Migraines

[GarAndTeed]

Hi All,

I started getting occasional migraines in my late 20's on the first day of my period. I've been post-menopausal for several years, and I don't take any hormones. During the "trauma" period leading up to the onset of celiac, I started getting migraines more often. Since I was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years ago, my migraines have been out of control. I get at least 2 per week, and the maximum allowed dosage of Imitrex barely touches them. Does anyone know if migraines are related to celiac? I have been gluten-free for probably 6 months now (I was using the Walmart brand of Lactaid occasionally, never thinking it might--and DOES-- contain wheat).

Thanks for any feedback!

[butterfl8]

Well, that sounds familiar! My migraines started when I was 20 too, and now the three meds I'm on help. . . 150 per night topomax, and Frova and Midrin for an attack. I tried imitrex once, and the pain got worse. Anyway, my migraines have been better since being gluten-free, but that could also be because I was demoted just before being diagnosed. The stress reduction along with the gluten elimination may have been the biggest help.

My sister, on the other hand, says that her migraines are worse. But she has a mixed kitchen, and from eating over at her house, I would say that she is not totally gluten-free. She isn't as sensitive as I am to gluten, and so doesn't know when she gets even a touch.

Has your Dr recommended topomax? It REALLY helped back when mine were as bad and as frequent as yours.

[David in Seattle]

Hi All,

I started getting occasional migraines in my late 20's on the first day of my period. I've been post-menopausal for several years, and I don't take any hormones. During the "trauma" period leading up to the onset of celiac, I started getting migraines more often. Since I was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years ago, my migraines have been out of control. I get at least 2 per week, and the maximum allowed dosage of Imitrex barely touches them. Does anyone know if migraines are related to celiac? I have been gluten-free for probably 6 months now (I was using the Walmart brand of Lactaid occasionally, never thinking it might--and DOES-- contain wheat).

Thanks for any feedback!

Your headache history sounds very similar to that of my soon to be ex-wife, though she is not yet menopausal. She has taken just about everything for them, including all the triptans (like Imitrex) and generally got the most relief from Zomig (also a triptan). Unfortunately, this category of drugs is well known for producing rebound headaches; the more you take it, the more frequent the headaches become. My wife has had to go off the medication on at least 2 occasions, often with the assistance of prednisone, and although this can be quite unpleasant, I know her headache frequency declined quite a lot afterwards both times. You also need to avoid caffeine and opioid pain medication (codeine, oxy and hydro codone, Tramadol, etc), as they can also precipitate migraines. You really should talk to a neurologist about this, if you're not getting anywhere with your GP.

Hope this helps,

David

[tarnalberry]

Celiac and migraines can be connected, but they're not always. My migraines got worse long after going gluten free, when I moved to Washington. I strongly suspect rapid changes in barometric pressure play a role in mine. I also know that stress and poor neck posture contribute to them, as working with a chiropractor has definitely helped.

For a while, I was also on daily topomax as a preventative, and even at a low dose, it was quite effective for me. (From 2-3 3 day migraines a week - yeah, do the math and that's almost constant - to one every month or two that last for a day.)

[GarAndTeed]

Celiac and migraines can be connected, but they're not always. My migraines got worse long after going gluten free, when I moved to Washington. I strongly suspect rapid changes in barometric pressure play a role in mine. I also know that stress and poor neck posture contribute to them, as working with a chiropractor has definitely helped.

For a while, I was also on daily topomax as a preventative, and even at a low dose, it was quite effective for me. (From 2-3 3 day migraines a week - yeah, do the math and that's almost constant - to one every month or two that last for a day.)

Hi Tarnelberry,

Topomax is a great idea; I'll ask my internist about getting a script. I really appreciate everyone's feedback! I hear you on the rebound headaches (David...I think that was you!). After reading the forum the other day, I realized I haven't been using gluten-free personal care products...I'm trying to get supplied w/ those. Have many of you noticed a difference using them? Thanks again!

[georgie]

I had a 15 year history of migraines until I went gluten-free and was dxed with adrenal problems. Nowadays - if my cortisone meds are running low I can get a migraine. In fact - that is one of the first signs I get that I need my cortisone replenished. I used to wake up with migraines before this dx... 5am killers ... Cortisol has a day /night rythym and starts to work at 4am in healthy ( non adrenal) people. So my guess is that I used to get migraines at 5am cos my cortisol was too low.

I now have a headache remedy for my occasional headche ( don't try this at home w/out asking your Dr!) of 1 x aspirin, 1 x Hydrocortisone , 1 x caffeine tablet. Works like a charm