Your headaches may not only be a sign of something more serious, but they can also cause serious health problems later in life. Studies have found that migraine or severe headache is a risk factor for stroke in both men and women, especially before age 50. Women in the study were at greatest risk between ages 45 and 65 and men before age 45. In both genders, the risk diminished with age. Oral contraceptives may be a particular risk factor for stroke in women with migraines, but only in those who also have auras.
Smoking intensifies their risk.
Taking decongestants may also increase the risk for stroke in people with migraines. Emotional Disorders and Quality of Life. Anxiety and depression are strongly associated with chronic headaches, including tension and migraines. The negative impact of headaches on quality of life, on families, and even work productivity, particularly from migraines, is significant and is often underrated as a serious complication of chronic headaches. Neither migraine or tension headaches pose any added risks during pregnancy to the mother or the fetus.