrum are related to serotonin. This is at least one of the links. Medications for IBS, myofascial pain, fibro, anxiety, depression all use serotonin changes just as migraines do.
Wow, I have nine of the fifteen on your list … perhaps I win the Migraine Bingo? *wry grin*
Another one which is definitely not be “comorbid” in the technical sense but sort of amusingly fits the list would be “close relatives with migraines”. I have at least 5 of those too!
I suspect Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is another condition which often pre-disposes one to migraines, just from anecdotal evidence in my EDS support group, but EDS is pretty rare itself so it wouldn’t be in the top 15.
I have exhibited or experienced Reynaud’s Syndrome during the last 2 or 3 years. I don’t know if it is just part of the aura that my left foot goes numb and cold and my left hand becomes lazy. A also tend to go white on the face whenever there is a stressful moment, that is why I avoid going confrontational because it drains my head of blood then when things go back to normal, I get a headache.
I thought for 25 years I had IBS but just found out I have Celiac’s disease. I have had migraines for 28 years. Has anyone else been told they have IBS been tested for Celiac’s disease? I suffer at least 6 migraines a month and sometimes more.
My migraines, dizziness/vertigo, and probably celiac all became worse starting around age 14. It wasn’t until age 32 that I realized I was celiac. Until that point, I was suffering 20+ migraines per month.
Took myself off gluten and now migraines are down to 5-10 per month and most due to weather changes. Wish I’d found out about celiac sooner!
Annie, sounds like me. Dizziness/vertigo stared about age 13, migraines within the year. I got to a point where I averaged 20 or more per month. Wasn’t until aunt was diagnosed celiac and I took myself off gluten at age 33 that my migraines became manageable (if they ever are). Now mainly due to weather and some ingestion of gluten. If I have gluten, will get a migraine within 30 mins but not always the intestinal probs.
While not as significant of a co-moribity as the list of 15 one of the common ones I look for is neck pain/stiffness/tension. After ruling out other causes through vascular and neurologic exam, I treat many migraine patients with soft tissue manipulation and chiropractic adjustment. Typically within a few weeks we know if treatment will help and we do get a significant number of positive responses. Currently we have an 8 year old boy with 6 years of migraines. He is currently headache free for 160+ days, the longest he has ever gone since his first episode. I do not mean to imply that chiropractic adjustment is a treatment for every migraine, but for those who have been through appropriate testing and ruled out other causes, it is a safe, effective treatment for headaches that can offer significant improvement.
I have 7 of the 15, –8 if you count high cholesterol as cardiovascular disease. I have suffered from migraine since I was 20 yrs old and am now 55. None of my three siblings have migraine and neither did my parents. Only an aunt had them. However, on a recent MRI for increased migraines there were scattered white spots throughout all the images on the brain. Neurologist thought these were either due to chronic migraines, or could be atherosclerosis. Interestingly, my sister who does not have migraines had a recent MRI and was found to have the same white spots–unexplained. Does anyone else out there who has migraines have those white spots on their MRI? If so, what was the explanation?
I have 1,2,8,10 and 12. RLS has not been diagnosed, but I’m sure I have it. My nother has migraines as well and has the same issues as well as IBS. I wonder if any of you have this problem… I have chronic itching. It started mostly on my legs, and has since become a problem all over. I’ve been to allergists, dermatologists. No one can really give me a straight answer. I’ve heard that this can me linked to Fibromyalgia. Something about an over reaction of the nerves that manifests as itching rather than pain. I’ve had this problem for 15 years or so and it has worsened as my migraines have become more frequent and my thyroid has worsened as well. Anyone else have this issue?
I have what’s referred to as “red ear” syndrome, which is thought to be tied to migraines. My ears flush bright red and are hot, often uncomfortably so, to the point I start sweating from the heat generated.
It affects both ears, though not always at the same time or intensity. I might go days without an attack, or have one that lasts all day, every day for a week. It’s not a “hot flash” but an attack lasting at least an hour (usually several hours), but only creating heat in the ears.
I also have TMJ syndrome, but I think that’s considered more a triggering condition, especially since I had that for years before I had severe migraines.
I have the same red ear problem although not to the extent of sweating. It is often the first sign of the migraine. We’ve also recently noticed it in my 7 year old son who I believe is developing migraines.
Diagnosed with Migraine syndrome–later in life! Daily head pressure that limits enjoying normal activities. Began with inner ear problem–cochlear hydrops–and fluctuating hearing loss of one ear. Have seen Neuro/ent and Neurologist. Has gotten worse in last 6 months. Periods where pressure is so bad I have to lay back in recliner or go to bed and let it ease. Feels like head is about to burst–no pain, just heavy eyelids, upper band like inside my head pressure. Makes me feel like I’m about to get dizzy—feel nauseated. Tried Nortriptolyine but it caused heart rhythm problems. Am now increasing exercise with walking more. Also, have to take low dose Xanax to deal with it and keep on doing daily activities. Ambien to sleep almost nightly. Sooo frustrating!
Is there anyone here who has this ongoing and daily—no let up? thanks
I also had an MRI that showed white spots on my brain. My neurologist informed me she thought they were from ‘silent strokes’ that I had suffered. Has anyone else heard of this? I have suffered with migraine headaches for over 40 years since I was a little girl. Also was told that MS could leave spots on brain?
I have had migraines for years and finally had a angiogram and I have had alot of silent strokes. I have a rare disease called moyamoya and the blood vessels are paper thin and can’t carry blood and oxygen very well so I had surgery for this and have only had 2 migraines in the last 6 months! I feel like a new person!
Hi, another problem with migraine as the main symptom is Hughes Syndrome. It is sometimes called sticky blood and if you are treated with blood thinners the migraine is relieved. Testing can be done at the GP for anticardiolipin antibodies. It also shows white spots on the MRI of the brain and some people get migraine while others don’t. Anyone interested in finding out more there is a Hughes Foundation website and treatment at a clinic in London, I think St Thomas More hospital but not sure. Hope this helps someone.
This is Very interesting to me. I’ve been getting migraines for years and because brain MRI’s have shown those white “plaques”, I’ve been diagnosed with MS. I’ve had lots of tingling in feet over the years and lately even some numbness, also creating the appearance of MS. But I don’t have the markers for MS in my spinal fluid. I have been taking anti-inflammatory supplements and exercising because I really don’t believe in the MS diagnosis. I’ll check out the Hughes Foundation website. Thanks.
Apparently a lot of people have been diagnosed with MS who actually have Hughes syndrome. The disorder is very new and really a lot of doctors do not know much about it so they seem to stick to what they know! Just go to the Hughes Foundation website and the details are all there.
Thanks for reminding me about “red ear” syndrome. Will mention it to my neurologist when I see her next week. Hasn’t happened to me in a long time but it’s almost always one ear, rarely both.
James, isn’t asthma comorbid with migraine?
The number one unbelievable treatment that has helped relieve my daily chronic headaches has been the treatment of my sleep apnea. For the last 10 years, I have suffered with chronic daily headache. I tried everything including stopping all medications to prevent rebound effect. Finally, 4 months ago, I went to a sleep center. I was found to have severe sleep apnea. I still have headaches. My old triggers still do their thing. But I do not have chronic daily headaches caused by nightly oxygen deprivation to my brain. This lack of oxygen was compounded by years of sleep deprivation. I am a new person. I have more energy and feel better than I have in years. It is incredible not to be in pain every single day.
I believe that Asthma is also comorbid with Migraine
This was a great article. I have had severe migraines (diagnosed years ago) since I was a small child. I now take Imitrex for them. I have found that I have at least 6 of the things on the comorbidity list. Before I knew there was such a list, I found on my own that several of my female friends who had migraines also had anxiety disorder and another disorder as did I. This rang a bell to me. The question should be to doctors/researchers, if there is a relation here between some of the disorders and diseases, could there be a cure for migraines. My father had migraines, I have them, and my son has them since he was 5 years old.
I suffered Daily Chronic Headaches and migrianes, so medications doesn’t help. I also have Von Recklinghausen’s Disease, just want to know does it trigger them?
I have factor v leiden, a genetic blood clotting disorder. I have seen many speculate that there is a link. I did some research in some journals and have seen that others think there may be as well.
Personally I have allergies, depression/anxiety, mild fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain suyndrome, TMJ, and mild IBS.
My dad has migraines, anxiety/depression, and raynauds.
Another interesting one, when I started treating my reflux, my migraines got a LOT better. Something no “preventatives” had done. I am guessing in me that is related as well.
I endured 34 years worth of #6 until brain surgery stopped them cold. I was recently re-diagnosed with TMJ Disorder. Anyone else have that comorbidity?
I am so glad I found this site. I have learned so much. I have had migraines for years and they have steadily gotten worse. My biggest problem is I wake up at all hours of the early morning with a headache. Anytime between 2 and 6 AM. I really am interested in the sleep apnea angle. Anyone else have this type problem? What is really interesting about this is my dermatologist said that the bumps on the back of my neck that never go away, he thought were caused by sleep apnea. So not sure but intrigued.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) could be added to the list.
But to balance all this with some good news – I believe there is a reduced risk of breast cancer for women who have migraine.
I have been diagnosed with migraine and Meniere’s disease. Neuro from HUP in Philadelphia diagnosed me as having both. He said they seem to crop up together and a migraine can trigger a Meniere’s attack and vice versa.
Great article,if is not bad enough just to have ,”migraines”l suffered severe migraine with aura,since l was 11,now one of my children has it too,since he was 6,he,s now 9.We recently went to a Doctor who is a sufferer himself,and wants me to have a test for,F.H.M,as l have more than one aura symptom and paralisis.l also have lBS, and Mitral value syndrome,but l was recently diagnoised with ,”Ankylosing Spondylitis”,and as its an Autoimmune disease although l,m taking medication for it l,ve just had aload of tests done again! from an Autoimmune Doctor.Before l was diagnoised with this they told me l had ,”Fibromyalgia”,but l got a nuclear skeletal bone scan and it showed inflamation in all my spine and joints of my body,because of this it has damaged most joints.Still not feeling good yet but hoping soon.lf your not feeling well and you do suffer from migraines ,even when you don,t have an attack go and get it investigated.Thanks Antonina
I have 2, 10, & 14. I’ve always had migraines it seems-chronic for the last 3 years. I am getting actual relief now because of oxygen therapy. I’m down to 3 days a week of headaches! I talked my Doc. into it, and my insurance covers the machine at home. He originally said to wear the oxygen mask for 4 hours a day at .4. I’ve found that when I get a severe migraine I get relief if I use it at .8 for about 30 minutes. I can’t believe that I am actually able to then work and function without meds! They say that it means I have clusters, but I don’t. It has changed my life. Nothing has worked for me, so I thought I’d share it with you to give you a non medication idea. Good luck to all of you – I know your pain.
My son (12 years old) gets migraines, and this year he also gets itchy legs, knee pain and constipation. Could this all be related? Maybe Celiac? I have also noticed his ears getting bright red when he is sick, but he has not mentioned the heat feeling.
Before I knew about the celiac, I would get extreme pains in my knees after ingesting gluten to the extent I’d often go to bed crying it hurt so bad. My skin would also itch incredibly. Now I do have very dry skin as is but since going GF, the itching has totally abated. And constipation is a definate symptom of celiac (not the one most know about). I’d definately look into it.
THANK YOU! Will do -
My wife’s combination of migraines and trigeminal neuralgia was misdiagnosed for years as being migraines alone. (The TN is far more painful to her.)
Anyone else have these two?
i have had benign essential tremor since the age of about 15- never managed to find out much about it and interested to see it on the list. The migraine started at 15 too with the IBS a few years later. Fibro not diagnosed until I was about 55 but suspect I have had it for years along with the cfs. I agree that the migraine is the worst one to cope with although triptans have enabled me to lead a more ‘normal ‘ life than before. thought I might ‘grow out of them’ but at the age of 64 they are still going strong.
I just turned 50 and have had migraine and essential tremor since puberty. Also premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The tremor and migraines get better and worse depending on what my hormones are doing. I’m now going through menopause and cycles are stretched out for longer periods. I keep the pain under control with a combination of venlafaxine and topamirate. I usually have to be careful what I eat & drink so as not to trigger a migraine.
My new neurologist cut back my fioraset use saying it can cause rebound headaches when used as little as 3 times a week, and could also cause stomach problems and dizziness. I’m so glad he did!! My stomach and head are back to normal and I can now take Sumatriptan and the full dose of Topamirate again!
Because I have to pay for my meds before getting reimbursed, I also use acetaminophen w/ codeine for nighttime relief because it’s so much less expensive.
I always thought the comorbidity of the migraine and tremor was a coincidence, as I seemed to inherit them from different people.
I welcome any replies.
Great! I have five of the conditions described in this list.
I have suffered from migraines for 26 years and they last for months on end. When I was pregnant, I had a migraine everyday of my pregnancy. I suffer from 1,2,5,10,14,15 and the depression worsens due to constant pain. In 3 years I missed over 150 days of work, due to the depression, anxiety and the migraine pain. I am currently disabled and unable to work, I live in a blacked out bedroom and have more ice bags and gel packs then I should.No pain medicine, preventive medicine or any combination of medicines help me. My father suffered from migraines and my mom’s mom suffers with migraines, so I had 100% chance of inheriating them. Then there are the ones that hit with severe heat, thunderstorms and severe cold temps. I avoid all the “bad foods”, and have has a hysterectomy (for other reasons) which the Doctor told me should help with my migraine pain-NOT. I can not have anything with any kind of a scent in my home or around me or it triggers a migraine, flashing lights will trigger a migraine, bright lights, loud sounds; they all trigger migraines. I feel trapped in my own home, really my bedroom, because that is the only dark place where I can go. One positive note, as of June,2011 I started my 1st set of botox injections, so I have my fingers crossed that this will help.
Hi Danielle,
I felt so sad to read your post and wish there were something that someone on this site could do to help. I have had migraines for a long time also but not to your extent. I have started to taking plavix, which is a blood thinner and inderal and this has been a big help. I have mentioned before on this forum a condition called hughes syndrome, maybe get tested for that and I have heard coeliacs can also sometimes cause constant migraine. I believe there is also an operation they are experimenting with at the Cleveland medical center but not sure about that. Try going to another doctor,even though I am sure you are sick of doctors it only takes one to know the right thing for you and you may not have met that one yet. I hope things improve for you.
I have suffered with migraines since puberty and there is a family history of migraines. My migraines became worse and more frequent following a medical procedure called a CT myelogram following a lumbar puncture. The CT myelogram discovered I had a Tarlov cyst located in my lower spine. When the spinal fluid was removed during the lumbar puncture and then the dye was injected for the CT myelogram, it created an imbalance in the spinal fluid pressure which lead to a spinal headache. Since this procedure in 2003, my migraines have become more painful, more frequent, and more difficult to treat. Take care when invasive diagnostic procedures for the spine/brain are performed. The CT- myelogram was for severe radiating low back pain and the lumbar puncture to rule out Multiple Scoliosis. In the last 2 years, my migraines have changed. I now have vertigo, severe right eye pain, balance problems, and increased numbness and tingling on right side; 99% of my migraines are on the right side.
Hi, I have headaches and migraine or 16 years since I was 35. I don’t know i it is hormone related or not but it has often been triggered by periods. All I know is that i’ve had headaches and migraine nearly every day. I am on pizotifen daily and they have helped a lot I also take triptans and they help, it’s just that I can’t take too many or I’l get a rebound, I work for myself as a mobile hairdresser and so I’m lucky but I’ve lost a lot of customers because of migraine and if I’d have worked for an employer I would have been unemployable. Having 2 teenagers probably had something to do with it aswell hehe. Anyway had a cat scan and they found I have an arachnoid cyst in the posterior fossa of my brain, they they say it’s not connected but i’ve done lots of research and I don’t agree. Also I have nerve pain in my legs due to knumbness and tingling from migraines.I also have most on the list. When I’ve had a bad migraine Ifeel chronically fatigued for about 3 weeks until the next one, have to say it has ruined the last 16 years of my life. Sorry to be negative but this is my life ..AAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
1,2.10,12 and 15 sorry I don’t have nearly all of them I just did’nt look properly. Sorry martine.
1, 2, 12, 15. Not only do I get the tingling in the legs but also my arms. I also go through bouts of insomnia as well as episodes of acting out my dreams. Many times my husband has told me how I have hit him while sleeping. I have had migraines for as long as I can remember. I have dramatically changed my diet. I read every label to avoid as much artificial ingredients and MSG as possible. At least I have managed to minimize the food related triggers. As for my preferred treatment, I do not like to medicate on a regular basis. So I opt for treating when I know the pain is starting. I will take naproxen sodium, (Aleve). If that does not work or minimize the pain, I will grab an ice pack or two and head to a quiet, dark room.
@Martine, arachnoid cysts in the posterior fossa can cause Chiari Malformations. It made me think of it because of the numbness and tingling you mention. It is diagnosed via an MRI, but get a copy of it yourself and look at it, as many Radiologists still miss them, though they are very easy to see. You can go to http://www.asap.org to learn more and see MRI’s to know what you’re looking for.