Is there any connection between migraine headaches and RA? I have been experiencing an unusual form of migraine (migraine with visual aura with no or little headache -- dx by neurologist) for some time. Seems like these episodes have been happening particularly since I began having problems with my joints and muscles. I have them about every 3-7 months and sometimes 1-3 within a matter of days. I am 64, so way past menopause, and not on any hormone meds. Just wondering if they could be connected in some way.
Hi , I cant really help you as far as RA as I have PA. But I get shocking auras when i am in extreme pain and at times I get bad painful headaches also. The vision problem was worse when I was on methotrexate. Could yours be caused by medications ?Hi Allycat!
Sorry to hear that you have auras and such bad headaches. That can't be any fun!!!! I sure hope you can find some relief soon.
My auras start with lose of vision, then really wierd lights with oscillating colors that last for 5-15 minutes (no lose of conciousness). Usually, I feel spacy and tired afterwards, and sometimes I have a slight headache if I have a clouster of them within a couple of days. My TX neuro-doc mentioned the possibility of Simple Partial Seisures as my brain waves on one side are not completely normal. So, he put me on Depakote ER 500mg. But, Panamanian neuro-doc is leaning more toward the migraine deviate dx. We are trying a 1/2 dose to see how I do. Fortunately, I had and "episode" on the higher dose before we began reducing the mg's -- so I know reducing the mg's didn't do it. It would be nice to just get off the stuff completely as Depakote is a serious drug with many side effects, like RA drugs. I imagine that the future probably will bring more RA drugs and I don't want to be taking both at the same time.
Luckily so far, I have not experienced the sever pain that so many of you with RA describe. I really feel for you
In the past, muscle spasms in my neck could trigger my migraines. So indirectly the arthritis triggered the headaches. I don't have as many as I used to have, but had cluster migraines, which are a lot like what you describe. I now have auras and usually no pain. I cannot complain about that change!! The auras last for 15 minutes. I try to rest when it happens. It is difficult to see well during them.
Lynne