The Highly Sensitive Brains: Analyzing Links Between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Migraine-Type Headaches

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine-type headaches (MTH) are often associated with increased sensitivity to various physical stimuli. In this study, we hypothesize that migraine may also be related to Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait characterized by deep cognitive processing. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 300 Lithuanian employees (mean age 37.3, SD=12.7; 78% female) completed surveys, including the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), Migraine Screen Questionnaire (MS-Q), Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), PHQ-2, GAD-2 questionnaires, and other headache-related factors. Results: 13.3% of participants met MTH criteria (95% CI 9.5-17.3%). MTH participants scored higher on HSP scale (m=126.89 (21.11); 95% CI 119.85-133.93) vs. non-migraineurs ones (m=120.39 (19.21); 95% CI 118.03-122.75), suggesting HSP's significance as a migraine prognostic factor (OR=1.019; p=0.04). However, its predictive value diminishes when controlled by demographic factors (OR=1.08, p=0.083). Among MTH individuals, higher HSP scores correlated with earlier migraine onset (r=-0.644, p<0.001), more frequent pain episodes (r=0.424, p=0.007), increased pain triggers (r=0.525, p=0.001), elevated anxiety (r=0.371; p=0.018), and depression (r=0.317, p=0.047). Additionally, higher HSP levels predicted severe migraine disability (OR=1.04, p=0.014), likely due to heightened sensitivity to pain triggers, as their number was the only significant predictor of disability when included alongside HSPS in the regression model. Conclusions: SPS was significantly associated with migraine manifestation, suggesting that individuals with higher SPS may be predisposed to earlier migraine onset, increased sensitivity to triggers, and more frequent episodes, resulting in greater disability. These findings stem from the pilot study, with ongoing main research expected to expand upon them for presentation at the conference.