Polycystic Kidney Disease, commonly referred to as PKD, is a genetic
condition in which the kidneys develop multiple cysts. A person with the disease
for a long time may experience no symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is
headache.
What are the causes of this problem?
1. Headaches that are serious or that seem to feel different from other
headaches may be caused by aneurysms, or swollen blood vessels, in the
brain.
Aneurysms appears more frequently with PKD and with a history of a previous
family member having had this condition. A headache from an aneurysm is said to
be the worse one in the world. Migraine headaches at times occur when one is
affected by serious polycystic liver disease.
For those who have a family history of this aneurysms, they should ask the
doctor for an MRI of the brain to determine if they might have this severe
complication of PKD. Untreated, the brain aneurysm is very susceptible to
rupture, thus leading to irreversible brain damage, or even death.
2. Headaches also can be caused by high blood pressure.
With the progression of kidney disease, high blood pressure is often present,
occurring in over 75% of patients with PKD. Some patients with very high blood
pressure are more likely to have migraine headaches, as the blood is being
forced harder through the blood vessels. Lifestyle modifications or blood
pressure medications may help control this symptom.
A PKD sufferer with recurring or serious headaches should talk to a doctor
before using any medications.
If you or your beloved one is diagnosed with PKD, we are here to help. Feel
free to consult our online experts.