By the Numbers
Male migraineurs are four times more likely than female migraineurs to have PTSD .
Veterans with migraine are twice as likely to have PTSD , depression and anxiety than those without migraine .
Source : American Academy of Neurology
“ People with migraine have a hypersensitive , hypervigilant nervous system ,” he says . “ I think it ’ s easier for people who have that underlying sensitive brain to end up developing PTSD .”
Conversely , stressful events will actually cause biochemical changes in the brain , and aspects of PTSD — including nightmares that disrupt sleep — make it difficult for the brain to relax . Dr . Ready says this could worsen the underlying migraine condition .
Resources for Recovery
Addressing the symptoms of PTSD can reduce related migraine pain . To help with this , Michael Ready , MD , recommends book therapy .
“ With any kind of chronic condition , the more we learn about it , the better we do ,” he says . He suggests the following two reads :
The Post-Traumatic Insomnia Workbook : A Step-By-Step Program for Overcoming Sleep Problems After Trauma
By Karin Elorriaga Thompson , PhD , and C . Laurel Franklin , PhD
Brain Injury Survival Kit : 365 Tips , Tools and Tricks to Deal with Cognitive Function Loss
By Cheryle Sullivan , MD
Don ’ t have time to dive into a book ? Try this mobile solution created by the U . S . Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense :
PTSD Coach : This smart phone app offers PTSD treatment information , tools for tracking symptoms , tips for handling stress and links to support — all at your fingertips . You can download PTSD Coach for free from iTunes or Android Market .
In addition , mild traumatic brain injuries — the defining wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — are almost always linked to headaches and are often associated with PTSD .
it is treatable
Research has shown that people who suffer from both PTSD and migraine are more likely to have headacherelated disability , so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible . In addition to taking traditional migraine medications , such as triptans , sufferers need to address the psychological component with therapy . “ If we treat the PTSD , the pain gets better ,” Dr . Ready says . “ It doesn ’ t necessarily go away , but it ’ s an essential part of what we need to do .”
Certain lifestyle changes , such as exercise , improved diet and increased hydration , are also beneficial . Dr . Finkel notes that maintaining proper sleep , as well as managing the patient ’ s environment , are particularly important .
“ People with PTSD may feel very uncomfortable in crowds and in an unsafe environment ,” he says . “ That kind of stress can lead to more headaches .”
As researchers continue to explore the relationship between PTSD and migraine , Dr . Ready hopes their findings serve as a wake-up call for both physicians and veterans .
“ If you ’ re having frequent headaches , I think it ’ s important to ask , ‘ Could I have PTSD with this ?’” he says . “ Because if it ’ s there and we don ’ t treat it , chances are it will make it harder to get your headaches under control .”
For Nunnery , working with his physician , spending time at the gym and practicing tai chi have helped significantly reduce his migraine events .
“ If you have PTSD , don ’ t deny it ,” he says . “ It was hell until I started getting help … now I almost have a normal life again .” HW
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