Nothing hurts like a migraine, which is considered to be the most common type of severe headache. You have to deal with pain, nausea, and vomiting, but it doesn’t end there. Frequent migraines can actually increase your risk for other health disorders as well. In America, migraines affect 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men. Of that group, 30 to 40 percent have visual symptoms or auras that may include lines, spots or flashes of light.
While most migraines last for hours, they can also go on for days at a time.12 The causes of migraine may range from stress to lack of sleep. Yet, every person has different triggers, so awareness regarding the same is necessary. Knowing your triggers shall make it easier to keep migraines at bay.
1. Facial Paralysis Due To Migraines
Migraines double the risk for bell’s palsy, a temporary form of facial paralysis. It develops when a facial nerve is damaged, causing milk weakness and twitching. Other symptoms include a drooping eyelid, dry eye, and drooling. Typically, only one side is paralyzed. It’s rare for the entire face to take a hit. Here’s the good news though! Bell’s palsy doesn’t last forever! Most symptoms subside within two weeks and totally disappear by 3 to 6 months. Plus, for every 100,000 migraine sufferers, bell’s palsy only affects 11 to 40 people each year.3 4 5
2. Heart Disease Due To Migraines
If the heart doesn’t get enough blood, heart disease is likely. However, migraines change your blood flow and it only makes sense that the two are linked. With visual symptoms, the chances of heart problems are higher. If they show up less than once a week, the risk doubles, while weekly symptoms quadruples the risk.6
3. Stroke Due To Migraines
Migraines, especially with visual symptoms, heighten the risk for ischemic stroke. This type of stroke is caused by blocked blood flow, which migraines just worsen. Of course, the chances are even higher if you already have poor heart health. To lower the risk, quit smoking and control weight. Talk to your doctor if want to take oral contraceptives.7
4. Depression Due To Migraines
Dealing with any health problem can be stressful. Pain isn’t very fun, after all. Unsurprisingly, for every 10 migraine sufferers, 3 to 4 also have depression. This can make dealing with migraines even harder. Depression is actually common in many neurological disorders. Apart from migraines, it also affects those with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. If you regularly have migraines, take care of your mental health. Make stress relief a part of management. For an extra hand, see a therapist.8 9
5. Parkinson’s Disease Due To Migraines
According to a 2016 Taiwanese study, frequent migraines increase the risk for parkinson’s, a movement disorder. The experiment included 82,000 individuals, half with migraines, and half without. Within 32 months, 148 of those with migraines developed parkinson’s disease. Only 101 could be said of the non-migraine group. Researchers think dopamine plays a part. This neurotransmitter has a role in movement disorders and migraines, so the relationship is likely. The risk for parkinson’s increases as you get older. Obviously, while you can’t control your age but exercise and healthy eating can lower your risk.10 1112
Migraine management depends on lifestyle changes. Yet, it’ll be worth the extra effort. You can definitely avoid pain and these five health problems.
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