Headaches are a common cause of pain and discomfort in people with MS. It may even be an early sign that someone may have MS.
A
A small 2017 study found that
The types of headaches in the study varied, but about half of the participants with MS in the study stated they had throbbing or pulsating headaches.
About 30 percent of the study participants reported sharp headache pain, and 28 percent said they had dull or tension headaches.
It is not known exactly why some people with MS may have more frequent headaches.
As with any common symptom, the actual cause may not be known, or it may be due to another underlying experience. Some causes of headache pain may be linked to:
- lifestyle habits
- specific triggers
- other health issues aside from MS
Health issues aside from MS that may cause headache pain include:
- being dehydrated or not drinking enough water
- consuming too much caffeine
- drinking alcohol
- eating certain triggering foods, like those containing monosodium glutamate, aspartame, or high amounts of salt
- not eating enough or going without food for too long
- sleep disorders, such as too much or too little sleep
- stress and anxiety
Headache pain with MS may depend on whether you are more prone to headaches or have a history of headaches.
A 2013 study found that about
Only 11 percent of people with MS in the study above had new symptoms of migraine or serious headache after their MS diagnosis.
According to a
Still, a
Headaches can take many forms and cause a range of symptoms and discomfort. According to the small 2013 study above, if you have MS, you may be more likely to have three of the following types of headaches:
Migraine is much more common in MS than these other headache disorders. In fact, a
Migraine can be serious and long-lasting. Afterward, you may feel tired or worn out for up to a day.
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