Beyond Headaches: Non-Cephalic Pain's Impact on Migraines

Research Summary

A study published in Pain Medicine explores how often-overlooked symptoms like persistent fatigue and widespread non-cephalic pain influence chronic migraine outcomes. Analyzing data from 704 patients, researchers found that 71.9% experienced co-occurring non-cephalic pain, which correlated with higher pain intensity and less improvement in life interference over time. Patients with higher baseline pain intensity and fatigue levels showed greater reductions in pain interference. Interestingly, post-traumatic stress symptoms did not significantly affect pain outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of considering non-headache symptoms in migraine treatment, suggesting that a broader approach could enhance patient care and treatment response.

Study Details

📄 Title: Beyond Headache: Non-cephalic Pain, Fatigue, and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms as Longitudinal Predictors of Chronic Migraine Outcomes.

👥 Research Team: Sturgeon JA et al.

📚 Published In: Pain Med

📅 Publication Date: 2025 Nov 19

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This summary is generated automatically from recent migraine research. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.