I've never seen anyone mention lupus headache online before so I thought I'd give a quick little overview of it
Lupus Headache
Lupus headache is a specific type of (often severe) headache cause by systemic lupus erythematosus that can also contain migraine symptoms. People with SLE experience incredibly high rates of headaches and migraines, a much greater rate than the general population.
Lupus headaches can be distinguished from other headaches by their response (or lack thereof) to different treatments. Lupus headaches and migraines do not respond to typical pain medication which can lead to people experiencing them being labeled as "drug seekers." Lupus headache does not typically respond to opioids. On the other hand, lupus headaches and migraines will respond to medications that regulate the immune system like immunosuppressants and steroids.
It is thought that lupus headache is caused by inflammation in the brain. Lupus is known to cause a condition called cerebritis, inflammation of the cerebrum. A large number of people with SLE will experience cerebritis, though most will go undiagnosed. Because lupus headache responds so well to immune regulating drugs and so poorly to other medications it is thought that lupus headache could be an extension of the inflammation that so many people with lupus experience in their brain.
It is also noted by researchers that lupus headache is more common in people who experience raynaud's phenomenon, a symptom where the blood vessels in a person's extremities constrict in the cold or under stress. There are questions being raised by researchers about a connection between raynaud's phenomenon in the hands and feet and potential involvement of the small blood vessels in the brain.