Can Migraines Cause Extreme Fatigue

Heart Attack Or Stroke

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Persistent Fatigue

While you may be on the lookout for chest pain to signal problems with your heart, you should also add sudden-onset fatigue to the list, per the American Heart Association. .

In addition, the AHA points out that fatigue or confusion can be one of the initial symptoms of a stroke. Other signs might include a severe headache, arm weakness and difficulty with walking or talking.

Warning

If you have sudden exhaustion along with any other symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. In either case, your likelihood of recovery is better the sooner you get treatment.

Migraines And Adrenal Fatigue

When you have chronic stress, whether physical or psychological, your bodys global response to it the NeuroEndoMetabolic Stress Response is constantly switched on. The NEMs six circuits are all engaged in an effort to neutralize the harmful effects of stress, and none more so than the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

The HPA axis is the main hormone cascade that goes into action whenever youre exposed to a stressor. The control centers in the brain signal to the adrenal glands to secrete anti-stress hormones, especially cortisol.

With chronic stress, however, the adrenal glands are over-stimulated and overworked, and can begin to dysregulate. At first, they produce more and more cortisol, signaling the beginning stages of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome . But once they are exhausted, their cortisol output drops, and this corresponds to the more advanced stages of AFS, characterized by a more debilitating condition and heavy fatigue.

Symptoms of AFS include tiredness, sleep issues, weight problems, mood disturbances, food sensitivities, low libido, PMS, infertility, heart palpitations, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.

The relationship between migraines and AFS goes both ways. Migraines can trigger or worsen AFS, and AFS can trigger or worsen migraines. Lets take a look at each possibility.

How migraines affect the adrenals

When AFS leads to migraines

Six Warning Signs Of A Migraine Headache

Migraine headaches have multiple phases and understanding each phase in more detail can help migraine sufferers manage this condition. It is common for people who suffer from frequent migraines to experience warning signs before the migraines begin. These warning signs are also known as the premonitory phase or prodrome phase, which marks the beginning of a migraine attack. A research study completed by the American Headache Society determined that about 32% of people with migraines experience a prodrome. This phase begins 60 minutes to six hours before a migraine attack, and can last several hours or may even occur over several days and can present numerous symptoms. These symptoms can include irritability, concentration problems, food cravings, sensitivity to bright lights and nausea, among many other warning signs listed by the American Migraine Foundation. Research shows early identification of migraine prodrome symptoms can help signs in a timely manner, the more effective. Here are six common migraine warning signs or prodromes:

Don’t Miss: What Can Cause Extreme Tiredness And Fatigue

Coping Strategies To Ward Off Migraine Fatigue

Researchers believe the fatigue that often accompanies migraine is not because of the toll pain takes on us. Rather, the evidence points to fatigue being part of migraine pathophysiology, which is defined as the functional bodily changes produced by the disease. Include fatigue symptoms in your migraine diary, and mention them to your health care providers. There may be help available that youre not aware of.

Pots: A Little Known Cause Of Extreme Fatigue

Everyone knows what being tired feels like at the end of a long day. But some people experience fatigue so severe and so seemingly random that its hard to describe. If that sounds familiar, there could be more going on than daily stress.

While there are many causes of fatigue, one of them is frequently missed and misdiagnosed: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome . Physical medicine and neuromuscular specialist Tae Chung, M.D., answers questions about POTS and extreme fatigue as one of its symptoms.

Don’t Miss: How To Reduce Chronic Fatigue

Should I See A Doctor

Dr. Rosen says that if headaches or tiredness keep you from participating in your life, like going to social events, family get-togethers, work or school, you should schedule a visit with your doctor. He or she may decide to refer you to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating headaches and other disorders affecting the brain, nerves and spinal cord.

He adds that if you experience a sudden or rapid change in headaches or suddenly develop any symptoms that seem related to the brain, nerves or spinal cord, such as weakness on one side of the face or language difficulties, call your doctor right away.

NINDS also advises calling your doctor if you:

Suddenly have a very severe headache, especially if you also have a stiff neck, confusion, shortness of breath or other unusual symptoms

Have a headache after a head injury
Have a new persistent headache, especially if youre older than 50
Have a new type of headache thats occurring two times a week or more

Have a headache when youre upright that goes away when you lie down

Also Check: How To Naturally Heal Adrenal Fatigue

Fact: Common Medications Can Trigger Drowsiness

Many common medications, such as those used to treat colds, allergies, or motion sickness, can hinder alertness on the road. If the bottle lists drowsiness as a side effect or warns against operating a motor vehicle, itâs best not to get behind the wheel. Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify the fatigue associated with these medications.

Don’t Miss: Itchy Skin Sore Joints Fatigue

Underactive Thyroid And Fatigue

Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, sluggishness, feeling run-down, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain

The problem may be a slow or underactive thyroid. This is known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy.

According to the American Thyroid Foundation, about 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder by age 60. And most won’t know it. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.

Blood tests known as T3 and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these hormones are low, synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed, and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.

Rare And Extreme Types Of Migraines

Fatigue, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

1) Hemiplegic Migraines

It affects a very small percentage i.e. 0.03 percent of people in the USA. It usually initiates during childhood. People suffering from hemiplegic migraines may also experience some other symptoms such as, paralysis or weakness on either side of the body, vision and speech disturbances, and some other symptoms which might mimic a stroke.

The paralytic condition is temporary, but it may last for a few days depending on the severity.

Existing Hemiplegic migraines are distinguished into two types:

A. Sporadic hemiplegic migraine

This types of migraines are associated with hemiplegic migraines is not a genetic disorder. After a person has symptoms of a hemiplegic migraine on several occasions, both FHM and SHM are diagnosed.

However, if that person doesnt have any family member with hemiplegic migraines, it is believed that the person has SHM. The presence of the known genetic risk is the only difference.

B. Familial hemiplegic migraine

This variant is an inherited genetic migraine disorder that leads to hemiplegic migraines. Genetic testing is done to determine if a person has the gene mutations that may be associated with this variant.

If any of the family members has FHM, the chances to have FHM are comparatively higher.

2) An Ocular Migraine

An ocular Migraine is another rare type of migraines. It is also known as a retinal migraine. It affects only about 1 in 200 migraine sufferers.

3) An Ophthalmic Migraine

4) An Ophthalmoplegic Migraine

You May Like: Can Heart Issues Cause Fatigue

So Why Are Migraines So Exhausting

The general consensus is that medical researchers dont really know what causes fatigue. What we do know is that it takes a lot of energy for your body to fight off pain. The worst fatigue Ive ever experienced was when I was dizzy all day for many months with vestibular migraine. I remember asking the doctor what I could do about it. His response was that it takes a lot of energy for your body to compensate for daily dizziness. While we are going to discuss many strategies to ease fatigue below, the number one thing you can do to fight migraine and fatigue is to get control over your symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your migraine preventative treatment plan and be sure it includes many pieces of the treatment pie.

If you are working your preventative treatment plan and are still experiencing debilitating symptoms dont lose hope. One study found using Interventions to prevent migraine are likely to lessen fatigue and improve quality of life. And there are many strategies you can implement to reduce the impact that migraine and fatigue have on your daily life. Stay with me as we discuss steps you can take to increase your energy levels so you are ready when the next attack strikes.

Helpful Tips To Manage Migraine Fatigue

I may look like I am being lazy sometimes, but the truth is I am physically and mentally exhausted. I need to exhibit a lot of self-control every day. My brain is constantly scanning for potential triggers and preparing ways to avoid them. I have to will myself not to eat the wrong things and stick to my gluten-free diet. Migraine fatigue is a real thing and it can be draining.

At different times of the day, depending on how or what I am feeling, I need to distract my mind from dwelling on any negative or self-deprecating thinking. Bouts of pain and migraine attacks force me into a state of limitation.

I must reserve any energy I have for a really important task, otherwise, I take the risk of burning myself out and becoming utterly useless.

In the past I would power through that exhaustion, which in turn left me in high pain and with high migraine fatigue. Before I knew it I was almost out of spoons!

Many of us who live with chronic illness know about the spoon theory, created by Christine Miserandino. We typically wake up each day with 12 spoons and we have to manage how we are going to use them without running out of them before the day is over.

I live a life of high stress, mostly due to the fact that I cannot predict when or where I will be knocked down by pain. Every day has the potential for pain and fatigue. So how do we manage them both? Here are my top 10 tips for doing just that.

Don’t Miss: Cancer Fatigue Vs Normal Fatigue

What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider

Will my child grow out of their migraines?

What medications do you recommend for me?
What should I change about my lifestyle to prevent my migraine headaches?
Should I get tested?

What type of migraine do I have?
What can my friends and family do to help?
Are my migraines considered chronic?

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Migraine headaches can be devastating and make it impossible to go to work, school or experience other daily activities. Fortunately, there are some ways to possibly prevent a migraine and other ways to help you manage and endure the symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to keep migraines from ruling your life.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/03/2021.

References

What Are The Four Stages Or Phases Of A Migraine Whats The Timeline

The four stages in chronological order are the prodrome , aura, headache and postdrome. About 30% of people experience symptoms before their headache starts.

The phases are:

Prodrome: The first stage lasts a few hours, or it can last days. You may or may not experience it as it may not happen every time. Some know it as the preheadache or premonitory phase.

Aura: The aura phase can last as long as 60 minutes or as little as five. Most people dont experience an aura, and some have both the aura and the headache at the same time.

Headache: About four hours to 72 hours is how long the headache lasts. The word ache doesnt do the pain justice because sometimes its mild, but usually, its described as drilling, throbbing or you may feel the sensation of an icepick in your head. Typically it starts on one side of your head and then spreads to the other side.

Postdrome: The postdrome stage goes on for a day or two. Its often called a migraine hangover and 80% of those who have migraines experience it.

It can take about eight to 72 hours to go through the four stages.

Also Check: Can Low Vitamin D Cause Fatigue

Doctors Recommend Getting A Blood Test For Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndome If You Have Experienced Fatigue For Longer Than:

There is no blood test for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndome. However, if you have experienced unexplained fatigue lasting longer than three months, you may want to see your doctor to rule out possible medical problems.myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome may be considered if you have experienced fatigue for longer than six months â especially if you have chronic pain or other common symptoms of ME/CFS. Diagnosis is usually based on an evaluation of the patientâs history and a thorough physical and mental examination that rules out other potential causes.

You May Like: Best Supplement For Menopause Fatigue

What Is A Migraine

A migraine is not simply a bad headache. A migraine is an intense headache that may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea , vomiting , visual problems and an increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraines commonly last between four hours and three days. Some people experience migraines several times a week. Others might only experience attacks every few years. If you experience headaches on 15 days or more each month, and eight of these headaches are migraines, this is known as chronic migraine.

Although migraines are not life-threatening and do not shorten peoples life expectancies, they can significantly damage the quality of peoples lives. A World Health Organisation study identified migraine as the sixth highest cause worldwide of years lost due to disability . Repeated migraines can have a negative impact on family life, social life and employment.

There are two main types of migraine: migraine without aura and migraine with aura .

Recommended Reading: Does Prostate Cancer Cause Fatigue

What Are The Treatments For Migraine

There is no absolute cure for migraine. However, lots of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms of a migraine attack.

When a migraine attack occurs, most people find that lying down in a quiet, dark room is helpful. Sleeping can also help. Some people find that their symptoms die down after they have vomited .

Most people affected by migraine will already have tried paracetamol, aspirin and perhaps anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen before they seek advice from their doctor. If ordinary painkillers alone are not relieving your symptoms, your GP might prescribe you a triptan to be taken in addition to over-the-counter painkillers . Triptans are available in different forms to suit individuals , although it is important to note that some people develop short-term side effects when taking triptans. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-sickness medication. If your situation does not improve after treatment, you might be referred to a specialist migraine clinic.

It is important to avoid taking painkillers on more than two days per week or more than 10 days per month as this can in fact make things worse by triggering medication overuse headaches.

Who Is Affected By Vestibular Migraine

What Really Causes a Migraine?

Vestibular migraine is the most common cause of recurrent spontaneous vertigo and the second most common vestibular disorder after benign paroxysmal positional vertigo . It affects about 10% of all migraineurs. Vestibular migraine may start at any age and has a female preponderance of about 3:1. Familial occurrence is common, pointing to a genetic origin of the disorder.

There is a strong association with Ménières disease, with approximately half of people with Ménières experiencing at least one migraine symptom during a Ménières attack. The two conditions can coincide in 40% of patients with Ménières disease. Vestibular migraine must always be considered in any patient with Ménières whose symptoms recur unexpectedly and before any destructive Ménières treatment is contemplated.

Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood designates a variant of vestibular migraine that starts at pre school age with brief attacks of isolated vertigo which tend to be replaced by typical headache migraine after a few years.

You May Like: How To Support Adrenal Fatigue

Preventative Medication And Therapies

If you experience frequent migraines, your GP might discuss preventative medication options with you.

It is important to note that preventatives for migraines are not pain medication, but help to reduce the number of migraines. They take time to work, so the minimum time period required may be three to six months. Contact your GP or specialist for further information. All of these treatments have their advantages and disadvantages and some of the medications might not be suitable for everybody.

You might find that this medication reduces the frequency and severity of your attacks but does not stop them completely. You will need to continue your other migraine treatments when you experience an attack.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that GPs and specialists should consider the following drugs and therapies if they think you might benefit from preventative treatment:

Beta blocking drugs

These drugs are traditionally used to treat angina and high blood pressure. It has been found that certain beta-blockers prevent migraine attacks. Beta-blockers are unsuitable for people with certain conditions.

Topiramate

This drug is typically prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy but has also been found to help reduce the frequency of migraines. Again, it is not suitable for everyone. In particular, women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should be advised of the associated side effects.