The Migraine Time-Line | Important Research

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The Migraine Time-Line

Patients suffering from chronic migraine headaches endure significant frustration and disability. While previous research has shown that migraines are generally preceded by increased daily stress and numerous mood changes, few have explored the connection between these factors.

A study of 19 female migraine patients investigated the potential association between stress and mood changes, and the relationship of either or both with migraine symptoms. Patients recorded the occurrence and features of their headaches in a diary four times a day for 10 consecutive weeks, which included rating five mood states (alertness, tension, irritability, depression and fatigue), quality of sleep, and incidence of daily hassles/stress.

Results of the study suggest that at least three psychosocial mechanisms contribute to the onset of migraine headaches: prolonged fatigue not relieved by sleep, extreme tension associated with irritability, and (surprisingly) relaxation immediately following stress. Most clinically relevant is the observation that time of occurrence (morning, afternoon, evening) of these psychosocial factors may predict time of onset of migraine symptoms-what the authors call the "migraine time-line."

Spierings EL, Sorbi M, Maassen GH, et al. Psychophysical precedents of migraine in relation to the time of onset of the headache: the migraine time line. Headache, 1997;37(4), pp217-220.