Migrainous phenomena in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Eleven patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) also had headaches and/or visual hallucinations typical of those found in migraine. These migrainous symptoms were commonly associated with exacerbations of SLE and abated as disease activity subsided. In some cases corticosteroids were more effective than conventional antimigraine therapy in controlling headaches and scotomas. The data suggest that migraine-like phenomena may arise as a result of vascular dysfunction in SLE.