Hypothyroid

by | Jan 5, 2013 | Comorbidity

Hypothyroidism and Headache

Hypothyroidism has been found to be associated with chronic daily headache* in both the varieties of chronic migraine and new daily persistent headache. In one study, 30% of individuals with hypothyroidism had developed mild daily headache within 1-2 months of onset of the thyroid disorder. A history of migraine predisposed to the development of headache.

Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune form of chronic thyroiditis, has also been associated with increased likelihood of headache.

A study of white matter hyperintensities seen on MRI in migraine found that either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (too low or too high) was associated with these MRI abnormalities.

* This was chronic migraine without any evidence of medication overuse.

References:

1. Moreau T, Manceau E, Giroud‐Baleydier F, Dumas R, Giroud M. Headache in hypothyroidism. Prevalence and outcome under thyroid hormone therapy. Cephalalgia. 1998;18(10):687-689.
2. Trauninger A, Leél-Őssy E, Kamson DO, et al. Risk factors of migraine-related brain white matter hyperintensities: an investigation of 186 patients. J Headache Pain. 2011;12(1):97-103.

by Christina Peterson, MD

updated January 5, 2013