Prognosis
For many people, migraines eventually go into remission and sometimes disappear completely, particularly as they age. Estrogen decline after menopause may be responsible for remission in some older women.
Complications
Risk for Stroke and Heart Disease. Migraine or severe headache is a risk factor for stroke in both men and women, especially before age 50. Research indicates that migraine may also increase the risk for other types of heart problems.
Migraine with aura appears to carry a higher risk for stroke than migraine without aura, especially for women. Because of this, it is very important that women with migraine avoid other stroke risks such as smoking and possibly birth control pills. Some studies suggest that people who have migraine with aura are more likely than people without migraine to have cardiovascular risk factors (such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure) that increase the risk for stroke. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #45: Stroke.]
Emotional Disorders and Quality of Life. Migraines have a significant negative impact on quality of life, family relations, and work productivity. Studies indicate that people with migraines have poorer social interactions and emotional health than patients with many chronic medical illnesses, including asthma, diabetes, and arthritis. Anxiety (particularly panic disorders) and major depression are also strongly associated with migraines.
A National Headache Foundation-sponsored survey of migraine sufferers reported that:
- 90% of people with migraines could not function normally on the day of a migraine attack
- 80% experienced abnormal sensitivity to light and noise
- 75% experienced nausea and vomiting
- 30% required bed rest
- 25% missed at least 1 day of work due to migraine in past 3 months
Previous Section
Review Date: 11/04/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
