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The brain and the kidneys have more in common than many people realize. Both organs have complex vascular systems. As a result, they’re both sensitive to changes in fluid and pressure in the body. Both migraine and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also linked to hypertension (high blood pressure).
Some members of MyMigraineTeam live with both migraine and CKD, which can make managing migraine that much more complicated. “I was unlucky,” said one member. “I found I have kidney disease, which makes the medication I can take very limited.”
Another wrote, “I don’t get a lot of options for pain because I was diagnosed with kidney failure.”
If you are already living with migraine, kidney disease can make daily life more challenging. This article explains possible connections between migraine and kidney disease, ways both conditions can make managing your health more difficult, and guidance on when to talk to your doctor about these issues.
One observational study published in 2017 suggested migraine is associated with a 22 percent higher risk of developing kidney disease, also referred to as renal disease. Though it’s not yet proven why this is, health experts have several theories.
There seems to be some genetic overlap between migraine and kidney disease. So far, 28 genetic factors have been linked to both conditions. More research is needed to better understand the role of genes in this connection.
In addition, both migraine and kidney disease put stress on the body. Stress raises inflammation, which also worsens both conditions. A cycle of inflammation may be a common factor in both migraine and kidney disease.
Some people develop migraine symptoms several years after their CKD diagnosis. Kidney disease can affect hormone levels, which may affect the risk of a migraine attack.
End-stage kidney disease can cause renal failure. If this happens, hemodialysis treatments (or a kidney transplant) may be required. Research shows that 48 percent of people on hemodialysis report migraine episodes.
Other shared factors that raise the risk for both include:
The good news is that keeping migraine well managed may also help reduce your risk of developing CKD. A research study found that sticking with a prescribed migraine treatment plan may help protect against the increased risk of CKD later in life.
However, the same study showed that frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and propranolol (a beta-blocker drug) for migraine raised the risk for CKD.
People with migraine may experience symptoms including pain, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. A combination of prescription medication and over-the-counter treatments can help keep these symptoms under control. But migraine treatment isn’t without risk, especially for people with kidney disease.
Kidney disease can alter how the body processes migraine medications, especially those cleared by the kidneys. This means dosing may need to be adjusted, and renal function should be assessed when choosing or continuing migraine therapy.
This is particularly important for people who:
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to prevent migraine attacks or to treat them while they’re happening. If you also have kidney disease, be sure to ask which treatments are safe for you.
People with migraine may look to common pain medications for relief. Examples of common pain medications for migraine include:
Ibuprofen and naproxen are NSAIDs. NSAIDs are not usually recommended for people with kidney disease because they can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. This can lead to acute kidney injury (a sudden decline in kidney function). Over time, frequent NSAID use may also make kidney disease worse.
Depending on your kidney function and level of pain, your healthcare provider may say it’s OK to use NSAIDs once in a while. If they do, they will likely recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
Alternatives, including topical NSAIDs (medications applied to the skin) or other pain relievers, might be better options.
In addition, some over-the-counter migraine medications have a combination of ingredients. For example, Excedrin Extra Strength contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.
Always read the label and double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about a medication.
If you have moderate to severe kidney disease, your doctor may recommend migraine treatments that are processed differently by the body, such as certain triptans or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies. These options may be safer for the kidneys for some people.
Your doctor may also review your kidney function to help guide treatment choices, such as your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of how well your kidneys are working.
What works best can vary from person to person, so it’s important to make decisions with your healthcare provider.
Some people take anti-seizure medications to treat migraine. Certain types of anti-seizure medications are known to raise the risk of kidney stones, including topiramate (sold as Topamax, Trokendi XR, Eprontia, and Qudexy XR Sprinkle) and zonisamide.
The risk goes up with larger doses of topiramate and when it’s taken over longer periods of time. Kidney stones raise the risk of CKD.
Managing migraine and kidney disease at the same time can feel like a balancing act. Keeping track of your symptoms and treatments over time may help you spot patterns and avoid potential problems.
When you have more than one health condition at the same time, they’re called comorbidities. Managing comorbidities may require follow-up appointments with different specialists. Kidney disease is treated by a doctor called a nephrologist (a kidney specialist).
Migraine is managed by a brain and nerve specialist, or neurologist. It’s important that your healthcare providers communicate with each other so your care plan is coordinated.
Ask your healthcare providers what information is most important for you to track. For example, you may benefit from monitoring your:
In addition, tracking your blood pressure or blood sugar may help if you have conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
Healthy daily habits, like eating balanced meals and staying physically active, can support both migraine management and kidney health.
For example, processed foods tend to be high in sodium (salt) and preservatives. These ingredients may trigger migraine attacks in some people. High sodium intake can also put extra strain on the kidneys over time. Ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian if you’re not sure how to plan healthy meals.
If you take daily preventive medicines to reduce migraine attacks, set reminders to help you stay consistent. Staying on track with your treatment plan may help reduce the number of migraine attacks and improve your overall quality of life.
Finally, be careful about adding supplements like zinc or magnesium to your migraine management plan. Some supplements can affect kidney function, especially if taken in high amounts.
Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement to make sure it’s safe for you.
It’s important to communicate with your healthcare team if you notice any worsening symptoms of migraine or kidney disease. People with kidney disease are more likely to have sleep problems. Since poor sleep is also a common migraine trigger, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to get a better night’s sleep.
Also, watch for signs such as high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and sudden weight gain or swelling. These can mean that renal function is getting worse, and you need to adjust your strategy to manage it more carefully.
Migraine symptoms like nausea and vomiting can put you at risk for dehydration. Depending on your stage of kidney disease, you may need to monitor your daily fluid intake. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider if a migraine attack is affecting your ability to stay hydrated.
If you’re struggling to find safe and effective ways to manage migraine pain, you may need to explore different options. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help as circumstances change over time.
It’s possible to manage migraine and kidney disease at the same time. It just might require a little extra support. Educating yourself on both conditions can empower you to feel your best and stay healthy.
On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Are you managing both kidney disease and migraine? Let others know in the comments below.
Are your headaches a symptom of migraine? Get a quick assessment.
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