Managing Headaches and Lupus
One of my main recurring symptoms of lupus is headaches. I go through phases with different types of headaches. Most days, I need pain medication for them.
Headaches are common among people with lupus. Some doctors say headaches and migraines happen during active disease flares. This happens when lupus inflames the central nervous system.
Migraines before lupus
Before my lupus diagnosis, I started getting migraines. I remember waking up one morning with a bad feeling. My head was throbbing. Any movement made the pain worse. Then I noticed something else: light hurt my eyes, and I felt nauseous.
Common triggers for lupus headaches
These migraines have continued for many years. I can go months without one. But when they strike, I know it will be rough. I usually have to shut myself away until it passes. I'm not sure if they're connected to lupus. But I get them most often during a flare-up, so I think there's a link. Sun exposure is also a trigger for me. Other triggers include:
- Food sensitivities
- Weather
- Hormones
- Stress
- Medications
- Drinking alcohol
Cluster headaches with lupus
Another type of headache I've experienced is cluster headaches. They are strange because they only affect one side of the head. For me, it's always behind the eyes. It feels like a bruise behind just one eye. They can be painful, making activities such as reading very uncomfortable.
My most common headache feels like a tension headache. The muscles in my forehead feel very sensitive.
Sometimes it's hard to tell if my headaches come directly from lupus, or from something else, likestress. My lupus symptoms often flare up during stressful times, which makes it hard to pinpoint the exact cause of my headaches.
My lupus symptoms often flare up during stressful times, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of my headaches.
Personal strategies for managing lupus headaches
Managing these symptoms is important. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
- Taking OTC pain medication
- Taking prescription medication
- Ensuring you have sufficient sleep
- Acupuncture
- Staying hydrated
- Massage
I've never tried it, but Botox has been used to treat migraines for years. It's always important to talk to your doctor about your headaches. They can examine you and decide the best treatment plan for you, includingtreatments for you.
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