Wondering if others with migraine headaches suffer long periods of depression?

Question: Wondering if others with migraine headaches suffer long periods of depression?

Answer:

Full Question:

I was wondering if others with migraine headaches suffer from long periods of depression after having a migraine. I had a migraine headache Saturday a week ago and since that day I have been in a deep state of depression and even though I have tired I have not been able to escape the depression. I have not been out of my home in a week and only getting fully dressed a couple of those days. This is not like me! I have had migraines since my teens and now I am in my 40's, I have never had this sever case of depression fallowing a migraine headache. I can usually count on the day following a migraine to be a recoup day( a day of rest and renewal) but never a deep depression as I now have. Any info would be helpful. Thanks, Denise.

Answer:

Dear Denise,

Although depression, euphoria, or other moods can be part of the Migraine attack, they don't usually last for long periods of time, only a day or two. This is something you should discuss with your doctor. Migraine and clinical depression (caused by a chemical imbalance) are often comorbid diseases. In fact, one study showed that 47% of Migraineurs experience clinical depression as opposed to 17% of the general population. Researchers haven't established what the link is between the two diseases, but there definitely is one. Here's some information:

Beyond the Pain of Migraine
Studies published this month by the American Academy of Neurology show a decreased quality of life for migraineurs and a link between migraine and depression. Once again, it's shown that a migraine is NOT just a headache.

Please do talk to your doctor about this. There are medications that can help, and some of them are also excellent Migraine preventives.

Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz

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