Lupus Headaches

Table of Contents

What is a Lupus Headache?

A Lupus headache is very similar in characteristics to a migraine.  Those with Antiphospholipid Syndrome or Raynaud's Phenomenon may be more likely to get these headaches.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary greatly but some of the more common ones include moderate to severe pain lasting several hours to several days, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, sensitivity to smell, throbbing or pulsing pain, pain on one side of the head at a time, and pain that gets worse with movement.

Cause

Lupus headaches are thought to be caused by an abnormality in the way the blood vessels constrict.  They can also be caused by vasculitis. 

Treatment

These headaches are treated in the same manner as typical migraines with the exception that corticosteroids are sometimes helpful distinguishing it from other migraines.  Typical migraine treatments vary depending on the severity and frequency of the headaches. 

Abortive therapy is used to get rid of a migraine after it has started.  Medications such as Imitrex, and Axert.  Narcotic pain relievers such as Hydrocodone can also be used but are not as specific and can be habit forming. 

Preventative treatment is used for patients that get migraines more often.  These are medications taken every day with the hopes of preventing migraines from ever coming on.  Some Antihypertensives such as Inderal and Covera are sometimes used for preventative treatment.  Some Antiseizure medications such as Topamax, Neurontin and Depakote are also used for this purpose.  Some Antidepressants such as Elavil and Pamelor may be used as well.