How Your Military Service Can Cause Migraines

If you are living with migraines following the end of your military service or that may have developed from a service related condition, you could have grounds for a disability claim through the VA. Before you file, it is helpful to understand how your military service might result in migraines to begin with.

It is not enough to suspect your condition is due to your time in the military. You will need to establish not only that you have been diagnosed with migraines, but also that they are linked to a service-related event. If you are dealing with a denied claim during this process, the team at Gang & Associates is here to help. Talk to a VA attorney today to learn more.

Migraines and Military Service

There are many factors that can increase the risks of suffering a migraine attack. What’s more, many veterans have one or more of the comorbidities that increase the odds of a migraine. Some of these include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can cause a host of secondary health issues, including migraines. Any damage to the brain can result in long-term chronic pain. This condition is all about the irregular flow of blood to the brain. When the brain is damaged through injuries like concussions or contusions, it can leave a person facing a long-term increased risk of migraine attacks.

Neck Trauma

Experts have yet to fully understand the connection, but suffering neck trauma has also been linked to migraines. Neck injuries are not uncommon in the military, making this one of the most likely factors in migraine attacks. This trauma can occur under a wide range of circumstances, from combat to training accidents.

Lack of Sleep

In addition to contributing to conditions like sleep apnea, a lack of sleep has also been linked to migraines. This is problematic, given the widespread issues in the military with getting adequate amounts of restful sleep.

Other Triggers 

Veterans are as susceptible as anyone else to the other triggers that have been linked to migraines. These factors include the following:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Tobacco
• Skipping meals
• Medication conflicts
• Overexertion

Signs of Migraines

Getting a clear picture of whether or not you are suffering from this condition is vital if you plan to pursue a migraine VA rating. These conditions might be confused with stress headaches among some veterans, but they can bring with them serious and lasting consequences. Tracking these symptoms could be invaluable to you during the claims process.

Unlike many other types of medical conditions, it is often possible to notice the signs of a migraine before it strikes. It is possible that you might notice signs of a “pre-headache,” which is more formally known as prodrome. Prodrome is different for everyone and does not occur before all migraine attacks.

Some of the signs of prodrome are unusual and entirely unrelated to headaches. You might find yourself craving specific foods, feeling thirsty, or becoming irritable. Often, the combination of these symptoms will stand out as unusual.

The symptoms of a full-blown migraine are different. The most common aspect of a migraine is severe, throbbing pain that is typically in one side of the head. This pain can last between 4 and 72 hours. Additional attacks can occur not long after the last has finished. In addition to the pain, migraines can also cause other issues, including:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Visual disturbances

How Migraines Differ From Other Headaches

Most people assume that migraines are just another type of headache. In reality, severe headaches are only one of the symptoms that come with this condition. Migraines are something more than just a headache; they are a neurological condition caused by a number of factors.

Unlike standard headaches, migraines occur in four different phases. Not all of these phases will be obvious to a veteran as they occur. These phases include:

Prodrome

As discussed previously, prodrome occurs one or two days before a migraine attack. These symptoms differ from what you will experience during the migraine itself, and they might not be obvious to everyone. They can include anything from fluid retention to food cravings and mood changes.

Aura

There is a second phase that can occur prior to the migraine itself, although not everyone experiences it. Known as aura, this phase involves a number of short, reversible symptoms targeting the nervous system. They occur before the onset of any headache, but they can be distressing and confusing for many people. Some of the most common signs of an aura include visual phenomena like bright spots or flashing lights. You might also deal with difficulty speaking or vision loss. In addition to these sensory issues, an aura might also lead to pins and needles in the arms, legs, or face.  

Attack

The attack phase is when the pain begins. It can last for as long as 72 hours and include throbbing, pulsing pain in the head that makes it difficult to concentrate or perform even simple tasks. In addition to headaches, most people report sensitivity to sounds, light, and smells. Others deal with nausea and vomiting.

Post-Drome

The immediate aftermath of a migraine can be especially difficult. During this phase, you may feel physically drained or confused for hours. While the headaches have generally subsided by this point, pain is still possible through sudden head movements.

Denied Migraine Claim? Speak with an Attorney at Gang and Associates Experienced in Service-Connecting Your Migraine Condition

Suffering from migraines can be difficult, especially if you are living with other health conditions as well. While these headaches can impact anyone, they are especially common among veterans. Despite this fact, the VA rejects disability claims based on migraines on a regular basis. If your claim was denied, you still have the chance to get the benefits you deserve.

At Gang & Associates, our VA disability attorneys have extensive experience navigating the appeals process to service-connect your migraines. The denial of your claim does not have to be the end of your chance for compensation. Contact us today to learn more.