Is it true that migraine can lead to brain cancer or is it a symptom of a sickness?

Normally, the focus of migraine treatment is to reduce the pain. We’re saying that migraines may be causing brain damage, and that the focus should be on prevention, which will stop not only the pain but also minimize potential damage.

The pain of a migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. It is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. Some individuals can predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by an “aura,” visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. People with migraine tend to have recurring attacks triggered by a lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, or hormonal irregularities (only in women). Anxiety, stress, or relaxation after stress can also be triggers. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head. Investigators now believe that migraine is caused by inherited abnormalities in genes that control the activities of certain cell populations in the brain.

There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people with migraine use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future attacks, and treating attacks when they happen with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function. Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, and other therapies designed to help limit discomfort, may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.

I cannot yet find medical validation that migraine could lead to brain cancer; although, intense headaches can be a symptom of brain cancer and other neuro ailments such as aneurism.

For pre-menstrual and insomnia migraines, I double my dose of coffee and also take imigran.

A migraine is one of those mysteries in life. Thankfully I have not had episodes of migraine (or severe pounding headaches). But like normal people I do have my share of “regular”headaches too which I’d rather just sleep through instead of taking a pain med.

A recurring migraine may be a symptom of something but I doubt if it’s the beginning of brain cancer. Could just be a warning that you have to visit your eye doctor.