Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a correlation between RA and migraines? I used to get them when I was a child and into my pre-teen years but then they stopped for years. Now ever since I started having flares I've been getting them again. I don't know if it's just a coincidence or something I should mention to my RA doc. Also I was wondering if this could affect the ears, because mine have been doing some weird things lately. Any information would be helpful, I really don't want to get myself worked up into a tizzy over nothing. I am a bit of a drama queen.

Here's some info:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5382270_rheumatoid-arthritis-cause- migraines.html

http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/ Arthritis

http://www.lupuswa.com.au/aboutLupus/headaches.html

Thanks Kim, I had to read all of them. Not surprised to learn Headaches are a symptom of RA "in some cases" Most of the headaches are started in the neck where joints can effect pain. I don't get them but having epilepsy any thing on the brain is of interest.

Sl I hope they help you understand. Blessings CLAP

Post edited by: claphappy, at: 01/10/2012 06:19 PM

Whether RA can or cannot cause migraines itself, I do know that many related factors of RA can trigger them. Vitamin deficiencies, poor diet from loss of appetite, dehydration, medicines, stress, lack of sleep...

My Rheumy stops any med I report is triggering migraines for me.

I have sympathy for anyone who suffers even one migraine. I get them weekly and in between, a midgrade headache stays with me most days. I can irritate the crap out of it and blow it into a migraine just bending slightly, sneezing, or coughing. Forget computers, reading, puzzles, driving, tv, light, or noise. Have had them since i was 12. My consultation appt. for Botox treatment is next Wed. Nurse said shots may start that day but it may take 2 to 3 treatments (3 months apart) to get relief but many patients report relief first treatment. I really hope I fall into that group. I will also be getting them in neck for disc and muscle pain. The bonus to this, and I did not know this, until I researched it last week.......it also gets rid of facial wrinkles because the shots go into the face and forehead...woot! woot! In just the last year, I have what I call the chronic pain forehead. Wrinkles are bad from so many headaches and eye pain.

I know what you mean about the "chronic pain forehead"! The expressiion just lingers there, and of course marks the lines. You think to yourself "i am feeling better today!" then you look at yourself in the mirror at there it is, the pain forehead... I have always practiced in the mirror to try and achieve what i call a "Nicole Kidman forehead". She gets her placid forehead with botox. Now you will be like her

Question: i get headaches from the tension in my neck. They start at the nape of the head and go up and round the head to forehead. They are not migraines, just headaches. Would botox help with that? Is there something else, less invasive, that could help? I have to keep using the computer because most my work involves one

Wow knjv,

Thank you for the articles. I do actually lactate all the time. When I was 15 I was diagnosed with a pituatary adenoma. Recently my psychiatrist put me on Seroquel which is known to cause lactation, I am now very much thinking that this medication may be responsible for my migraines and possibly a return of the tumor. I can't thank you enough for doing the research that is so helpful. Now I have information to give my rheumatologist that will probably help more than my irrational fears. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Yes Cata, it is being used for tension headaches as well. Here's a good article on it and what requirements are. Not everyone gets approved for it but as long as there is a history of complaints and failed treatments with meds it shouldn't be a problem. It's expensive. $1250.00 a vial plus treatment and doc fees. I added a 2ndary insurance policy to cover what Medicare doesn't so I could try this.

www.fauquierent.net/headache.htm