| Description |
Background: Millions in the U.S. suffer from migraines each year. Despite numerous evidence-based treatments, many find little relief, classifying their headaches as "treatment-resistant." This research seeks to identify common risk factors for treatment resistance, particularly examining the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and chronic headaches. Additionally, it aims to provide alternative treatment options for Primary Care Providers (PCPs) and emphasize the importance of early risk factor identification in migraine management.; Methods: Databases such as CINHAL, PubMed, AANP, Google Scholar, UpToDate, and Epocrates were searched from 2010-2024. A systematic review followed, examining research on the relationship between ACEs and treatment-resistant migraines, focusing on articles that met the criteria, including peer-reviewed, English-language studies on adults, within the past decade.; Results: Evidence suggests a correlation between ACEs and migraine frequency, severity, and resistance to treatment; however, causation remains unclear. Further research is needed to explore this association's mechanisms and potential causality.; Conclusions: (1) Migraine research is extensive; (2) Many treatments exist but are not universally effective, leading to chronic headache (CH) or chronic migraine (CM) for some; (3) ACEs are common in CH/CM sufferers; (4) Screening tools may help assess migraine impacts and identify any ACE-related trauma and assist in disease progression of migraines. |
