Although the answer to this question is largely unknown, some research comparing Sjögren's patients with healthy controls show that tension-type headaches and migraine headaches, the most common headache subtypes found in Sjögren's, are more common in those with Sjögren's than in the general population.
Among secondary forms, headache has been suggested to be a neurological manifestation of many immunological/autoimmune disorders, both those primarily involving the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis, and those systemic, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
Steven Carsons, MD: Common symptoms of neurologic involvement secondary to Sjogren syndrome include numbness and tingling of the extremities or problems with balance, representing peripheral neuropathy, facial pain secondary to trigeminal neuralgia, and patchy painful stinging and burning of the skin caused by small ...
The 'Central Nervous System' – or CNS – includes the brain and the spinal cord. The 'Peripheral Nervous System' – or PNS – includes larger and smaller nerves, connecting muscles to the spinal cord. Sjögren's Syndrome can cause inflammation and damage to the CNS and PNS.
Dry mouth can result from other conditions and may be a manifestation of dehydration. Headache may accompany general dehydration that could lead to feelings of pressure or heaviness in the head. If you are concerned about these or any disturbing symptoms, seek the advice of your doctor.
Heavy-headedness can be caused by inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it can be caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infections or injuries. Panic attacks can cause heavy-headedness as well. Medical conditions like anxiety causes heavy-headedness too.
MRI of patients with primary Sjögren syndrome has shown multiple areas of increased signal intensity in the periventricular and subcortical white matter (WM) on FLAIR and T2-weighted images [7–10]. These findings have been observed in both patients with and those without CNS impairment [7–10].
While some people experience mild discomfort, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their ability to function. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications and greatly improve quality of life.
Avoiding foods that tend to exacerbate symptoms including alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods.
Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the frequency and intensity of headaches. Choosing food high in certain vitamins and supplementing when needed can help decrease headaches.
Symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis
The early phase of the disease may include flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, nausea and muscle pain. Psychiatric symptoms may appear, disappear and reappear. Later symptoms may be more severe, such as a lower level of consciousness and possible coma.
Answer: Occasionally headaches can occur as a result of osteoarthritis (OA) high in the neck where the spine meets the skull, but that is unusual. Because you say pain relievers do not help, I suspect you may be experiencing rebound headaches, also called medication-overuse or toxic headaches.
Diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome
A rheumatologist (a specialist in autoimmune diseases) may diagnose the disease. However, an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or a dentist may also perform certain tests to help make the diagnosis.
Distinguishing between multiple sclerosis and CNS-SS is not easy. Not only because of similarities of the MRI findings, but also the course of the disease can be like MS, either chronic or relapsing and remitting.
Large tumefactive brain lesions are a complication of pSS. Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that may be primary or secondary to other connective tissue diseases. It is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of salivary and lachrymal glands leading to xerostomia and xerophthalmia.
Dry eyes, corneal ulcerations and infections. Dry nose, recurrent sinusitis, nosebleeds. Dry mouth, mouth sores, dental decay, difficulty with chewing, speech, taste and dentures. Swollen, painful parotid/salivary glands.
If Sjögren's syndrome isn't treated appropriately, significant, long-term complications could result that affect your eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes — complications including blindness, significant dental destruction and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
If you have recurring head pressure or pain, especially with symptoms like loss of balance or coordination, mood changes, fever, or nausea, you should call your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care.
Use a heating pad set on low, a hot water bottle, a hot shower or bath, a warm compress, or a hot towel. Or apply ice or a cool washcloth to the forehead. Massage also can relieve muscle tension — and sometimes headache pain.
Muscle strain — Muscle strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is torn or overstretched. If you strain any of the muscles in your neck, head or even upper back, your head can start to feel heavy.