According to a study conducted by Dr. Huay-Zong Law and his
colleagues at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas,
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients are about 2.6 times as likely to suffer
from migraines. The researchers also found that those with migraines are 2.7
times as likely to have CTS. The link between these conditions remains
unexplained, but Dr. Law and his team postulate that they may share a
"common systemic or neurologic risk factor."
Both conditions are associated with risk factors such as
obesity, smoking, and female sex. The relationship between CTS and migraines is
independent of these factors. The researchers noted that CTS is more common
among older age groups and migraines are more common among younger age groups.
Hopefully further research will determine whether migraines can serve as a
predictor for future problems with CTS.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression condition,
meaning that it results from pressure or pinching of a nerve. The link between
CTS and migraines found in this study supports the theory that migraines can
also be triggered by nerve compression. Surgical techniques are currently being
developed to address the possibility of migraine-inducing trigger points. Due
to doubts regarding the efficacy and safety of these surgical procedures, they
are mostly restricted to experimental clinical trials.
Remember, if migraines or carpal tunnel syndrome are
interfering with your life, you may benefit from neurological treatment. Consult
with a neurologist in your area to learn about your condition and treatment
options.
You can read the abstract for the study here.
