Relationship of Stress to Migraine
Headaches
•Type of headache
• Intense throbbing pain of the head, temples or behind
one eye or ear
• Can also cause nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to
light and sound.
•Migraine can occur any time (usually mornings).
•The pain can last from a few hours to days.
•Migraine attacks can interfere with your day-to-day life.
We don’t know what causes migraines, but some
things are more common in people who have them
•Age (25-55)
•Family history
•Women
•Less severe and
frequent with age.
Statistics
•36 million Americans suffer from migraines
•Migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling medical
illnesses.
•Over10% of the population - including children - suffers from
migraine. That's more than diabetes and asthma combined!
•About 18% of American women and 6% of men suffer from
migraine.
•For more than 90% of all sufferers, migraine interferes with their
education, career and social activities.
Stress
•Acute Stress- body's immediate reaction
•Chronic Stress-impacting your body over a
period of time
•Caused by external and internal stressors
•Stress response
•fight or flight
•Stress can trigger migraines
•Chronic stress
•Studies show that everyday stresses — not major life
changes — cause most headaches
In several medical studies, migraine patients have reported stress as a
serious trigger, often edging out missed meals, bright sunlight and
weather changes as the most common precipitant
Help Prevent or Reduce Stress
•Diet
•Sleep
•Exercise
•Relaxation exercises
•Limit alcohol and caffeine
•Try to figure out what causes you to feel stressed
The Migraine Research Foundation
Provides hope to sufferers by raising funds for innovative
scientific research to further the understanding of the
causes and mechanisms of migraine, to develop improved
treatments for sufferers, and to find the cure.
QUESTIONS?
Resources
(2008). Migraine Fact Sheet. Womens Health.org. Retrieved from
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/ourpublications/fact-sheet/migraine.cfm#m
(2012). Migraine Research Foundation. Retrieved from
http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/index.html
Jim Distasio. (2011). 7 Ways to Reduce Stress and Manage Migraine Pain.
Health Wise. Retrieved from
http://www.headachemag.org/Articles/FitnessAndNutrition/7Ways-to-Manage-Stress-and-Reduce-Migraine-Pain