Yes, Fibromyalgia and Migraine are Strongly Linked

Another study has confirmed the link between fibromyalgia and migraine, with some interesting side notes.

The study was actually comparing chronic migraine (CM) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) with fibromyalgia, to see which were more connected. There was a connection with both – over a quarter of the patients with CTTH also had fibromyalgia. But for CM, over 2/3 had fibromyalgia!

Some patients are so focused on one condition that they don’t take the time to consider the other. It’s very important to realize that you may be struggling with more than one condition, requiring more than one treatment. (For more, see Is Migraine a “Symptom” of Fibromyalgia?)

CM patients with fibromyalgia also experienced “increased frequency of photophobia, phonophobia, anxiety, depression, and insomnia”. Another reason why both conditions need to be taken seriously. This connection was not seen in the patients with CTTH.

Strictly on the fibromyalgia side, the fibro tended to have a higher impact on life if the patient also had chronic migraine.

It is very helpful to talk to your doctor if you think you may be dealing with more than one condition. There may be excellent treatments that can help with both. The more you know, the more you can choose the right treatment for you.

For more on this study, read: Fibromyalgia Among Patients With Chronic Migraine and Chronic Tension-Type Headache