Migraines and depression??

[suzanna1]

can depression cause migraines and is that because there is a lack of norepinephrine ??

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How is your sister? It is good that the CT scan and other test results were fine.This may indicate primary headaches such as migraine, tension or cluster headaches. However, it would also help to check on her hormone levels as well since at her age, there are plenty of changes in this aspect that she is experiencing. Rest, ice packs, prescription medications may help provide relief. A headache journal may also help her identify the possible triggers that she should avoid. Take care and do keep us posted.

[tumpa000]

hi my sister is 13 and got severe headache for 3 months.earlier isheused to have headache for few times.but recently its too much.she have seen 4 doctors and they said its migraine but one of them include due to tension.she is afraid of darks and a scary one too she doesnot sleep at night well but do sleep in morning alot.she had done CT screen .,X-ray every thing is normal.do u think its due to tension?what type of medicine she might take migrainal/tensional.
  it will be helpful if i get ur advice.Thank you.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Depression has been linked to decrease in the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Most of the antidepressants work by increasing the levels of nor epinephrine in the brain.
It is not very clear if depression leads to migraine or migraine cause depression. However there is an unexplained link between the two. The reason being antidepressants like Amitryptyline are known to work in migraines and serotonin agonists used to treat migraine are helpful in combating depression as well.
Hope this answers your question!