migraine headaches/weight loss

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Replies

  • dontdomornings92
    dontdomornings92 Posts: 47 Member
    Could they be related to your period?
  • sissiluv
    sissiluv Posts: 2,205 Member
    When my blood sugars get low, not low enough for me to feel significant cognizant dissonance but enough to realize I've waited too long to eat, I'll get migraines because of that...Not horrible ones but my head will pound if I move and light and excessive noise make me flinch. They usually go away after I've eaten though.
    It's a pretty crappy guess but if I had to, I'd guess hypoglycemia. I'm sorry! I hope you figure it out soon because that sounds absolutely horrible. D":
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,421 Member
    I just wanted to come back and say how Great all of these suggestions are.

    I've read so much on migraines, and I've tried many/almost all of these suggestion. To the original poster - Keep Trying!! All of these suggestions are worth exploring.

    I hope you find relief.

    After all of the above - and being on every drug so far suggested, I still say - take the Triptans as soon as you feel one coming on.

    Unfortunately, the Triptans are super expensive....I found Maxalt 10mg to be the fastest, without the heart-rush that Immitrex Injections produced. Maxalt is dissolved under your tongue. Expensive - but worth it if it means you can go to work. It works in 20 minutes as compared to the 1-hour time frame of Immitrex pills. Immitrex Injections were too intense for me....they worked- like immediately, but the head and heart rush were scary to me.
  • lisamurray247
    lisamurray247 Posts: 6
    Hi there have you tried medication, if i dont take my nadalo im from new zealand will be different in other countries i get migraines every day, its horrible to think i have to take two tablets a day for the rest of my life but its worth it i still get the odd migrines but nothing compared to what i used to
  • spisea
    spisea Posts: 41 Member
    I've been there.

    I don't see Petadolex on your list of things that you've tried. Its a preparation of butterbur. Also, I use Saint John's Wort. (Make sure it doesn't interact with any medications you are taking before trying this one.)
  • spisea
    spisea Posts: 41 Member
    When my blood sugars get low, not low enough for me to feel significant cognizant dissonance but enough to realize I've waited too long to eat, I'll get migraines because of that...Not horrible ones but my head will pound if I move and light and excessive noise make me flinch. They usually go away after I've eaten though.
    It's a pretty crappy guess but if I had to, I'd guess hypoglycemia. I'm sorry! I hope you figure it out soon because that sounds absolutely horrible. D":

    I get migraines when my blood sugar gets low, but it sets things into motion and I have a migraine for up to a week after each incident. You are lucky!
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    Haven't looked through all the recommendations but I have read that migraines could be related to a magnesium deficiency. I used to get terrible migraines and when I started taking a cal/mag supplement, they got better. Once I twigged onto Epsom salts baths (Epsom salts are pure magnesium sulphate) they disappeared completely. You take the Epsom salts in through your skin, if you are deficient. Put two cups of Epsom salts (they are very inexpensive) per bath (of 15 minutes duration). You should make the water as hot as you can stand it (without burning yourself, of course). Aim for two baths per week. Even if they don't cure your migraines like they did mine, they are wonderfully relaxing. I take my bath before bedtime and pour myself into bed--and get a great night's sleep. :smile:


    Magnesium appears to be something of a "miracle mineral" in the bodily processes that it aids. It also has a connection to energy levels and serotonin levels in the brain. It is the original "feel good" tonic. Many people swear by hot mineral spring baths for that reason.
  • bjsissel54
    bjsissel54 Posts: 3
    I suffered from migraines for 36 years. I found a energy healer that was trained my Carolyn Cooper. She healed the root of the problem that was causing the migraine. I have not had a migraine in over a year now. I used to get them at least 3-4 times a week and was on pain pills and shots. Also 10-15 years ago I was hospitalized with one that had lasted 38 days. They sent me to Michigan Head Pain Clinic where I learned what my triggers were, which included foods and msg and nitrates. I reduced them to about 1 a week after that. You might want to check out their web site at www.mhni.com for ways to find your triggers or even the best idea I believe is Carolyncooper.com and find an energy healer near you. You can email me for more help if you would like at bgsissel@gmail.com
  • meganhat1
    meganhat1 Posts: 6
    I have the same beginning and ending weight loss goals as you. And I have suffered from migraines since I was 13. Been to the neurologists and had scans and whatnot, they couldnt find anything wrong either. She suggested that I lose weight as well, so here I go. Im just now getting started because the migraines have gotten worse. No pain medication helps, and lord knows Ive tried em all. The only thing that helps is laying in a cold dark room and tough it out through the pain.
    Im hoping that the weight loss will help. And this time I AM GONNA STAY WITH IT! I have too.
    I hope you find something that works for you, I know how debilitating migraines are.
    Good Luck!
    Megan
    P.S. Feel free to add me as a friend.
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    What the hell kind if neurologist told you toxins in fat caused your migraines???

    Did the doctor not have you keep a headache diary? Talk to you about possible triggers? Migraines are very complicated. They have nothing to do with fat.

    Many chemicals (such as lead, many pesticides) are lipophilic--easily absorbed by fat, not so much by water. This mean that they can get stored in your fat cells for quite a long time and without too many bad effects. Fat is pretty good at keeping itself stable and out of the blood stream. However, if a person starts to quickly lose weight (like on a crash diet), the fat is used up for energy and all the lipophilic compounds are released into the body. This is when bad things start to pop up. Did you have a blood test done?

    Not saying that this is the case here, but there is a precedent for poisoning associated with rapid weight loss. There was also a House, MD episode on this. XD

    I remember reading about this a number of years ago. I also remember an article about some dolphins that washed up dead, on the beach (in S. California or something). Their normal fish supplies were a bit thin that year, but scientists were baffled, at first, because the animals had almost certainly not starved. When they did autopsies, they discovered that the dolphins had died of liver and kidney failure, from what seemed to be toxic overload. They theorized that some of the dolphins had been using up their fat supplies at a very accelerated rate and that stored toxins were being released into their blood stream--- overwhelming their detoxification pathways.
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    Thank you, ALL of YOU ! THANK YOU EVERYONE !!!!!
    I kept my history very brief not to bore any of you. But I left out information, important information...
    Im so sorry!
    Ive tried the migraine medications (imitrex, maxolt ect.) and found I was allergic to them , my throat closes and I cant breath.
    Ive tried chiropractors, and acupuntorists for years at a time with all the hope in the world. But no lasting relief.
    Ive tried massage therapists, electric stimulation.
    Ive BEGGED my primary physician to take blood tests at different times of the month to try to rule out possible hormone imbalance connection, (supposedly Im fine).

    Thats how I got the referral to the nerologist. Thats how all of the neurological tests were taken... and I was tested further for psuedo tumor ceribri, and meningitis. More blood work, and BOTOX SHOTS . PAIN SHOTS in the head, pain medication to keep the worst pain under control...
    SUNGLASSES, EARPLUGGS, COLDPACKS, EYES CHECKED, contacts,
    MENSTRUAL DIARIES, SLEEP DIARIES, MEDICATION DIARIES, change in diet, nutrition classes, weight loss.....
    And the migraines keep on coming EVERYMONTH EVERY MONTH ... and the doctors tell me my blood work is within "normal"
    range.
    So I thought Id ask all of YOU smart people about weight loss and migraines
    :flowerforyou:
    I really need some answers....

    Did you ever have your mineral levels checked?
  • Lilith5
    Lilith5 Posts: 99 Member
    Ive been having extreme crippling migraine headaches off and on for years.
    But, in the last year and a half the migrajnes have been soooo bad I have had to go to urgent care for pain shots a few times a week.
    I went to a neurologist and had all the standard tests run, No NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS !
    It was suggested that maybe I have toxins in my fat causing the migraines......
    I took the suggestion seriously,and lost 100 pounds!
    I still have migraines every month Horrible migraines, EVERY MONTH !
    Does any one else experience migraine headaches beyond any pain medication?
    I lost 100 pounds.... now what does any one suggest??????

    I know what your going through.
    I've been suffering with migraines since my early teens basically I can get an attack at any time but any bit of stress, bright light, tap on the head etc brings them on and they are crippling! Even watching tele can bring one on, I sometimes even walk around the house with my darkest sunglasses on! I went to the doctors' as I thought being so sore and constant there might be something serious going on as no over the counter pain-killer would help. But she says having had them for years it can't be bad. So I have been prescribed 'Propranolol' a preventative, which I take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. I also take Zolmitriptan which I take when I get an attack! They help but it don't stop me from getting them and sometimes taking the Zolmitriptan don't work so it's a suffering game! As you can take no more than 2 x 2.5mg in 24hrs! But maybe going to your doctor and asking about those 2 medicines you never know they might work for you.

    Hope this info has helped :)
  • LBNOakland
    LBNOakland Posts: 379 Member
    Mine have gottem more frequent of late. Weather is def a trigger so I think this time of year is the culprit. Exercise helps me at the start of one. The blood pumping must help. I do understand there are times you cannot MOVE! Exercise is not an option then. The ONLY thing I can do is take sinus meds and go back to sleep. I then wake up with a hangover feeling for 24 hours. Crazy!! Good luck!!
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,421 Member
    Ive been having extreme crippling migraine headaches off and on for years.
    But, in the last year and a half the migrajnes have been soooo bad I have had to go to urgent care for pain shots a few times a week.
    I went to a neurologist and had all the standard tests run, No NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS !
    It was suggested that maybe I have toxins in my fat causing the migraines......
    I took the suggestion seriously,and lost 100 pounds!
    I still have migraines every month Horrible migraines, EVERY MONTH !
    Does any one else experience migraine headaches beyond any pain medication?
    I lost 100 pounds.... now what does any one suggest??????

    I know what your going through.
    I've been suffering with migraines since my early teens basically I can get an attack at any time but any bit of stress, bright light, tap on the head etc brings them on and they are crippling! Even watching tele can bring one on, I sometimes even walk around the house with my darkest sunglasses on! I went to the doctors' as I thought being so sore and constant there might be something serious going on as no over the counter pain-killer would help. But she says having had them for years it can't be bad. So I have been prescribed 'Propranolol' a preventative, which I take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. I also take Zolmitriptan which I take when I get an attack! They help but it don't stop me from getting them and sometimes taking the Zolmitriptan don't work so it's a suffering game! As you can take no more than 2 x 2.5mg in 24hrs! But maybe going to your doctor and asking about those 2 medicines you never know they might work for you.

    Hope this info has helped :)

    Just to elaborate a bit:

    Propranolol is a Beta Blocker. It is prescribed as a prohylactic drug. Same with tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-seizure meds like Depakote. All these may help prevent symptoms of migraine. The Triptan class of drugs are for treatment once the migraine has started.

    I was on preventative drugs for years. but it still didn't stop the migraines, it merely kept them to a "few" a month. The triptans make it possible to function. But they must be taken at the onset. Once a migraine takes hold, there is no other hope.
  • Leslie2273
    Leslie2273 Posts: 152 Member
    I have several triggers: stress, hormonal, sinus/allergies, weather and I have recently discovered wheat/gluten is a big one. These migraines have been getting progressively worse in the last two years and since I lost my insurance I've been struggling to get meds to help with the pain. I currently have had this current migraine for a week and I'm dying for some relief. It's tough and I hope you find some relief.
  • wetsel23
    wetsel23 Posts: 44 Member
    Do you drink diet sodas? I have heard that aspertame can cause migraines. I just watched a documentary yesterday Hungry For Change and it was also mentioned in that too.
  • jsiricos
    jsiricos Posts: 340 Member
    Most sweeteners - even the healthy ones - cause headaches / migraines, and in some cases, seizures.

    Trigger food for Migraines are Garlic, Red Wine, MSG, Cheese and Chocolate (usually the english kind, american doesn't do it)

    I am now Migraine free *cross fingers* I had surgical menopause in my late 30's, once I stopped HRT, the headaches went away.
    Anything I get now, is a walk in the park compared to what it used to be.

    An ice pack on the back of the neck, shrinks the blood vessels and slows the blood flow into your brain.

    Good Luck, message me if you need any help, I went thru almost the same as you at Addenbrookes Hospital, they were the ones that diagnosed me

    OHH brainflash, Migraine meds dont work on my son UNLESS he has anti nausea meds too, that knocks it right out.
  • dfquigley
    dfquigley Posts: 186
    The only thing that helps me is to avoid triggers.

    Stress
    Smoke
    Perfume
    Citrus juice
    Bright light
    Noise
    Lack of sleep
    Too much sleep
    Tylenol, yep, too much tylenol can cause rebound headaches/migraines.
    Extreme changes in weather. Can't avoid it but I can be aware and try to avoid other triggers then.

    What helps me:

    Dark, quiet rooms.
    Oxygen for cluster migraines.
    Butalbitol for meds
    Sunglasses
    Removing toxic people/drama from my life.
    Any kind of stress relief.
    Oddly, chocolate.
    Cold air, as in ICE cold.
    Sometimes, caffeine.

    What doesn't help me.

    Preventative meds. I have taken every drug that's out there and nothing worked or it turned me into a zombie/slug.
    Exercise, losing weight. I've had migraines since I was 18 years old and my weight has never made a difference.


    This matches me, almost to a T

    Only thing I can add is that some "preventative" stuff actually made them more frequent, and ICE PACKS were glorious!!!

    Another trigger for me is alcohol.

    Good luck, I feel your pain!!!
  • Arwaxx
    Arwaxx Posts: 113 Member
    I have them too. last night was THE WORST one, i got my eyes checked for dryness but nothing. neru doc NOTHING. in the end they told me it was mentally.. whenever im stressed i get them.. so i dont know! like yesterday i dont belive i was stressed but i had the worst headache ever.
  • Illona88
    Illona88 Posts: 903 Member
    My migraines started getting worse when I started dieting.
    After lots of research with my doctor and online, I found out that it was to do with blood sugar levels not being steady. Not enough to know that they've dropped or risen, but enough to know you're a bit hungry.
    I started eating 6 small meals a day, instead of 3 bigger meals to keep my blood sugar levels steady instead of having it go up and down all the time. I'm a lot better now. Maybe something for you too?

    Also have your magnesium levels checked. A lot of people with migraines have low magnesium levels and that makes the migraines more frequent. I am taking a supplement now and that has helped a lot too.
  • dfquigley
    dfquigley Posts: 186
    Blood sugar may make sense.

    Since my diet has improved mine have gone down as well.

    I've been following a complex carb and fat based diet rather than the simple sugars that spike blood sugar etc. but was just doing it for other health reasons.

    Interesting to think about.
  • princessdracos
    princessdracos Posts: 125 Member
    Have you ever tried supplementing Magnesium?

    Also, mine get triggered if my carbs are too low.
    [/quote

    I just started taking magnesium supplements for this very reason! A lot of mine are hormonal, but since I can't take BC, my doctor put me on elavil. It has helped quite a bit, but I think it may be time for a dosage increase. I've also identified several of my triggers: bananas, orange soda, red wine, many colognes and perfumes, diesel fumes...I hope you find the answers you need quickly!
  • Lilith5
    Lilith5 Posts: 99 Member
    Ive been having extreme crippling migraine headaches off and on for years.
    But, in the last year and a half the migrajnes have been soooo bad I have had to go to urgent care for pain shots a few times a week.
    I went to a neurologist and had all the standard tests run, No NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS !
    It was suggested that maybe I have toxins in my fat causing the migraines......
    I took the suggestion seriously,and lost 100 pounds!
    I still have migraines every month Horrible migraines, EVERY MONTH !
    Does any one else experience migraine headaches beyond any pain medication?
    I lost 100 pounds.... now what does any one suggest??????

    I know what your going through.
    I've been suffering with migraines since my early teens basically I can get an attack at any time but any bit of stress, bright light, tap on the head etc brings them on and they are crippling! Even watching tele can bring one on, I sometimes even walk around the house with my darkest sunglasses on! I went to the doctors' as I thought being so sore and constant there might be something serious going on as no over the counter pain-killer would help. But she says having had them for years it can't be bad. So I have been prescribed 'Propranolol' a preventative, which I take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. I also take Zolmitriptan which I take when I get an attack! They help but it don't stop me from getting them and sometimes taking the Zolmitriptan don't work so it's a suffering game! As you can take no more than 2 x 2.5mg in 24hrs! But maybe going to your doctor and asking about those 2 medicines you never know they might work for you.

    Hope this info has helped :)

    Just to elaborate a bit:

    Propranolol is a Beta Blocker. It is prescribed as a prohylactic drug. Same with tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-seizure meds like Depakote. All these may help prevent symptoms of migraine. The Triptan class of drugs are for treatment once the migraine has started.

    I was on preventative drugs for years. but it still didn't stop the migraines, it merely kept them to a "few" a month. The triptans make it possible to function. But they must be taken at the onset. Once a migraine takes hold, there is no other hope.

    I do understand what preventatives do and the triptans. Like I said they help not stop the migraines. But if nothing can stop them then I would rather have a migraine every once in a while rather than suffer 'everyday' like I was suffering before the meds.

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