Last week, we discussed the potential for migraine sufferers to develop heart disease in addition to their already chronic, debilitating headaches.  Now, a new study presents evidence that women with a history of migraines may also be more prone to develop multiple sclerosis.  The study examined the relationship between migraines and multiple sclerosis, but it did not definitively conclude that migraines were risk factors or if they were simply an early symptom of the neurological disorder.  Although the overall risk for developing multiple sclerosis is relatively small among those living with migraines, this study does provide a great deal of insight regarding a possible link between the two.

The study, the first large-scale on of its kind, sought to recognize and understand the role that migraines play in the development of multiple sclerosis.  The research team examined data from 116,000 nurses who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study for sixteen years since 1989.  Researchers found that approximately 18,000 reported having migraines at the beginning of the study and 375 were eventually diagnosed with multiple sclerosis throughout the course of the study.  The research team then adjusted the data for those who already had risk factors for multiple sclerosis and concluded that having a history of migraines correlated to a forty-seven percent risk for developing the neurological disorder.  Those conducting the study already knew that women were twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as men, and three times as likely to suffer from migraines.  Both of these conditions are usually diagnosed before the age of fifty.  What the researchers did not know, however, was whether there was a clear association between migraines and multiple sclerosis.  It appears from this study that the two disabilities do correlate with one another somehow, although the actual reason behind the interplay is still unknown.  The research team published the conclusions of the study and plan to present the findings at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in April.  One part of the study that the researchers did not publish was the fact that being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is associated with an increased risk of developing migraines.  As such, it seems that these conditions are linked in a particular manner, and it is a relationship that goes both ways.

This study is important to the millions who suffer with migraines and the many who must eventually file for social security disability benefits due to their inability to work.  This information may help their cause because if migraines are linked to the development of yet another disability, such as multiple sclerosis, examiners and judges are much more likely to recognize the chronic, debilitating effects.  The study is also important because knowing that migraines are part of multiple sclerosis will help in recommending the correct treatment option.  If you suffer from migraines or multiple sclerosis, and feel that you may be developing symptoms of the other, please visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and therapy.