Moods That Predict Coming Migraine Headaches

The relationship between mood change and migraine headache has often been reported anecdotally, but these observations have not been followed up empirically. In this study 17 migraine sufferers recorded headache occurrence and intensity using 10 mood indicators 3 times daily for periods ranging from 21 to 75 days. Headaches were correlated with mood states during the headache and for periods ranging from 12 to 36 h prior to the headache. Feelings of constraint and fatigue produced the highest correlations with headaches. The ability to predict migraine episodes from mood changes offers possibilities for controlling headaches and lessening their impact on patients' lives.