Can Celiac Disease Cause Frequent Headaches? Help!

[deejay]

Just wanted to know if anyone here has frequent headaches with the Celiac disease. My Giadin IGG was very high, but other tests came back low. Months ago I was very constipated(never thought I'd say that on a post), but recently been the opposite. Every time after I eat, I'm in the bathroom, frequent BM's,and sometimes very nauseous, lightheaded, sick feeling. Every day, I also have a bad headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains. I'm thinking on going on the Gluten free diet on my own to see if I improve on it. My daughters IGG was also high, and her biopsy came back neg for Celiac. We both feel terrible.....HELP!!! Donna

[skbird]

My daily migraines dissappeared when I went gluten free. I do still get them but only when I'm having stomach problems or I eat gluten by accident - it's a good tip off for me. Migraines are no fun! Have you had a biopsy yet? If you think you'll have one, don't go gluten free yet. And if you decide you don't care to have one, then go for it. I didn't have one but I am going to a gastroenterologist in the next few months and I'm hoping he won't be too mad I won't for the life of me go back on gluten for a test!

Stephanie

[KaitiUSA]

Just wanted to know if anyone here has frequent headaches with the Celiac disease. My Giadin IGG was very high, but other tests came back low. Months ago I was very constipated(never thought I'd say that on a post), but recently been the opposite. Every time after I eat, I'm in the bathroom, frequent BM's,and sometimes very nauseous, lightheaded, sick feeling. Every day, I also have a bad headache, extreme fatigue, muscle aches and pains. I'm thinking on going on the Gluten free diet on my own to see if I improve on it. My daughters IGG was also high, and  her biopsy came back neg for Celiac. We both feel terrible.....HELP!!!  Donna

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A positive biopsy could rule celiac in but a negative one can't rule it out.

Could be a possibility you have a gluten intolerance but not full blown celiac. Or you could have beginning stages of celiac and that's why tests came back low.

Headaches can be symptom-not everyone gets the same symptoms..the other symptoms you are describing are also those that can come with celiac.

The diet would not hurt to try and see if your symptoms improve. Another testing alternative would be an Enterolab.

[judy05]

A positive biopsy could rule celiac in but a negative one can't rule it out.

Could be a possibility you have a gluten intolerance but not full blown celiac. Or you could have beginning stages of celiac and that's why tests came back low.

Headaches can be  symptom-not everyone gets the same symptoms..the other symptoms you are describing are also those that can come with celiac.

The diet would not hurt to try and see if your symptoms improve. Another testing alternative would be an Enterolab.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I get migraines when I accidentally get gluten. On Saturday my husband made us eggs and sausage, I thought he was using Hormel but it was a "store brand" and an hour later I had a migraine and diarrhea. Even though I have medication to take when the aura starts they absolutely scare me to death because my vision gets distorted. My husband felt really bad but he learned a valuable lesson. I blame myself for not checking the brand.

[sspitzer5]

I get headaches all the time. I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance. My biopsy was inconclusive. I've been gluten free for about 5 months and I've seen some improvement, but still have headaches pretty much every day. I would not characterize them as migraines though. But, they are very hard to deal with. I think I've had a headache almost every day for the last 6 years. I also have Hasimoto's thyroiditis. If anyone knows what causes them, I'd be soooooo thrilled!

Susan

[MySuicidalTurtle]

There is a link between gluten and migraines.

I cannot remember the studies about it to show but I know that there was research done linking the two. The studies didn't have anything to do wtih Celiacs but with just trying to find causes to migraines and how to eliminate them.

[emeraldskies]

Migraines in celiac disease sufferers could be caused by brain calcifications. The calcifications can also cause ataxia, seizures, anxiety, muscle atrophy, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. A folic acid deficiency can worsen the calcifications. It seems like the damage is usually in the jejunum of the small intestine, rather than in the duodenum, which is often the only place the doctor will biopsy. A brain CT test can detect the calcifications. I used to have constant migraines, but since going on the diet, they have been drastically reduced. I haven't even gotten eye strain headaches from going without corrected vision for many months (I'm too drained to get new contacts). Hopefully, continuing the diet will help your symptoms as well.

[Matilda]

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