One study found that 78% of participants with newly diagnosed MS reported having headaches in the past month.

They can last only 15 minutes or as long as three hours.

Their duration can be 30 minutes to all day (or even up to one week).

Headache Types in MS

Verywell / JR Bee

This anxiety can interfere with daily activities or social contact, as well as lead toinsomnia.

However, other studies suggest there is no link between MS and either migraines or tension headaches.

MS Medications

Interferon-based disease-modifying therapies can cause headaches or make pre-existing headaches worse.

These headaches are usually only on one side and worsen when the affected eye is moved.

Depression, a common MS symptom, has also been associated with headaches.

Depression and migraine headaches are both linked to low serotonin levels.

caffeine intake, alcohol use, smoking).

Treatment

Healthcare providers treat headaches based on the cause.

At other times, painkillers may be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

People with MS are more prone to headaches than the general population.

Migraines, in particular, are a frequent early symptom of MS.

Headaches that are linked to MS include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.

MS-associated headaches are likely triggered by brain lesions.

An MS lesion is an area in the nervous system where the myelin sheath that covers nerves is damaged.

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