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Migraines. If you know, you know.

They are more than just headaches. For many of us, migraines are a full-body experience that can feel like brain freeze and the flu at the same time. They can last for hours, days, or in some heartbreaking cases, never truly go away.

Migraines affect each person differently. One person’s trigger might have no effect on someone else. Just like MS, migraine is unpredictable, personal, and complex.

What surprised me in a recent study was this: about 1 in 4 people living with Multiple Sclerosis also experience migraines. As someone who lives with both, this hit home. And if you do too, you know just how exhausting and isolating that combination can be.

A Look at the Research

The study, titled The Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and Migraine, was published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. What sets this study apart is its scope. It’s a meta-analysis of 35 studies from 1969 through 2023, encompassing 27,678 individuals with MS.

Most participants were women between the ages of 30 and 56 with mild to moderate levels of disability. This aligns with known data showing that both MS and migraines are more common in women.

Among those studied, 24 percent of people with MS experienced migraines. Specifically, 18 percent had migraines without aura and 7 percent had migraines with aura. In comparison, individuals with MS were found to be nearly twice as likely to experience migraines as those without MS.

The conclusion? Migraines are significantly more common in the MS community.

What Does This Mean for You?

Unfortunately, the study did not explain why MS patients are more prone to migraines, nor did it provide treatment recommendations. That’s disappointing, because what we really want to know is what we can do about it.

So let’s talk through what I’ve learned in my own experience and from years of working with clients as a nutrition coach specializing in MS and autoimmune conditions.

Tip 1: Find a Headache Specialist

Many people with MS assume that their neurologist will also treat their migraines. That’s not always the case. MS neurologists often refer patients to a headache specialist for targeted migraine care.

Migraine treatment offers far more medication options than MS. There are prevention medications and rescue medications. A specialist can help tailor a treatment plan based on your symptoms and frequency.

This is the first step I recommend if you are struggling with migraines.

Tip 2: Prevention Is Easier Than Rescue

In my experience, once a migraine starts, it’s tough to stop. Prevention is key.

This is where diet comes in. I often walk clients through an elimination diet to help uncover personal food triggers. Yes, the list of potential migraine triggers can feel overwhelming. That’s why I don’t recommend doing it alone.

Working with a coach or specialist can help simplify the process and increase success. Because learning which foods trigger your migraines is powerful and freeing.

Tip 3: Consider Bodywork

Food is just one piece of the puzzle. Muscular tension especially in the neck, shoulders, or back can also be a powerful migraine trigger.

There are many types of bodywork to explore. Some people respond well to massage, others to chiropractic care, acupuncture, or cranial sacral therapy. It’s personal, and often a matter of trying a few options to see what works.

If cost is a concern, check your insurance benefits. You may have access to physical therapy or chiropractic care, and a good PT can often recommend stretches or other treatments to reduce tension.

Bonus Tip: Track What Works for You

The migraine and MS experience is different for each of us. What works for one person might not help someone else.

If you’re navigating both conditions, give yourself time and space to learn what works. Keep a journal or use a tracker to log patterns, symptoms, and what eases them. This empowers you to advocate for better care and to make informed decisions about your health.

You Are Not Alone

Living with MS is hard. Living with migraines is hard. Living with both can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone.

There are tools and treatments available to help. The first step is awareness. The next is action. One step at a time, with support.

And if this is a topic you want more of, let me know. I’m here to support you with helpful, relevant content to help you feel your best while living with MS and migraine.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast:
🎧 The Connection Between Migraines and Multiple Sclerosis
and Listen now to My MS Podcast