Headaches and MS: Web Site

[Deb61]

I was doing some research on migraines because I'm having trouble, and came across this site which I'd like to share.  There's information about the DMD's and headaches and information about lesions and headaches.  There's usually a question that pops up about whether or not people with MS get more headaches, and it appears that there's a connection.  

http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3468/caffeine-headache.html

I know the migraines I'm getting; however, have to do with caffeine withdrawl.  I was off of caffeine completely for several years, and started having back on caffeine when I went to Italy (who can not try capaccino while in Italy?).  When I came back, I've started back on the caffeinated sodas and coffee.  Now I have a real problem again.  Yesterday, I had the worst migraine of my life because I forgot my morning "fix" of caffeine.

My headache neurologist years ago had me cut out the caffeine cold turkey (and cut the over the counter relief medications to two times a week and limiting Imitrex to two times a week).  I went through h*ll for a week and a half.  He did not recommend a gradual withdrawl because it only prolongs the migraines and makes them worse for a longer period of time.  

I've decided to go cold turkey on caffeine again.  I am really worried because I know what is in store for me, but the thought of many more migraines like that in the future is very depressing.  I just can't live like that.

Anyway, I hope this article is useful to fellow headache sufferers with MS.

Deb

[Deb61]

Chrisy & Military_Wifey,

I knew there was a connection with MS and migraines.  My family history of migraines consists of only my sister, who has MS also.  

I’m wondering if there’s any further research going on about MS and migraines . . . I remembered that Jen (jensequitur) mentioned that she found an article about vascular problems and MS (see below).  Since migraines are a vascular problem in the brain could there be other connections?

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Circulation-problems-and-MS/show/1006653

Also, as she noted in another post (see below) that there is a new theory that chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency can cause lesion formation, I’m curious if some vascular issue in the brain (like migraines) can do the same thing.  However, like you said, Military, I wonder what is first—the chicken or the egg?  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/New-things-I-know-about-MS/show/1012092?personal_page_id=2546&post_id=post_4711739

Thanks for the input.  This is a very interesting discussion (and it's keeping my mind off the impending doom of a migraine).

Deb

[goofysmom1]

I am currently in the "highly suspected" category of MS.  I have battled headaches for a long time - I have wondered if they are a part of my neurological problems.  About 10 years ago, I suddenly developed migraines - I would get them almost monthly.  After about a year & a half of dealing with these migraines - they went away.  I just figured it was some sort of hormonal phase.  

In the last year, I have begun having headaches that no over the counter medication can touch - not necessarily a migraine, but not a stress headache either.  They are completely different from any headache I have ever had before.  Then about 2 months ago, out of the blue I had a migraine.  It was probably one of the worst I have had ever.

This whole "headache & MS" possible connection is really interesting to me.

I hope this week goes okay for you - getting off caffeine isn't easy or fun - especially if your response to the withdrawl is a migraine.   What helps me the most when I get headaches is a dark, quiet room and laying down.  

Good luck & Hugs,
Chrisy

[Military_Wifey]

I actually got diagnosed with MS after my chronic pain doc wanted a brain MRI to see if there was a sinister reason for my migraines. Lots of lesions, and they would not have known if it wasn't for the migraines. But, I must say I have had migraines for 5 years and they think I have had the MS for at least 5, so it is "the chicken or the egg", which came first type of thing.

[Deb61]

I also found this site in migraine prevention:

http://www.thebrainmatters.org/resources/neurologynow/?event=home.showArticle&id=ovid.com:/bib/ovftdb/01222928-200703030-00023

The article has lots of tips that I have never heard of for migraine prevention.  I'm going to try all of what is recommended from hydration, exercise, vitamins (see below), relaxation, cutting the caffeine, and healthy sleep patterns--anything to prevent a repeat of yesterday's headache (which on a scale of 1 to 10 was a 10--right up there with birthing pains).

I'm really scared and anxious about this week without caffeine.  After reading the article above (and being desperate to head-off a migraine), I ran out today and bought the B2, Calcium, Petadolex, Coenzyme Q10.  We'll see what happens.  I also bought and I'm going to try a homeopathic migraine relief medicine by Hyland's called Migraine Headach Relief because I'm limited to the amount of Tylenol, etc. to prevent rebound headaches.  Has anyone else tried another homeopathic method that's worked for migraines?    

[Eyesnlegs]

Great detective work, I too suffer with head pain and headaches and it makes for interesting reading

Pat