Migraine autoimmune headaches

Migraine affects 35 million Americans, most of whom are women. Migraine is preceded or accompanied by a sensory warning signs called a (aura), such as flashes of light, blind spots, smell or tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine headache can follow with signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain is usually throbbing and can last for hours or even days.

Inflammatory markers go up rapidly in an attack of Migraines, CRP is elevated, the spinal fluid protein becomes elevated and more white cells are seen in the spinal fluid during a migraine attack. Migraine and epileptic seizure disorders are interrelated and like other autoimmune diseases migraines happen more in women. There may be associated epilepsy with migraine.

Migraine often comes in remissions and relapses just like autoimmune disease. Migraine is associated with women just like autoimmune disorders. Some women with Lupus present with migraine, as their first symptom. Following anti-inflammatory treatment their migraine attacks usually resolve. Many patients with lupus present with migraines secondary to severe vasospasm. These patients have anti-phospholipids antibodies and at times the migraine will only respond to steroids or cyclophosphamide. MRI scans obtained during a migraine have shown dramatic thickening of brain folds called (gyral) with enhancement which suggests inflammation.

General symptoms of Migraine

• One-sided throbbing head pain which worsens with physical movement.
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Twisted shining lines in front of the eye sometimes without a headache.
• Weakness or numbness in a hand or leg
• Sensitivity to light (Photosensitive headaches respond to magnesium)
• Sensitivity to sound, smell, and light, (patients prefers a dark room)