question-icon

I Was Diagnosed With PTSD About 10 Years Ago From

default
Posted on Sat, 5 Sep 2020
Question: I was diagnosed with PTSD about 10 years ago from military combat. For the last 6 years or more I have been having a lot of headaches/migraines and have been taking otc medicine and prescribed sumatriptan for some temporary relief. Could my PTSD symptoms (stress, anxiety, insomnia) be causing these migraines? If so, how and what can be done about it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Migraine headaches may be worsened by PTSD.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for the new question here at "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have read your new question.

It is a well-known fact that stress including PTSD as one of the stress disorders may exacerbate any preexisting headache, or may cause some types of headaches such as tension-type for example.

Migraine headaches may be exacerbated or worsened by PTSD, but are not caused directly by the PTSD.

So, in conclusion, your migraine headaches may be worsened by PTSD.

Controlling, or treating PTSD Should ease headaches too.

Sertraline is an antidepressant that is used with success when it comes to PTSD.

Hope this helps.

Feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4501 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Neurologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
I Was Diagnosed With PTSD About 10 Years Ago From

Brief Answer: Migraine headaches may be worsened by PTSD. Detailed Answer: Hello again and thanks for the new question here at "Ask a Doctor" service. I have read your new question. It is a well-known fact that stress including PTSD as one of the stress disorders may exacerbate any preexisting headache, or may cause some types of headaches such as tension-type for example. Migraine headaches may be exacerbated or worsened by PTSD, but are not caused directly by the PTSD. So, in conclusion, your migraine headaches may be worsened by PTSD. Controlling, or treating PTSD Should ease headaches too. Sertraline is an antidepressant that is used with success when it comes to PTSD. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further questions. Greetings.