RA and Migraine

[Brushwork]

I have always suffered from Migraine, though it went undiagnosed till fairly recently. The attacks have worsened, as my RA has progressed.

Is this a common thing with RA?

[Lolabridge]

Hi Brushwork. I’m sorry to hear you’re suffering with migraine. It’s not something I get with RA but I’m sure I’ve read it can be a problem for some people post Covid. Probably a good idea to let you your medical team know. Hope you feel better soon.

[Stills]

I developed migraine 12 years after diagnosis of Stills which manifests as RD but it seems a separate thing from flares.

[Marionfromhappydays]

I found whilst my RA was uncontrolled my migraines became much more frequent.

*touch wood* back down to only a couple per year now.

Horrible for you, they suck big time x

[oldtimer]

If your migraine is triggered by stress (mine used to happen in the immediate recovery period after a stressful time) then you may find that they happen at the same sort of time. But otherwise I can't see any connection.

[Runrig01]

I have ankylosing spondylitis, and have migraines. Mine aren’t associated with the AS, although they happen more when I’m in a flare. Thankfully I only get 2-3 a year, as they are severe with repeated vomiting and diarrhoea. I also have adrenal insufficiency, so have to administer an intramuscular steroid injection, as my migraines can cause a crisis, not fun. My adrenal insufficiency caused a severe stroke 5yr ago, so I’m not allowed any of the triptans which can be good. I did briefly get prescribed the nasal one, just before the stroke, so didn’t get a chance to see how effective it would be.

I do know other AS patients whose migraines are related to their AS, mainly due to neck issues. A few of them get Botox injections, which they swear by.

[Vonnie10]

I had a bad flare up recently I found my shoulder and neck caused a bad dull ache in the base of my skull and behind my eyes I thought it must be referred pain from my shoulders

[Nana246 in reply to Vonnie10]

Interesting Vonnie, during flare I get exactly what you get. 😊

[Braecoon]

Pre RA I suffered with migraines with aura (visual blind spot and flashing zig zag lines in a C shape) only occasionally (1-2 times a year). When I went perimenopausal for 7 years very frequent 2-3 times a day for a week at a time 1 week in 4 (very hormone related). When I entered menopause at 52, was diagnosed with RA. I was on HRT, so do not know if RA, or the meds, or the HRT were and still are the triggers🧠

[Brushwork]

All very interesting…

I’m not convinced there’s a causal link. I do get them frequently and they have definitely become both more frequent and worse. I also have Sjogrens and this affects my sinuses.

I do wonder if the meds are a trigger along with many of my favourite foods.

[Blackberrywine]

Hi there. I'm sorry you suffer with this. I actually find it worse than the autoimmune arthritis! It got so bad ( with weird smellovision) I saw a neurologist and had scans.

I don't have RA but a different type that attacks my spine and tendons. Also get psoriasis. Mine gets really bad if neck and back inflamed. I have to be really carefully what I eat too.