Polycystic Kidney Disease is a condition in which clusters of cysts form in
the kidneys. Migraines and high blood pressure are two common signs associated
with the disease.What are the causes?
Causes of Migraines in PKD
A migraine is a severe, painful headache that is often preceded or
accompanied by sensory warning signs like flashes of light, blind spots,
tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to
light and sound.
Migraines associated with PKD may be caused due to the
following reasons:
▪ High blood pressure. Hypertension dilates the blood vessels, stimulate the
pain receptor on the wall of the arteries, leading to throbbing pain and dull
pain on one side of the head.
▪ Polycystic Liver Disease (PLD). In some cases, migraine headaches occur
when patients have severe PLD and they are exposed to some type of liver toxins.
This is also something called a cyclic migraine that appears from the surge of
hormones related to menses.
▪ Aneurysm. This may occur more frequently with patients who have a family
history of aneurysm. It may need to be surgically reapired.
Causes of High Blood Pressure in PKD
With gradually enlarged renal cysts in the kidneys, the surrounding normal
tissue will be suppressed. Long-term oppression can result in renal ischemia. In
this case, the release of renin-a hormone regulating blood pressure, will be
increased, so angiotensin is activated, leading to shrink of blood vessels. Consequently, elevated blood pressure presents.
In addition, fluid and sodium retention can be caused due to increased amount
of renin and angiotensin. In this condition, the blood volume will increase
which may aggravate high blood pressure.
The above is an general introduction of causes of migraines and high blood
pressure in PKD. In order to eliminate the underlying causes, standard treatment
should be carried out as early as possible.
