Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Psoriatic Arthritis?The ConnectionDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
The Connection
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) is an inflammatory form of arthritis. About 30% of people with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cells to build up and form plaques, also have PsA.Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can include joint pain and swelling, skin lesions, back pain, and nail deformity.
Recent research has linked psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to migraines. People with the two conditions are believed to be at higher risk of new-onset migraines.
Verywell / Matthew Collins
Some people may develop PsA in a joint after an injury, or it may be related to genetics. Researchers have estimated that at least 10% of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis.
PsA can develop slowly, with mild symptoms, or it can develop quickly and severely. Commonsymptoms of PsAinclude:
The Genetics of Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis and Migraines
Recent studies have found links between psoriasis, PsA, and migraine. The inflammation in the body from psoriasis can make its way around the body, including thebrain.
A 2015 study investigated the link between psoriasis and PsA, and the risk of new-onset migraine. Research showed a significant rate of migraine in people with mild or severe psoriasis and PsA.They also found that the risk of migraines increased with the severity of psoriasis.
Another study in 2017 linked psoriasis with migraine, and more frequently, migraine with aura.
Similarly, a 2019 study found migraine andneuropathic pain(nerve pain) frequently occur in people with rheumatic diseases, conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system (joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles). The study recommends getting checked and treated for headaches or migraines even if the underlying rheumatic disease is under control.
5 Diseases That Commonly Coexist With Migraine
Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis and Migraines
There is no one definitive test for PsA. The diagnosis is usually made through careful observation and a process of elimination. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order X-rays and blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, another inflammatory type of arthritis.
Todiagnose a migraine, your healthcare provider will take a thorough medical history—not just your history of headaches, but your family’s history as well. Also, they’ll want to learn more about your migraine symptoms. They will likely ask you to:
Your healthcare provider may also order blood tests and imaging tests (such as a CT scan or MRI) to make sure there are no other causes for your headache. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be ordered to rule out seizures.
Psoriatic Arthritis Doctor Discussion GuideDownload PDFEmail AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Download PDF
Email AddressSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
Sign Up
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis and Migraines
PsA is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, steroid injections, and joint replacement surgery.
If the pain from your migraine is severe and cannot be eased with OTC medications, your healthcare provider may recommend a prescription medication. Examples include triptan, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to help with nausea if needed. Other interventional treatments may be used, such as Botox (botulinum toxin) injections and nerve blocks.
All migraine medications should be used under the direction of a headache specialist or healthcare provider familiar with migraine therapy.
What to Expect During Treatment
Migraines may not be a quick and easy fix. Due to the range of symptoms and underlying conditions, a mix of therapies may be required to target and reduce migraines and symptoms adequately.
It’s important to mention all symptoms to your PsA doctor, so further exploration can be done to determine if there is a direct link and if treatments can overlap.
How to prepare for a visit with a headache specialist:Keep a migraine journal.Note your migraine triggers.Write down questions.
How to prepare for a visit with a headache specialist:
Ways to Prevent Migraines
These tips can help you reduce how often you get migraines and how severe they are:
Summary
Recent research has found a link between psoriatic arthritis and migraines, mainly that people with PsA are more likely to experience new-onset migraines. PsA is closely linked to the autoimmune disease psoriasis, and about 30% of people with psoriasis develop PsA. Studies have shown that the more severe a person’s psoriasis is, the higher the risk they may develop migraines. Both conditions can be managed with medications and a treatment plan you work out with your doctor.
How long do psoriatic arthritis headaches last?
Migraine can last from two to 72 hours without treatment.OTC and prescription treatments can help avoid or reduce the symptoms of migraines.
What is the best way to prevent psoriatic arthritis flare-ups?
Psoriatic arthritis flare-ups can occur for different reasons in different people. For some, skin symptoms from psoriasis can precede arthritis pain, which is a good indicator of a flare-up that’s about to happen. Overall, preventing flare-ups involves avoiding triggers, adhering to your treatment plan, and managing your stress.
What does a psoriatic arthritis headache feel like?
Psoriatic arthritis is linked to migraines. A typical migraine will cause symptoms like pain, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al.Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023Egeberg A, Mallbris L, Gislason GH, Skov L, Hansen PR.Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis: a Danish nationwide cohort study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(5):829-835. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.039Psoriasis Foundation.What is psoriatic arthritis?Capo A, Affaitati G, Giamberardino MA, Amerio P.Psoriasis and migraine.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):57-61. doi:10.1111/jdv.14472Mathieu S, Couderc M, Pereira B, et al.Prevalence of migraine and neuropathic pain in rheumatic diseases.J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):1890. doi:10.3390/jcm9061890Cleveland Clinic.Migraine headaches.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al.Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023Egeberg A, Mallbris L, Gislason GH, Skov L, Hansen PR.Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis: a Danish nationwide cohort study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(5):829-835. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.039Psoriasis Foundation.What is psoriatic arthritis?Capo A, Affaitati G, Giamberardino MA, Amerio P.Psoriasis and migraine.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):57-61. doi:10.1111/jdv.14472Mathieu S, Couderc M, Pereira B, et al.Prevalence of migraine and neuropathic pain in rheumatic diseases.J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):1890. doi:10.3390/jcm9061890Cleveland Clinic.Migraine headaches.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al.Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023Egeberg A, Mallbris L, Gislason GH, Skov L, Hansen PR.Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis: a Danish nationwide cohort study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(5):829-835. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.039Psoriasis Foundation.What is psoriatic arthritis?Capo A, Affaitati G, Giamberardino MA, Amerio P.Psoriasis and migraine.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):57-61. doi:10.1111/jdv.14472Mathieu S, Couderc M, Pereira B, et al.Prevalence of migraine and neuropathic pain in rheumatic diseases.J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):1890. doi:10.3390/jcm9061890Cleveland Clinic.Migraine headaches.
Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al.Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(5):729-735. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.07.023
Egeberg A, Mallbris L, Gislason GH, Skov L, Hansen PR.Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis: a Danish nationwide cohort study.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;73(5):829-835. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.08.039
Psoriasis Foundation.What is psoriatic arthritis?
Capo A, Affaitati G, Giamberardino MA, Amerio P.Psoriasis and migraine.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):57-61. doi:10.1111/jdv.14472
Mathieu S, Couderc M, Pereira B, et al.Prevalence of migraine and neuropathic pain in rheumatic diseases.J Clin Med. 2020;9(6):1890. doi:10.3390/jcm9061890
Cleveland Clinic.Migraine headaches.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
