I forgot
The stress is causing swelling to the blood vessels in part through muscle tension. When you come to a break in the stress (even bedtime), you will experience the H/A because the vessels are dilating (relaxing). The pain comes, not with the stress, but with the cessation of stress.
Hi
Migraine (Headaches) take on many forms. You can have a Migraine without having a headache.
Migraine is a grouping of events related to inflamation of the bloodvessels in the brain.
My entire family (5 siblings) have migraine in some way.
Once diagnosed with migraines, you need to pay attention to your stress level. Stress can be a big problem, especially when it is ongoing. If you are a medical student, you are under alot of stress, and will be, for your entire career.
Stress is also an issue for panic. They really are functioning on the same hormone... adrenalin. When you are under alot of stress, your body is putting out "stress hormones"... adrenalin. Like an IV drip. Because stress means we need to be ready to fight/flee/freeze.
That brings you that much closer to the point of panic (freeze) where you can run or fight off the "attacker".
I use that word because the part of your brain that is doing all this is does not differentiate between the stress of medical school, and the stress of being attacked by a tiger.
When you combine migraine with a panic attack, I am going to suggest you see a therapist.
I have both, and I ended up having PTSD from childhood abuse and trauma issues. Now that I am handling these issues, my migraines are almost gone. I continue to experience panic, but, with therapy I have made great strides in controling what gets me to the panic point.
You may just be reacting to something like an accident from the past, that you never processed through.
Panic is a severe sign of stress. A therapist will help you sort out what is happening to you.