Research suggests that headaches might be more common in people with Sjögren's disease compared with people in the general population. Migraine and tension headaches are the types of headaches with the most evidence linking them to Sjögren's.
Researchers are continuing to examine the link between Sjögren's and headaches. Some studies have found a potential connection while others haven’t.
A potential link has been suggested between Sjögren's and:
- migraine headaches
- tension headaches
- cluster headaches
- aseptic meningitis headaches
Sjögren's is also commonly associated with inflammation of your nerves and blood vessels, which can potentially cause many neurological symptoms, including headaches.
It’s been suggested that headaches in people with Sjögren's disease might be related to autoimmune endotheliitis, which is inflammation of the endothelial cells that your blood vessels attack as a result of an autoimmune reaction.
Sjögren's and migraine headaches
Some studies have found a potential link between Sjögren's or dry eyes and migraine headaches, although the link isn’t clear.
Researchers think that dryness of your eye surface might activate your trigeminal nerve and cause reflexive tearing and migraine headaches.
Sjögren's and aseptic meningitis
Aseptic meningitis is inflammation of the covering of your brain and spinal cord in the absence of a bacterial infection. It’s a rare complication of Sjögren's disease and can cause a severe headache and other symptoms, such as:
- nausea and vomiting
- light sensitivity
- fever
- body aches
- fatigue
- chills
- loss of appetite
- confusion
- seizures
- neck stiffness
Are headaches common with Sjögren's?
Headache seems to be one of the most common neurological symptoms of Sjögren's disease. The occurrence of neurological symptoms has been reported in anywhere from 2.5-60% of people, depending on the methods and definitions used in various studies.
Headaches are very common in the general population, which makes it difficult to determine if they’re more common in people with Sjögren's. Some studies haven’t found a link.
In a 2023 study, 34 of 48 people with Sjögren's and no other autoimmune conditions treated at one hospital in Syria had central nervous system injury. The central nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord. Headache was the most common neurological symptom, occurring in 45% of people.
When to get medical help
It is recommended you see a doctor or healthcare professional about headaches if:
- You have recurrent headaches.
- Pain relievers aren’t effective and your headache gets worse.
- You have throbbing pain at the front or side of your head that might be a symptom of a migraine or cluster headache.
- You feel sick, find light and noise painful, or vomit.
Can you prevent headaches if you have Sjögren's?
You may be able to prevent headaches by making general lifestyle improvements like:
- staying hydrated
- avoiding triggers
- eating regularly
- getting adequate sleep
- managing stress
*article courtesy of www.healthline.com
