Migraine is a common neurological condition that affects millions of people. Many people living with Sjögren’s disease also report repeated headaches or full migraine attacks. This has led researchers and doctors to wonder whether Sjögren’s disease can contribute to migraine, or make attacks worse.

Current research suggests that the two conditions may be linked in several ways. Read on to learn what we know about the connection so far and when you should talk to your doctor about headaches or migraine symptoms.

What Is Migraine?

Migraine is a neurological condition, meaning it affects the brain and nerves. It causes repeated episodes called migraine attacks, which often involve strong, throbbing head pain and other symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Visual changes, sometimes called an aura, before or during a migraine attack
• Pain on one or both sides of your head

A migraine attack can last from a few hours to several days and can affect people of any age. Women are also more likely to develop migraine attacks compared to men. Research has found that people with an autoimmune condition — any condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your tissues — may be more likely to experience migraine.

How Sjögren’s Disease Affects the Body

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition that most notably causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. However, it can also affect other parts of the body and cause damage to:

• Nerves
• Joints
• Skin
• Lungs
• Kidneys

Additionally, between 10 percent and 20 percent of people with Sjögren’s experience nervous system problems, which can affect both the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves throughout the body). This can cause symptoms ranging from a feeling of burning in the toes to headaches.

Can Sjögren’s Disease Trigger Migraine Attacks?

While researchers are still working to fully understand the relationship, there are several ways Sjögren’s disease may lead to migraine attacks. These include inflammation caused by Sjögren’s and the nerve damage it can trigger. Here’s a closer look at the most likely connections.

1. Immune System Activity and Chronic Inflammation

Sjögren’s disease causes ongoing immune activation. When the immune system stays active, it releases inflammatory chemicals that can irritate nerves and blood vessels. Researchers believe that inflammation around the brain and its surrounding tissues can play a role in triggering migraine attacks.

Studies into headaches show that autoimmune diseases tend to increase the rate of migraine in general, likely because inflammation affects the nervous system. Since Sjögren’s is an inflammatory disease, this connection may help explain why headaches are common among people with Sjögren’s.

2. Nerve Involvement

Some people with Sjögren’s develop neuropathy, a condition where nerve fibers become damaged. This can cause burning, tingling, or stabbing pain throughout the body. If nerve damage happens near the head, neck, or face, it can cause sharp pain or numbness in the area.

Some research suggests that nerve pain and migraine may be connected. People with more nerve pain may also report more frequent or more severe migraine attacks, but this doesn’t prove that one directly causes the other.

3. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

Sjögren’s can sometimes affect the autonomic nervous system. This system controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and digestion. When this system is affected, some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded (especially when standing up) or notice other changes that are similar to migraine symptoms.

Autonomic problems can make it harder for your body to control blood pressure, which can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Blurred vision is another symptom that can happen for different reasons, including migraine. It’s important to tell your doctor about new or worsening symptoms.

4. Sjögren’s Symptoms

Even when Sjögren’s itself is not the direct cause of a migraine attack, many of its common symptoms are well‑known migraine triggers.

Dry Eyes

People with Sjögren’s often experience light sensitivity, dryness, and eye strain. Light sensitivity from dry eyes can make migraine attacks more severe or more easily triggered.

Poor Sleep and Fatigue

People with Sjögren’s often have trouble sleeping due to pain, nighttime dryness, or constant trips to the bathroom, leading to fatigue. Sleep problems, like changes in sleep patterns or not getting enough sleep, may trigger migraine attacks for some people.

Stress

Living with a chronic condition can increase stress levels, which is another well-known migraine trigger. Roughly 70 percent of people with migraine report that stress is a trigger for them.

Can Sjögren’s Medications Trigger Headaches or Migraine Attacks?

Most medications used to treat Sjögren’s disease do not directly cause migraine. However, headaches can happen as a side effect of some treatments, such as:

• Hydroxychloroquine — Commonly used to treat a range of symptoms across the body. This medication can cause headaches and blurred vision as side effects.
• Cevimeline or pilocarpine — These medicines can cause headaches in some people.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — These can help with pain and inflammation, but using them too often can sometimes lead to “medication-overuse headaches” (also called rebound headaches). Ask your doctor how often it’s safe for you to take them.

If you think your current Sjögren’s treatment plan may be causing side effects such as headaches, talk to your doctor or rheumatologist. Together, you can find the treatment plan that works best for you. Remember, never start or stop taking any medications without discussing it with a healthcare provider first.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Headaches or Migraine Symptoms?

While headaches can be common from time to time, there are certain signs you should pay attention to. Seek medical care and talk to your healthcare provider right away if you:

• Experience a very painful headache that comes on suddenly.
• Notice fever, confusion, double vision, weakness, or a stiff neck alongside a headache.
• Have an irregularly fast or slow heart rate.
• Feel dizzy when sitting up or standing.
• Feel your headaches are worse after moving or coughing.
• Have a head injury that causes a headache.

Additionally, be sure to tell your rheumatologist if you experience any new or changing neurological symptoms that make it challenging to speak, walk, or complete daily tasks. They may want to refer you to a neurologist, or a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems in the nervous system.

Coordinating care between your rheumatologist, neurologist, and any other provider you may see can help make sure you receive the best possible care to control your Sjögren’s and any neurological complications like migraine.

Join the Conversation

On MySjögrensTeam, people share their experiences with Sjögren’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you noticed a connection between your Sjögren’s symptoms and your headaches or migraine attacks? Let others know in the comments below.