Connection Between Stress and Migraines

Connection Between Stress Triggers and Migraines

In a recent survey of 1,027 participants suffering from migraines, stress was identified as the most common trigger, affecting 79.7% of respondents. Other common triggers included hormonal changes (65.1%), hunger or missing a meal (57.3%), and weather shifts (53.2%).

Migraines, characterized by severe pain on one side of the head, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to bright lights, and heavy pulsing head pain, can last for several hours to a few days. Understanding one's migraine triggers can increase the chances of avoiding them, potentially preventing migraine episodes.

Stress, a known trigger for migraine attacks, can be induced by daily stressors such as a long commute, a stressful job, or managing the household and children. The prodrome stage of a stress-induced migraine may include symptoms like low energy, fatigue, irritability, depression, neck stiffness, and food cravings.

If stress-induced migraines are affecting your daily life, it's important to seek help from a therapist or doctor. Improving stress management skills, such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, relaxing with hobbies, exercising regularly, spending time outdoors, mindfulness and meditation practices, therapy, and regular doctor visits, can help lower stress levels and potentially prevent stress-induced migraines.

The neuro-ophthalmologist who has extensively studied the link between stress and migraines is Dr. Peter J. Goadsby, who researches at the University of Utah Medical Center and is CEO of Axon Optics. There are FDA-approved medications that can help treat or prevent migraines, including erenumab (Aimovig), lasmiditan (Reyvow), and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy).

Interestingly, a 2020 report found that Gen Z adults ages 18 to 23 had the highest stress levels during 2020, with an average of 6.1 out of 10. It's important to note that different people and demographics can experience very different stress levels, even during uniquely stressful times.

Anxiety or worry about upcoming events or anticipated stress can also cause anxiety headaches. Major stressful life events can contribute to chronic migraines. It's crucial to address and manage stress levels to maintain overall health and well-being.