It is possible for lupus to cause headaches, as it can affect the nervous system. Pain-relieving medications and preventive measures, such as drinking enough water, may help with lupus headaches.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, which can damage multiple parts of the body and cause various symptoms, such as headaches.

The severity of headaches can vary among those with lupus, and many individuals may refer to them as lupus headaches. However, researchers are not sure if lupus causes these headaches or if they occur alongside lupus.

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Lupus can affect almost any organ in the body, including the central nervous system, and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Headaches are the most common symptom of lupus that affects the nervous system.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common type of lupus. A 2021 study notes that primary headache, such as migraine, is a common feature of SLE and may affect up to 54.4% of people with the condition.

However, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, headache is a controversial symptom of lupus. Researchers are currently unsure if lupus causes headaches or if they occur alongside lupus.

For example, a 2025 study involving 114 people with SLE and 114 without lupus found no difference in the prevalence of headaches in either group. They also saw no significant difference in the following headache-related factors:

In contrast, a 2023 review suggests that while the prevalence of headaches is similar between people with lupus and those without, people with lupus may experience a more significant negative impact.

Potential causes

The Lupus Foundation of America highlights that “lupus headaches” occur due to inflammation in the brain. Though these types of headaches can be severe and challenging to treat, they are less common than headaches due to other causes.

A 2023 review suggests that people with lupus may also experience headaches due to the following underlying causes:

  • aseptic meningitis, which is inflammation of the meninges — a protective membrane around the brain and spinal cord — that does not occur due to infection
  • brain infections
  • brain tumors
  • a buildup of pressure in the brain
  • vascular diseases, such as:
    • stroke
    • cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot in the sinuses that drain blood from the brain
    • reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which involves widespread narrowing of vessels in the brain
    • posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, which involves swelling in parts of the brain
    • vasculitis, disorders that involve damage to or swelling of blood vessels

When occurring as a symptom of lupus, headaches can be challenging to manage. This is because it may be difficult to identify the underlying cause.

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can help prevent and manage headaches, whether they occur due to lupus or other reasons.

However, people should check with their healthcare team first to ensure headache medications do not interact with any lupus treatments they are taking. A healthcare professional can offer advice to support a person’s individual needs.

Alternative methods of managing headaches may include:

People should speak with a doctor before starting an alternative treatment plan.

Lupus symptoms typically intensify during flare-ups. Taking steps to reduce the risk of a flare-up may help to prevent headaches.

To reduce the chances of a lupus flare-up, people should follow their treatment plan and get plenty of rest. People can also treat symptoms as soon as they occur to lessen their risk of worsening.

Other methods to prevent headaches include:

People can also try to recognize and avoid potential triggers for headaches. For example, a person may experience migraine after eating certain foods.

It is very important to contact a doctor as soon as possible if a person with lupus develops a persistent headache.

A doctor needs to identify the cause to treat it effectively. If the headache results from inflammation in the brain, it can be serious without medical assistance.

Other signs that a person with a headache may need urgent care include the following:

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause various symptoms, including headaches. However, headaches may be an indirect symptom, occurring as a result of other symptoms.

The severity, frequency, and intensity of headaches may vary from person to person. However, headaches may have a more significant negative impact on people with lupus.

If someone with lupus develops a persistent headache, they should speak with a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.