Counted among the numerous symptoms of multiple sclerosis are MS headaches. However, it should be pointed out that these headaches are not common.
As indicated above, not many MS patients experience MS headaches. However, MS patients experience certain headaches with greater frequency than those without MS do. This is an indicator that either the progression of multiple sclerosis or the medications taken to treat the disease can cause particular types of headaches in those suffering from it.
Types of MS Headaches
Examples of MS headaches include migraines. Apparently, migraines occur among MS patients twice as often as they occur among people who are not suffering from MS. It is interesting that both migraines and MS are surrounded by a mysterious aura. Conventional medicine does not have a comprehensive grasp of either condition. Before they are fortunate enough to get diagnosed, the people suffering from these conditions may be dismissed by their doctors. It isn’t unheard of for sufferers of MS and sufferers of migraines to be told that their symptoms are all in the mind. This is understandably distressing for them. Additionally, both conditions are more prevalent in adult females than in adult males.
In addition to migraines, there are other types of MS headaches: They include cluster headaches, tension headaches, optic neuritis headaches and depression headaches.
Cluster headaches are intense, typically one-sided headaches. They are so painful that they severely impede the ability of those suffering from them to live normal, productive lives. They are often associated with pain in the area of the eye or in the back of the eye, a drooping eyelid, and restlessness. While rare, they are more prevalent in men than in women.
Tension headaches are not one-sided; they are spread over both sides of the head and make patients feel like they have a tight band or vice around their heads. The headaches may be anything from mild to intense and may be characterized as dull pain.
Optic neuritis headaches are associated with the optic nerve damage that is a distinctive feature of MS. As the disease progresses and the patient develops visual impairment in the affected eye, associated headaches occur. The headaches are typically one-sided and they are exacerbated by the motion of the eyes.
Last in the list of MS headaches are depression headaches. These are physical manifestations of depression in some patients. It should not come as a surprise that MS patients experience depression. Depression sometimes causes patients to experience their pain more intensely. Hence, those who typically have headaches could find themselves experiencing much worse headaches when they develop depression. Associated with depression headaches are symptoms like neck aches and dizziness.
