I'm late to this thread, but wow- thank you OP for this. I hadn't ever really thought about them being connected. I am new to the Bipolar II diagnosis (they just classified me as major depressive for years but were confused why none of those meds worked). At any rate-- this makes a lot of sense. And holy cow- the mania link is accurate for me too.

I've had migraines since I was in the 7th grade. They are familial, but my family also has closeted mental health diagnosis so- who knows which is driving the other. I notice I get terrible migraines when I am manic- usually when I'm at the end of my mania and rolling back in to the depression. My mania always seems to reach a crescendo. I've had a migraine now for (3) days. Ugh!

Unfortunately, the migraine medications make me feel a bit loopy and as I travel a lot for work, I have learned to cope with them. Dark rooms. I wear blue-light glasses which helps my aura. Polarized lenses REALLY helps my aura- I found that out by accident. My aura gets so bad that I have lost vision in one eye for temporary lapses of time.

I know that I have physical triggers -- certain lights, smells, etc. But, maybe I am predisposed to them as well? Both my maternal and paternal sides of the family have migraines, so I was pretty well destined to struggle. But, ironically no one but me in the direct family gets them. Figures!

Just wanted to chime in and say thank you OP and those who responded with studies. I will definitely be taking a look.