The ADHD-Migraine Connection

5 min read

Someone you love or are concerned about could have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD. You might not know that those suffering from ADHD additionally have greater risk of developing migraines.

Scientists are still trying to determine the exact connection between ADHD migraines, ADHD, or genetics. There are a number of possible causes that exist, ranging from the hormonal effects to genes, or sleep disorders.

This article focuses on the connection with ADHD and migraines. It also provides ways to reduce their effect on your life.

Stress, anxiety migraines, anxiety, and ADHD The connection between them

You might be familiar with the various constellations of comorbidities like anxiety, depression and sleep disorders frequently related to ADHD. These disorders can cause migraines. Migraines are closely connected to sleep disturbances and stress.

Researchers have found a clear link between sleep apnea depression, and various other disorders. Disorders of sleep and mood can cause or worsen signs of ADHD as well as migraine. This creates an unending cycle in which many comorbidities, including insomnia, mood disorder ADHD and migraine interact with each other, and then intensify.

However, studies suggest that the cause of these comorbidities might be complex and involve a mix of biological and environmental aspects. Researchers believe that these ailments result from the brain’s inability of processing dopamine.

Drugs that stimulate the brain in the treatment of ADHD symptoms can also cause migraines. The effects of stimulant drugs could result in mild headaches that affect the back or across the head when the drug wears off.

Simple Migraine Treatment Strategies

There is no treatment for migraines, however there is a way to control the symptoms. There is a way to control both migraines as well as ADHD symptoms by addressing the disorder.

Reduce Stress

Since anxiety and depression can cause more headaches and ADHD symptoms Stress reduction is the first step. You might be overwhelmed by the amount of clutter within your home. Small, consistent efforts to minimize it can help reduce the stress levels that trigger migraines and exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

Sleep disorders may be connected to headaches as well as ADHD. Finding and addressing sleep issues could help you control the symptoms. Sleep apnea can be affecting 18 million Americans However, many people may not even be aware of it.Buy Adderall

You can determine the presence of sleep apnea by looking for a variety of indicators. Snoring is among the most frequent indicators. Other signs include fatigue that is extreme throughout days, regularly awakening in the night, and a sore throat. Talk to your doctor or consult an expert if you think you have a sleeping disorder.

Find Triggers, Pressure Points and treatments.

The best preventive measure is to identify and avoiding triggers for migraine like stress and medication (or forgetting medications) as well as other sensory triggers, such as the sun’s the glare. If you suffer from migraine, a variety of treatments are available. In addition to seeking treatment with a specialist, learning the pressure points that are used in migraine treatment using Acupressure or acupuncture could bring relief. ADHD signs can be controlled by eliminating triggers and applying pressure points. Acetaminophen Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and Acetaminophen might be needed to treat migraine headaches. Talk to your physician prior to beginning any treatment.

Patients suffering from migraines want their symptoms to be stopped. Did you have the knowledge that ADHD increases the chances of experiencing migraine headaches, and vice the reverse?

Headaches in teenagers, children and adults are often a sign of ADHD. One study found that people who had ADHD experienced migraines more than the average male. According to a different study, the degree that is associated with ADHD in children is directly correlated to the number of headaches that migraine sufferers experience.

Why do migraines occur in conjunction with ADHD?

Researchers have come up with a variety of theories that clarify why migraines tend to be more prevalent among people suffering from ADHD. Researchers have concluded that women suffer more from migraines than men. This could be due to hormonal changes. The migraines can also be related to mood disorders and anxiety. Certain researchers believe that headaches could result in irritation and distraction for children, specifically children with small attention spans. Others they suggest that a different disorder can cause both.

Marco Antonio Arruda, MD, Ph.D.Ph.D., is an pediatric neurologist in Sao Paulo University, Brazil. Arruda suggests that genetics could be involved, as well as stress and other environmental factors may affect neurotransmitters, such as dopamine.

The Dr. Arruda says when treating children suffering from headaches “clinicians must consider school performance, absenceeeism and mental health, especially symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, to arrive at a correct diagnosis.”

Children who suffer from ADHD or migraines have a higher chance suffer from social and academic issues than others. A timely diagnosis as well as treatment may enhance a child’s schooling and overall well-being.

Headaches versus migraines

Certain people experience headaches following having an innovative ADHD medication. A majority of people have mild headaches which disappear after their body adjusts to taking the drug. It is important to discuss migraines with your physician in the event that they continue. The majority of migraines caused by medications can be controlled with a small amount of food prior to or following the medication.

However, migraines are a neurological disorder with symptoms that can affect daily life. Certain people suffering from migraines have attacks more often than once every month. They usually affect only one part of the brain and are often accompanied by one or more signs.

  • visual disturbances
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • Extreme sensitivity to light sounds, touch and smell
  • Tingling or numbness on the face, extremities and in the hands

What you can Do

Patients suffering from migraines tend to be conscious of the triggers. These are the causes or conditions that cause headaches. The triggers vary for each so what causes migraines in one person might not cause headaches in another. Try to avoid these triggers whenever you can:

  • Alcohol, over-exercise dehydration, stress, and alcohol are all indicators of a shift in sleep patterns.
  • Motion sickness is often due to strong odors as well as bright lights and fluorescent lamps, air pollution and fluctuations in pressure of air like those you experience when flying.
  • Changes in weather include the temperature of air, barometric pressure, or the humidity (high or low) as well as bright sunshine.
  • The use of pain medications (both prescription and non-prescription) or adverse side effects caused by a medication.
  • Certain foods may cause an attack if they are paired with other foods. Artificial sweeteners as well as MSG are the most common triggers.

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