Migraines can become a painful reality during concussion recovery. It is important to understand the pathophysiology of migraines and how it relates to concussions, in order to best treat those who may be suffering.
What is the link between concussions and migraines?
Concussed individuals may suffer from the following symptoms: headaches/migraines, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, ringing in the ears and confusion or amnesia. Migraines are the most commonly reported symptom of a concussion. They are characterized by nausea, pain in the temples or behind one eye or ear, heightened sensitivity to light and/or sound, seeing spots or flashing lights, temporary vision loss, and vomiting. The similarities between concussions and migraines are apparent in the juxtaposition of primary symptoms. In one study, individuals who had experienced a concussion had 2.36 times greater odds of being diagnosed with migraine when compared to individuals who did not have a history of concussions. One reason for this may be that trauma can be a trigger reported in migraine sufferers and a concussion can serve as the source of trauma that may aggravate pre-existing conditions, specifically migraine. On the other side of the fence, individuals who experienced migraines prior to getting a concussion may experience longer recovery times, and this is both expected and understandable. One hypothesis for that may be the reduced threshold of sensitivity to stimuli that migraine sufferers may experience, and therefore they may report symptoms others may not be as sensitive to. This sensitivity to symptoms may also increase the likelihood of migraine sufferers receiving a concussion diagnosis to begin with compared with their counterparts. Migraines themselves do not have the same lasting effects as concussions. It is a common misconception that migraines may cause permanent damage, however studies have shown that there is no association with decreased functionality or cognitive decline.
Is treatment different for migraines and concussions?
The congruence of symptoms in migraines and concussions may lead to some confusion when obtaining a diagnosis. However, concussions and migraines have different diagnostic criteria and courses of treatment. Initial assessments should highlight the occurrence of side effects pertaining to only one of the ailments.
When treating a migraine, individuals can begin by increasing fluid intake and rest. Nevertheless, seeking medical assistance is recommended to confirm that the migraine is not an indicator of a more serious ailment, such as a concussion. Daily medications may also be prescribed to lower the frequency of migraines. Concussions are far more serious and should be treated urgently by a medical professional. A health professional will be able to assess the severity of the concussion, diagnose the condition and formulate the most effective treatment plan.
The connection between concussions and migraines is best summarized by the following statement: concussions may result in the onset of a migraine; migraines may be misdiagnosed as concussions or they may co-occur through similar mechanisms or by chance.
Written by Anne Mburu
References:
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