Migraine

Migraine headaches commonly occur in people with ME/CFS. In a 2011 study by Ravindran, et al, migraine headaches were found in 84%, and tension-type headaches in 81% of a cohort of CFS patients. This compared to 5% and 45%, respectively, in a cohort of healthy controls.

Symptoms
Migraine without aura is defined by the following diagnostic criteria outlined inThe International Classification Of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition:

at least 5 episodes lasting 4 to 72 hr (untreated or unsuccessfully treated) with at least 2 of the following criteria:

(i) unilateral location;

(ii) pulsating quality;

(iii) moderate to severe pain intensity; and

(iv) aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity.

During the headache either nausea with or without vomiting, or photophobia and phonophobia must occur.

Migraines in ME/CFS
Migraines is one of several illnesses or conditions experienced alongside of ME/CFS.

The Canadian Consensus Criteria recognizes migraines in the possible neurological symptoms of ME/CFS.

Potential treatments

 * Triptans, e.g. Sumatriptan, brand name Imitrex (13 out of 14 newly diagnosed migraine subjects responded to sumatriptan in one CFS patient cohort) or Zomitriptan, brand name Zomig
 * Avoiding consumption of nitrates and tyramine
 * Daith piercing
 * CGRP antagonists including gepants and CGRP monoclonal antibodies

Notable studies

 * 2011, Migraine headaches in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): comparison of two prospective cross-sectional studies.
 * 2013, Migraine in gulf war illness and chronic fatigue syndrome: Prevalence, potential mechanisms, and evaluation. (Full Text)
 * 2016, Migraines Are Correlated with Higher Levels of Nitrate-, Nitrite-, and Nitric Oxide-Reducing Oral Microbes in the American Gut Project Cohort (Full Text)

Learn more

 * Oct 18, 2016, Migraines could be caused by gut bacteria, study suggests
 * May 19, 2018, The Migraine Drug Explosion Begins: Could Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS Benefit?