Chronic Migraines are defined as migraines occurring 15 or more times per month. This type of migraine inflicts a heavy emotional toll on those unfortunate enough to suffer with them. Chronic migraines have strong links to depression and anxiety, as the ability to live a normal life becomes diminished.
A recently published study in The Journal of Headache and Pain wishes to include aggression as a common feature of chronic migraines. Aggression is further linked to suicide ideation in chronic migraine sufferers, with important implications in how the disease should be managed in the future.
Previous studies have already found a link between chronic migraines and aggression, specifically during a migraine attack. Suicidal ideation has also been linked to the condition. Researchers from South Korea set about detailing and disentangling these serious symptoms of chronic migraines.
THE STUDY
Researchers from Kyungpook National University, Daegu. set to look for links between migraine intensity, aggression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. They recruited 144 participants, including a control group to analyse the significance of their results against a base line. The data was analysed using sophisticated statistical analysis. By doing this, associations between the given factors could be ascertained.
ANALYSIS
Researchers confirmed a clear relationship between aggression and chronic migraines. The major determinants for aggression were anxiety and headache intensity. An important connection was also found between aggression and suicidal ideation in patients. This finding adds to previous research which already notes the connection between suicidal ideation and chronic migraines. Researchers for the current study reasoned that this ‘means aggression may reflect suicidal ideation or attempt in migraine patients’. Put simply, the mind state for one to contemplate suicide may be the same which allows one to act in an anti-social, aggressive manner
DISCUSSION
This research highlights the importance of considering the mental health implications in chronic migraine sufferers. As there now seems to be a link between suicidal thoughts and aggression, Clinicians can tactfully sidestep asking directly about suicide simply by gauging an honest response to how aggressive a patient is during and after a migraine attack. With Chronic Migraine sufferers in such delicate mental states, it is very important to be sensitive and careful when broaching the topic of suicide. If nothing else, clinicians must be very wary of the ongoing mental health of chronic migraine patients.
‘Put simply, the mind state for one to contemplate suicide may be the same which allows one to act in an anti-social, aggressive manner’
FINAL THOUGHTS
For those of you suffering with chronic migraines, it is imperative that you give honest answers to clinicians medical questions. Trying to hide a delicate mental state, either because of embarrassment or shame will only compound your ongoing problems. By being forthright about anger, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, you will be on the right path to getting the care and attention you deserve for your condition. You will also be part of the solution to treating and curing this disease one day, in the near future.
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