Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Anyone Get Headaches After Going Gluten Free?


kimis

Recommended Posts

kimis Collaborator

I went gluten free April 1,2008 (due to celiac). Two weeks ago I got a headache...I still have this headache that asprin won't relive. I got an MRI of my brain and it showed everything normal, and now am on antibiotics and steriods (doc thinks I could have a sinus infection) and the headache remains. I am scared and depressed without a clue of whats happening. The only changes have been the diet, and I have stuck with foods I have been eating all my life. The pain is mostly on the right side...mainly affecting my temple, eye,part of my face and forhead. Please let me know your opinions!!!!!!!!!

Thanks......kim

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



ShayFL Enthusiast

What were your symptoms before going gluten-free? Neurological?

Basic advice is to drink LOTS of water. I mean 8 - 10 glasses a day to "flush" the toxins out. Gluten/Gliadin are toxins to Celiacs. I find that Magnesium can help relax the muscles and ease the pain. I also use ice packs. And B2 200 mg a day has helped me too. But I never had one last more than 2 days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
LuvMoosic4life Collaborator

I'm glad I came across this because I've been experienceing this same thing. I never used to get headaces (accepts migranes when I was younger after eating), but now I've been getting persistant headaces that not even perscription IB profin will take away- and they'll stick around for days. I'm finding it may be that I am more sensitive to differant foods now- corn and peanuts being two of the major ones. ANd if I have gluten I get a really bad migrane on my left side through my eye- its one of the first signs of glutening for me.... but generally, even gluten-free, the headaces are in the forhead and tenple, I'll wake up in the morning with it, and it starts throbbing when I get up and walk, then dizziness sets in and I get the little black dots before my eyes :blink:

I'm trying to stick to a bland simple diet to see if it helps... avoiding caffine/sugar and chocolate will help also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sickchick Community Regular

I did... and I also had some icky emotional withdrawls I was ready to punch someone for like 5 days! :ph34r::lol:

be patient with yourself!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
elonwy Enthusiast

My headaches have completely gone away being gluten-free. That being said, a co-worker was having a constant headache that would not go away. Had the headache for almost a year, has MRI's, every test they could think of, etc. Turned out to be his thyroid. Might be worth checking out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DingoGirl Enthusiast

I am the reverse - my terrible headaches went away after gluten removal.......but what may be happening is withdrawal.....just a thought?

Here's an interesting article:

Open Original Shared Link

Link to comment
Share on other sites
nikki-uk Enthusiast
I went gluten free April 1,2008 (due to celiac). Two weeks ago I got a headache...I still have this headache that asprin won't relive. I got an MRI of my brain and it showed everything normal, and now am on antibiotics and steriods (doc thinks I could have a sinus infection) and the headache remains. I am scared and depressed without a clue of whats happening. The only changes have been the diet, and I have stuck with foods I have been eating all my life. The pain is mostly on the right side...mainly affecting my temple, eye,part of my face and forhead. Please let me know your opinions!!!!!!!!!

Thanks......kim

What springs to mind is dairy.

After a couple of months of being gluten-free my hubby started to get crushing awful headaches........turned out he had 'temporary' lactose intolerance (very common in coeliacs)

As soon as he cut out the milk products the headaches went away.

Hope you get to the bottom of it :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



kimis Collaborator

wow! There are so many possibilities I didn't even consider...that opiate withdrawl is artical is wild! I will also look into the magnesium and b2. I really appreciate all of your responses...it helps so much knowing we can all come together to figure out these weird side effects and what to do about them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MELINE Enthusiast
wow! There are so many possibilities I didn't even consider...that opiate withdrawl is artical is wild! I will also look into the magnesium and b2. I really appreciate all of your responses...it helps so much knowing we can all come together to figure out these weird side effects and what to do about them.

Hello

I had terrible terrible I mean reall terrible headaches when I started a detox protocol. i agree with the member who suggested WATER. it is very possible that you are just detoxifying. Just a thought....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - trents replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

    2. - Zackery Brian replied to rsvtwin6's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      6

      Gluten and 30 other Items causing me Severe Muscle Inflamation Pain

    3. - Fluka66 replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

    4. - Moodiefoodie replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

    5. - knitty kitty replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,062
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Sherry Glaser
    Newest Member
    Sherry Glaser
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo  the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the testing may be a waste of time if you don't. What are you going to do if it is negative for celiac disease? Are you going to go back to merrily eating wheat/barley/rye products while living in pain and destroying your health? You will be in a conundrum. Do I or do I not? And you will likely have a difficult time being consistent with your diet. Celiac disease causes inflammation to the small bowel villous lining when gluten containing grains are consumed. This inflammation produces certain antibodies that can be detected in the blood after they reach a certain level, which takes weeks or months after the onset of the disease. If gluten is stopped or drastically reduced, the inflammation begins to decrease and so do the antibodies. Before long, their low levels are not detectable by testing and the antibody blood tests done for diagnosing celiac disease will be negative. Over time, this inflammation wears down the billions of microscopic, finger-like projections that make up the lining and form the nutrient absorbing layer of the small bowel where all the nutrition in our food is absorbed. As the villi bet worn down, vitamin and mineral deficiencies typically develop because absorption is compromised. An endoscopy with biopsy of the small bowel lining to microscopically examine this damage is usually the second stage of celiac disease diagnosis. However, when people cut out gluten or cut back on it significantly ahead of time before the biopsy is done, the villous lining has already experienced some healing and the microscopic examination may be negative or inconclusive. I'm not trying to tell you what to do I just want you to understand what the consequences of going gluten free ahead of testing are as far as test results go so that you will either not waste your time in having the tests done or will be prepared for negative test results and the impact that will have on your dietary decisions. And, who are these "consultants" you keep talking about and what are their qualifications? You are in the unenviable position that many who joint this forum have found themselves in. Namely, having begun a gluten free diet before getting a proper diagnosis but unwilling to enter into the gluten challenge for valid testing because of the severity of the symptoms it would cause them.
    • Zackery Brian
      I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your health. Dealing with celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can indeed be overwhelming. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions based on your experience and the replies you've received: Confirming Diagnosis: It's great that your gastroenterologist confirmed your celiac disease diagnosis through additional tests. Understanding the specifics of your condition can help tailor your approach to managing it more effectively. Food Sensitivity Testing: While blood tests for food sensitivities can provide some insights, they may not always be completely accurate. As mentioned by others, false positives are common, and individual responses to specific foods can vary. Discussing your test results and symptoms with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about celiac disease and food sensitivities can help clarify your situation. Research and Education: Exploring conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance could shed further light on your symptoms and provide additional avenues for managing your health. Gathering information from reliable sources and discussing your findings with your healthcare team can help you make informed decisions about your care. Dietary Management: Managing celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can be challenging, but finding a balance that works for you is crucial. Working with a dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and food intolerances can help you develop a personalized dietary plan that meets your nutritional needs while minimizing symptoms. Stress Management: Chronic pain and health issues can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Finding healthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or engaging in activities you enjoy, may help improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you're not alone in your journey, and seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities can provide valuable encouragement and guidance.
    • Fluka66
      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this diagnosis but was assured it was the reason for my pain. Many years later the consultant gave up and I had a new GP. I started to cut out certain food types ,reading packets then really started to cut out wheat and went lactose free. After a month I reintroduced these in one meal and ended screaming in agony the tearing and bloating pain. With this info and a swollen lymph node in my neck I went back to the GP.  I have a referral now . I have also found out that acidic food is causing the terrible pain . My thoughts are this is irritating any ulcers. I'm hoping that after a decade the outlook isn't all bad. My blood test came back with a high marker but I didn't catch what it was. My GP and I have agreed that I won't go back on wheat just for the test due to the pain , my swollen lymph node and blood test results.  Trying to remain calm for the referral and perhaps needed to be more forceful all those years ago but I'm not assertive and consultants can be overwhelming. Many thanks for your reply . Wishing you all the best.
    • Moodiefoodie
      Wow! Fascinating info. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the guidance. @Spacepanther Over the years I have had rheumatologists do full lab work ups on me. They told me they had screened me for arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease (all negative). In addition to joint pain and stiffness I had swelling in both knees that later moved to my elbow as well.  I also experience stiffness and pain in my neck and shoulders when it flares. I vomited fairly often growing up, but there wasn’t a real pattern to it and I didn’t know it wasn’t normal (thought people caught stomach viruses often).  I don’t usually have stomach symptoms immediately after eating gluten that I notice.  The only other joint condition I know of is fibromyalgia. Good luck! Hope you can get it figured out. I only assumed my joint symptoms were due to the celiac’s because it is under control for the most part on a gluten-free diet.  The rheumatologist also mentioned that some inflammatory/autoimmune diseases can be slow-moving and not detectable until they progress.
    • knitty kitty
      @Spacepanther, I found these articles about the connection between Celiac and joint pain. Musculoskeletal Complications of Celiac Disease: A Case-Based Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10201087/ And   Intestinal microbiome composition and its relation to joint pain and inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814863/ And The gut microbiome-joint connection: implications in osteoarthritis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6903327/ Sounds like it's time to change the diet to change the microbiome.
×
×
  • Create New...