You can feel the headache coming, but there’s nothing you can do to stop it. So, you hide in a dark, quiet room until the headache passes. If this sounds familiar, you’re likely someone who gets migraines.
Unfortunately, migraines don’t always stop at the pain. Sometimes, they are linked to other health conditions.
What Conditions Migraines Can Cause
Research has found a link between migraines and other health issues. Some of the most serious links include:
Anxiety and depression—Living with migraines puts you at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Having migraines on a regular basis significantly elevates your risk for developing depression.
Epilepsy—Migraines can be associated with epilepsy, a seizure disorder.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—Like migraines, the cause of IBS is unknown. Migraine and tension-type headaches may be linked with IBS on a genetic level, according to research presented at an American Academy of Neurology conference.
Stroke—Having migraines does not mean you’ll eventually have a stroke, but your risk for stroke is increased. The risk is higher for women with migraines that are accompanied by light flashes, speaking problems and auras.
What Conditions Cause Migraines
While migraines can cause many health issues, they can also be the result of underlying health conditions. Some common health problems that can lead to migraines include allergies, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, hormonal changes and inflammation.
When an underlying health issue is causing your migraine, getting the problem under control will help prevent future migraines.
Your lifestyle impacts your migraine risk as well. Smoking, alcohol, some medications and emotional, physical, dietary and environmental triggers can also cause migraines. Lower your risk by avoiding excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, getting plenty of sleep each night and not skipping meals.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While any migraine is unwanted, some are more dangerous than others. To ensure your good health, seek immediate medical attention if you experience a migraine that is:
- Worse than any migraine you’ve ever had
- Causes you to pass out, vomit uncontrollably or lose your vision for a prolonged period
- Lasts longer than three days with fewer than four continuous hours of relief
