Migraines and Cravings

Chelcie742

I get migraines a couple times a month, generally lasting 2-3 days each time. During these days I feel a consistent urge to eat despite not being hungry, as if it will help with the pain. It’s usually not the healthiest of foods I desire at those times (e.g., salty foods, soda, etc.). My rational mind knows that these foods won’t help the migraine pain, but the intensity of the pain overwhelms that rationality. I’ve found that chewing gum helps both the pain temporarily and the desire to eat so I’m thinking it has something to do with the jaw/facial muscles being used (but could be totally off base with this). I’d like healthier ways to manage these feelings and don’t want to go overboard being that it’s 4-6 days per month. Does anyone else experience similar symptoms with a migraine, and if so, have you found any strategies that help you manage the pain and/or the cravings?

mgookin

I talked to my doctor and ended up getting a prescription for imetrex for my migraine. It might benefit you if you dont talke some already.

Every rare one in awhile I do have to go to the hospital for a nerve block. But majority of the time the imetrex gives me same day relief within an hour or two of taking it.

sijomial

I didn't get cravings during the migraine - during a full blown one nothing would stay down anyway, but afterwards I would get a craving for salty founds. That might simply be that savoury is my taste preference over sweet of course but it was much more a real craving rather than just hunger.

Would suggest working with a good Doctor to tryout the various options for medications as what works for some is ineffective for others. Triptans (such as the one mentioned above) did absolutely nothing for me but worked like a magic switch for my S-I-L.
Taking a preventative medication was a life changer for me when I was getting multiple migraines a week.

Pizotifen as the preventative, Migril for treatment was my eventual drug regime. The earlier the treatment at the outset of attack the higher the chance of heading off the migraine so I learned not to ignore the warning signs (vision disturbance, hyper-sensitive to smell, feeling of pressure at the base of my skull....)

Best wishes you find a successful way to manage your migraines.

GottaBurnEmAll

The only time I ever had that issue was when I was having one of my less severe migraines while I was eating too few calories/over-restricting.

Saying that, if your migraines are frequent, do speak to your doctor about a good course of treatment. I'm on a similar drug protocol to what worked for sijomial except my ergotamine rescue drug is injectable rather than a pill.

You also might think about downloading the app Migraine Buddy to see if you can isolate your migraine triggers.

Chelcie742

Thank you all for your feedback. I have worked with my doctor regarding the migraines. The triptans were not a good course of action for me either as the side effects were awful. Have been working on prevention with him also. I'm hoping the food tracking will help me be more mindful of my eating during the migraine. Definitely going to look into the app you mentioned!

YvetteK2015

I definitely notice that when my pain gets to a high level, I get really hungry. Just like you, I know in my head that continuous eating is not going to make my headache any better, so I don't know if it is almost a comfort thing for the pain. All I know is, if my pain is a level 3 or 4, this doesn't happen. But if my pain is 7 or above, I'm ravenous.

GottaBurnEmAll

Chelcie742 wrote: »

Thank you all for your feedback. I have worked with my doctor regarding the migraines. The triptans were not a good course of action for me either as the side effects were awful. Have been working on prevention with him also. I'm hoping the food tracking will help me be more mindful of my eating during the migraine. Definitely going to look into the app you mentioned!

I couldn't handle triptans either because they closed my throat. If your doctor will only prescribe triptans as rescue meds, ask for a referral to a specialist. DHE is a godsend. You can get it as a nasal spray or an injectable.

Chelcie742

YvetteK2015 wrote: »

I definitely notice that when my pain gets to a high level, I get really hungry. Just like you, I know in my head that continuous eating is not going to make my headache any better, so I don't know if it is almost a comfort thing for the pain. All I know is, if my pain is a level 3 or 4, this doesn't happen. But if my pain is 7 or above, I'm ravenous.

THIS! Exactly this. I haven't experienced one since I've started tracking my food intake so I'm hoping that helps keep me on track when a migraine does occur. If I come across any strategies that help curb that I will keep you posted. Do you mind if I add you?

YvetteK2015

Chelcie742 wrote: »

YvetteK2015 wrote: »

I definitely notice that when my pain gets to a high level, I get really hungry. Just like you, I know in my head that continuous eating is not going to make my headache any better, so I don't know if it is almost a comfort thing for the pain. All I know is, if my pain is a level 3 or 4, this doesn't happen. But if my pain is 7 or above, I'm ravenous.

THIS! Exactly this. I haven't experienced one since I've started tracking my food intake so I'm hoping that helps keep me on track when a migraine does occur. If I come across any strategies that help curb that I will keep you posted. Do you mind if I add you?

Sure, you can add me. And if you find something that helps, let me know. I hate that migraine hunger. Definitely doesn't help the calorie deficit.

Torxa

ME. But this never feels like hunger to me, it is more that I want to move my jaw a lot. I target crunchy things.

I urge you to see a doctor, there is no reason to have a migraine for 2 - 3 days! There are plenty of meds you can try if you cannot take triptans. I have used Sumatriptan (Imitrex) for 21 years, it is very cheap even if you pay cash instead of using insurance.

Use your food diary to try to find your triggers. Mine are all aged cheese (can eat fresh cheeses), red and white wines for sure. I'm working on discovering the others.