Migraine and anxiety: when body and mind talk together

Do you experience frequent headaches, difficulty relaxing and anxiety that always seems to be lurking? These symptoms may seem separate, but they're actually more connected than you might think: migraine.

Studies show that chronic migraine is often associated with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In other words, what begins with physical pain can be intertwined with emotional impacts - and vice versa.

 

Migraine: more than just a headache

Migraine is a complex neurological condition, which can include symptoms such as:

- Intense throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head

- Nausea

- Sensitivity to light and sound

- Visual changes (aura)

But it goes beyond the physical aspect: many patients report that the crises are accompanied by anticipatory anxietyThe constant fear of when the next pain will come. This in itself has an impact on mental health.

 

The link with anxiety

Research shows that people with migraines have higher prevalence of anxiety disordersespecially when the pain becomes frequent or disabling. According to a study published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in NeurologyThis comorbidity can intensify the symptoms of both conditionsThis creates a cycle of pain, emotional tension and worsening quality of life.

In addition American Migraine Foundation (AMF) points out that anxiety can affect the response to migraine treatment, which requires a broader approach involving both neurological and emotional care.

 

Why does it matter?

Understanding this connection is essential to promoting more complete and individualized care. For Biolab, which works deeply in the central nervous system (CNS), talking about migraine is also talking about mental health - and vice versa.

Taking care of the body also means listening to the mind. And the earlier this conversation begins, the better the chances of receiving care, diagnosis and quality of life.