Don’t Just Treat the Migraine, Treat the Trauma

For some people, migraine doesn’t just start with biology, it starts with history.

Studies show that childhood trauma and abuse are strongly linked to chronic migraine in adulthood. This includes:

• Physical or emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Bullying
• Household instability

These experiences shape the nervous system. They can heighten sensitivity to pain and make it harder to regulate stress.

The Hidden Link

Dr. Susan Hutchinson, a headache expert at Haven, recalls a major national study where chronic migraine patients completed confidential trauma surveys. The results were striking: the rate of adverse childhood experiences was much higher than expected.

This isn’t just about correlation. It’s about recognizing that for some, migraine is both physical and emotional. And both parts need care.

Trauma Needs More Than Medication

You can’t medicate your way out of trauma alone. Some people need a combination of:

• Trauma-informed therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
• Support groups or safe spaces to process what happened

Medication can still help, especially antidepressants that address both mood and migraine—but therapy is often the missing piece.

Signs It Might Be Time to Explore Therapy

• Your migraines feel unmanageable despite good treatment
• You’ve experienced significant loss, abuse, or instability in the past
• You notice emotional triggers before migraine attacks

Healing Is Possible

Unprocessed trauma can keep you stuck in cycles of pain. Addressing it can be a breakthrough. Haven takes this seriously and screens for trauma history as part of understanding your full story.

Because migraine treatment should never stop at symptom control. It should start with seeing you as a whole person and honoring everything you’ve survived.

If your struggling to find a therapist or counselor, we highly recommend telehealth resources like https://helloalma.com/ or https://growtherapy.com that help you find an in-network therapist.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience menstrual migraine attacks or other severe headaches, consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To explore treatment options, consider booking an appointment with Haven for expert guidance and personalized care.

‍