Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome has a wide range of debilitating symptoms which include chronic pain and overwhelming exhaustion that significantly impacts quality of life, and among the co-morbid conditions people may experience are migraine type headaches.
In September, many UK charities who provide information and support for those who experience migraines raise awareness of the condition during Migraine Awareness Week (23rd – 29th).
The Migraine Trust says:
“We want to raise awareness of what it means to live with migraine in the UK.
1 in 7 people live with migraine and it is most common among adults of working age.”
ME Association Website Survey: Migraines, Headaches and ME/CFS
The ME Association would like to invite you to take a survey to understand your experience with migraines:
Migraines can be misunderstood as severe headaches however, they are a complex neurological condition characterised by intense, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals also experience aura (sensory disturbances) before the onset of pain. The wide range of symptoms can impact daily living, and some people with ME/CFS may find it challenging to deal with symptom management of both conditions.
Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress
- Dietary Factors: Certain foods like aged cheese, chocolate, and alcohol can trigger migraines in some people.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause can lead to migraines.
- Environmental Stimuli: Bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells can be triggers
Dr Charles Shepherd, Honorary Medical Adviser to the ME Association writes in the information leaflet entitled Headaches & Migraines:
“Doctors classify headaches as being primary where there is no obvious link to an underlying medical problem, or secondary where there is a clear link.”
Primary headaches include:
Cluster headaches
An excruciatingly painful headache that causes intense pain around one eye. Cluster headaches are fairly rare and tend to occur in clusters for a month or two, sometimes around the same time each year. Ordinary painkillers don’t tend to help – this type of headache normally requires a prescription-only treatment.
Migraine headaches
These tend to be recurrent, disabling and often prevent a person carrying on with normal daily life. The pain is often described as pounding or throbbing on one or both sides of the head. Other symptoms may include nausea and visual disturbances.
Tension headaches
These are the most common form of headache. Tension headaches are often described as a dull ache with constant pressure around the front, top and sides of the head – as if a rubber band has been stretched around it. Common causes include stress, depression, lack of proper sleep, skipping meals, not drinking enough fluid and alcohol.
Secondary headaches are caused by an existing medical problem. Some of these are serious, which is why you must see your doctor if you have severe or persistent headaches.
Within the leaflet Dr Shepherd discusses the link to ME/CFS:
What we do know from research is that there is a link between ME/CFS and migraine-type headaches There is also a link between ME/CFS and Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – where the joint between the lower jaw and base of the skull causes various types of facial pain. About 20% of people with TMJ disorders have headaches.