Study Links Migraine to Emotional Abuse in Childhood Prolonged stress may alter brain function and structure

Childhood emotional abuse is common, and commonly associated with migraine in adults, particularly in men, Tietjen said in an interview. In addition, a history of additional types of abuse, such as physical and sexual abuse, increases the strength of the relationship of emotional abuse with migraine. "The relationship of emotional abuse frequency with migraine is U-shaped, suggesting that a certain amount of abuse may lead to resilience, but at high frequency, development of migraine is more likely," she told MedPage Today. "Childhood abuse can have long-lasting effects on health and well-being." http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AAN/56535?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2016-03-04&eun=g721819d0r