PTSD and Migraines: Are They Connected?
Not all people who get migraines suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but studies have shown that those who have PTSD are far more likely to suffer from headache related disorders than those without it.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a condition that can develop after someone has experienced a scary, shocking, or traumatic event. Experiencing a painful or disturbing incident does not always lead to PTSD and some people can recover from the initial shock. However, others may continue to suffer from the aftereffects for months or years.
Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares related to the experience. Someone with PTSD may become hypervigilant or on edge due to fear and anxiety. Depression, anger, and feelings of being on autopilot are common, too.
The Links Between PTSD and Migraines
The symptoms of PTSD can make migraines occur more often and more painful. Hypervigilance is thought to be one cause for this because the “fight or flight” instinct causes neuroinflammation as well as heightens nerves sensitivity to pain.
Stress is a common trigger for migraines and PTSD is a very stressful condition. A migraine is a stressful event in of itself so this can put a person in a vicious cycle with PTSD and migraines.
Migraine Treatment
If you feel you are suffering from PTSD, it is important that you speak with a mental health professional to discuss treatment options. Many of the strategies to help a person cope with PTSD can also help reduce the occurrence of migraines.
For the migraine headaches themselves, there are medications available to help.
- Sumatriptan Tablets: Sumatriptan is an oral medication designed to treat acute migraines once they start. They do not prevent migraines, but they should help stop an active migraine within 30-60 minutes.
- Rizatriptan Tablets: Rizatriptan is taken once a migraine headache has started. It helps reduce and/or stop the symptoms associated with migraines such as pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light.
- Zolmitriptan Tablets: These tablets belong to the same grouping as Sumatriptan tablets and are taken after a migraine has started. Any migraine symptoms should begin to decrease within 30 minutes of taking.
If you get migraine headaches, you do not have to keep suffering. Visit Pharmacy Planet today to find out more about how to get Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, and Zolmitriptan tablets online in the UK. https://www.pharmacyplanet.com/
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925