Both migraine and anxiety are related to low serotonin levels - a hormone that regulates mood and pain perception
Those who frequently get migraine attacks should also explore the relation this condition has with anxiety. According to experts, it is a bidirectional relationship—where each condition increases the risk of developing the other. Studies say more than 50 per cent of people with migraine have at least one anxiety disorder—like generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
Doctors say both migraine and anxiety are related to low serotonin levels - a hormone that regulates mood and pain perception. It also affects the autonomic nervous system—thereby influencing your heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. If you suffer from heightened stress, anxiety can lead to severe migraine attacks.
Anxiety also amplifies physical discomfort, making migraine symptoms more intense and painful. Many studies suggest anxiety and migraine share genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing both conditions. A few genes that are related to serotonin and dopamine lead to both conditions happening simultaneously, affecting your mood.
How does anxiety trigger migraines?
According to experts, anxiety and stress lead to various changes in your brain activity that can either trigger or lead to worse migraine attacks. And so, if you have been feeling stressed or anxious, your body starts releasing stress hormones like cortisol, which causes a migraine attack. A few of these include:
Muscle tension
Muscles in your neck and shoulders begin to pain due to migraine
Changes in blood flow
Stress reduces blood flow to the brain, which triggers migraine attacks.
Poor sleep quality
Those who have anxiety have trouble falling or staying asleep
Tension
Constantly worrying and taking tensions leads to a cycle that increases the risk of migraine attacks.
How do migraines cause anxiety attacks?
Doctors say if you have a history of migraine, it can take a heavy emotional toll and affect your physical and emotional well-being. Migraine attacks create a constant sense of worry, which contributes immensely to anxiety disorders.
Symptoms
A few symptoms of migraine-like aura, nausea, sensitivity to light, and severe pain can create worry and panic about your overall health.
Limitations on daily life
If your migraine attacks are frequent, they can disrupt daily routines, including work and social activities.
Social isolation
Many people with migraines withdraw from social situations, causing isolation that contributes to anxiety.
Ways to treat anxiety and migraine
A few medicines are helpful in treating migraine and anxiety, while doctors can also prescribe a few to manage both.
Apart from that, there are also different therapies that manage migraine and anxiety, which include cognitive behavioural therapy. It helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours, which reduces anxiety and stress.
Biofeedback therapy helps control certain bodily functions like muscle tension in response to stress. There are also a few other deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery that are successful in eliminating both anxiety and stress.
According to experts, you must also switch to a healthy lifestyle and prioritise exercise, a good amount of sleep, and a nutritious diet to reduce anxiety symptoms and migraine attacks. Regular stress-reduction activities like yoga, meditation, or time in nature can help reduce stress and anxiety and prevent migraines.
