Don’t Start The New Year With A Champagne Headache

Champagne is a big part of many New Year’s Eve celebrations. It can be a pleasure to drink, but it can also cause headaches for some. Headaches after drinking champagne may be caused by dehydration, mineral depletion, or even an allergy to the sulfites in champagne. Sulfites are chemicals used as preservatives to inhibit browning and discoloration in foods and beverages during preparation, storage, and distribution. Sulfites have been used in winemaking for centuries.

Sulfites are found in certain foods and beverages, and in a variety of medications. The use of sulfites as preservatives in foods and beverages increased dramatically in the 1970s and 1980s. Due to cases of severe reactions to sulfites, a ban by the FDA went into effect in August 1986. This ban prohibited the use of sulfites in fresh fruits and vegetables. Sulfites continue to be used in potatoes, shrimp, and beer/wine and are also used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Bubble Trouble: Champagne contains tiny little pockets of carbon dioxide. Like all carbonated beverages, that satisfying fizz in soft drinks and sparkling wine is created when carbon dioxide gas under pressure is dissolved in a liquid.

Champagne feels like it goes right to your brain because it does. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles in Champagne help your body to absorb the alcohol faster. The bubbles increase the pressure in your stomach, which forces alcohol out through your stomach’s lining and into your bloodstream for faster absorption. In your bloodstream, carbon dioxide competes with oxygen, which is why champagne makes you feel dizzy. You’ll also get drunk faster – and your hangover will be worse.

To avoid headaches and hangovers, try these tips

Stay hydrated:

Stay hydrated

Drink water before and after consuming alcohol. Alcohol is very dehydrating because it removes water from your cells. Try alternating a glass of water with each glass of champagne or other alcohol. And try to drink a full glass of water before going to bed. Alcohol promotes urination because it inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone that decreases the volume of urine made by the kidneys. If you wake up with a hangover, start hydrating as soon as possible. If your hangover includes diarrhea, sweating, or vomiting, you may be even more dehydrated. Although nausea can make it difficult to get anything down, even just a few sips of water might help your hangover. Drinking water throughout the day is even better for rehydrating and recovering the water you’ve lost and dramatically help your hangover headache.

Take aspirin:

Taking some aspirin can help reduce some symptoms of a hangover such as a headache. Never take aspirin on an empty stomach as that could increase the risk of G.I. distress and nausea.

Eat carbs:

Try eating complex carbs like nuts

Do not drink on an empty stomach. Start with a light meal or snack of complex carbohydrates and protein that will help absorb the alcohol. Nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains (crackers, toast etc.), yogurt are just a few common complex carbs. Drinking may lower blood sugar levels, so theoretically some of the fatigue and headaches of a hangover may be from lack of fuel to your brain. Also, many people forget to eat when they drink, which can also cause blood sugar to drop. Eating some complex carbs, toast, crackers and juice for example can get your blood sugar back to normal.

Drink caffeine:

Drink a couple of cups of coffee. The caffeine causes your blood vessels to constrict, which can relieve the discomfort of a headache. WARNING: FOR some migraine sufferers, caffeine can be a trigger.

Try MigreLief-NOW:

MigreLief-NOW is Akeso Health Sciences’ fast-acting nutritional formula to be taken as needed by headache or migraine sufferers for neurological comfort. MigreLief-NOW contains magnesium, ginger, Boswellia, and Puracol® feverfew.

So as you raise your glass to 2026, remember to toast responsibly. A little moderation, a lot of water, and the right remedies can help you wake up refreshed rather than regretful. Wishing you a joyful celebration and a headache-free start to the new year!

Fruit Infused Water | Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat

Why Going to the Dentist May Help You Prevent Migraines

Can you guess what’s the strongest muscle in the human body? Many muscles, including the tongue, the heart, and the gluteus maximus have been deemed the strongest muscles of the human body. But when it comes to sheer force there is one muscle that’s above all others: the masseter.

The masseter is a thick, flat muscle located in the cheeks, and it is part of what we call the “jaw muscles.” When the muscles of the jaw work together, they can close your back teeth (molars) with a force of up to 200 pounds and 95 pounds on the rest of your teeth. We use the jaw muscles every day to talk and chew.

But sometimes we clench our jaws involuntarily, exerting too much pressure in or around the face and temples. Bruxism is the abnormal and involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth that may occur during the day or at night while we sleep. Your dentist may diagnose you with bruxism during a regular dental check-up based on changes in your teeth. When it’s left untreated, the constant grinding of your teeth can lead to several different problems, including damage to your temporomandibular joins leading to the development of TMJ disorder.

Bruxism symptoms

Signs and symptoms that you have bruxism include:

Chipped or flattened teeth
Tight or locked jaw
Tooth sensitivity
Loud grinding noises
Sore gums
Headaches or migraines
Facial pain
Earache
Jaw popping
Facial spasms

Bruxism and migraines

Migraines are a type of chronic neurologic disorder that causes intense, debilitating pain. Though the exact cause is not fully understood, experts know that migraines can be triggered by factors such as stress, the weather, loud noises, some types of foods, etc. During a migraine attack, a person might experience daily bouts of pain that last up to a week.

Bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and toothaches have also been shown to trigger migraines in some individuals because they create tension around the head. In fact, a research study conducted in 2016 showed that migraine sufferers ground their teeth more – especially around the molar region – than those who didn’t suffer from migraines.

Treating bruxism

If you find yourself tensing your jaw, grinding your teeth, or you wake up with jaw pain, you might have bruxism or TMJ disorder. Untreated jaw disorders can wear down your teeth (attrition), aggravate migraines and cause tension headaches.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help prevent further tooth damage and ease the pressure off your jaw. Talk with your dentist to learn about the options available for bruxism and TMJ, including:

Mouthguards or splints: these are the best options if you are a night-time grinder because they keep the jaw in a rested position. Mouthguards can fit over your top or bottom teeth and their goal is to separate your top and bottom molars. Usually, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and then mold the mouthguard accordingly so it can be as comfortable as possible when you use it.

Self-massage: use your fingers to massage your jaw in a circular or downwards motion applying constant, gentle pressure. Alternatively, with your mouth open, use your hand to gently push one side of your jaw. Hold it for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Medications: If your bruxism or TMJ is severe, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to help ease tension off the area. Botox injections have also been shown to be effective at temporarily reducing clenching and alleviating jaw pain.

Sleep Supplements – For many people, stress and trouble sleeping can be the cause of bed-time teeth grinding and jaw pain. Taking a natural sleep supplement with ingredients clinically shown to promote deep sleep and reestablish healthy sleep patterns can make all the difference.

Slow-wave sleep, also called deep sleep, is an important stage in the sleep cycle that enables proper brain function and memory. It is also the stage where all of your body’s rejuvenating and healing occurs. While most adults are aware that they should aim for between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night, the science of sleep is quite complex. The two main categories of sleep are called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep, and each has important stages. Humans cycle through these stages in a somewhat regular pattern as they sleep, and a full night’s rest means cycling through these stages a few times before waking up.

Taking a sleep supplement to get both better sleep and more deep sleep each night, not only allows a person to wake up feeling more rested and refreshed, often it helps avoid teeth grinding and waking with jaw pain.

Famous People with Migraine

Migraines have long plagued some of the most brilliant minds, talented artists, and elite athletes throughout history. From rulers and philosophers to musicians and sports legends, this condition knows no boundaries. While migraines can be debilitating, the experiences of these remarkable individuals remind us that perseverance, creativity, and resilience can thrive despite chronic pain.

The Politicians

Roman dictator Julius Caesar and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte suffered from migraine, as did Queen Elizabeth I and II, and King Henry VIII. U.S. president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson. and both Robert E. Lee, Commander-in-Chief of Confederate armies during the American Civil War, and Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general who overcame Lee’s troops and went on to become U.S. president also suffered from migraine.

The Writers

Migraine has influenced the work of many writers, among them Lewis Carroll, Virginia Woolf, and Miguel de Cervantes. Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found may have been drawn from the feelings of bodily distortion and light sensitivity and auras experienced by some people with migraine.

Han Kang: The Nobel Prize-winning South Korean novelist, known for works like “The Vegetarian,” has suffered from debilitating migraines since childhood. She has described experiencing “extreme mental and physical pain” while writing, noting that her migraines have given her the humility and empathy essential to her writing.

Siri Hustvedt: The acclaimed author has written about her migraine experiences, detailing symptoms such as visual hallucinations and sensory disturbances. She describes sensations like “fogs and gray spots” and a feeling of a “heavy cloud” in her head, which have influenced her creative process.

Oliver Mol: The Australian writer endured a continuous 10-month migraine that left him in a state of “catatonic panic.” This profound experience significantly impacted his life and work, leading him to explore the depths of chronic pain in his writing.

These authors, among others, have provided valuable insights into the intersection of creativity and chronic pain, highlighting the profound impact migraines can have on the creative process.

The Painters

Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh is reputed to have suffered from severe migraines. Some speculate that his strokes of pure color were inspired by visual disturbances from migraine auras. Van Gogh’s works includes some of the most acclaimed paintings ever created – Sunflowers, Irises and The Night Café.

Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986), the American modernist painter experienced severe migraines, which often forced her to take breaks from painting. Some art critics speculate that her abstract, soft-edged floral paintings may have been inspired by scotomas (blind spots) and visual distortions caused by migraines.

The Thinkers

Philosophers throughout history have often engaged with pain and suffering, sometimes integrating their personal experiences with migraines into their work on perception, reality, and consciousness.

Sigmund Freud, the “Father of Psychoanalysis,” is thought to have suffered from migraine. Freud’s radical views challenged 20th century society’s view of itself and the world with his provocative theories on the psychology of human sexuality and dream interpretation.

The German philosopher and poet Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century, was also plagued by migraines throughout his life. His frequent attacks, accompanied by nausea and vision problems, often left him bedridden for days. Nietzsche’s struggles with chronic illness are reflected in his existential and introspective works, such as Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil.

Siri Hustvedt a contemporary philosopher and writer, has openly discussed her experiences with migraine, including aura-related hallucinations and sensory distortions. She explores the link between neurological phenomena and perception in works like The Shaking Woman or A History of My Nerves.

Oliver Sacks (1933–2015) suffered from migraine and experienced auras and scotomas (visual disturbances) and altered perceptions which he described in both scientific and autobiographical contexts. Though primarily known as a neurologist and author, Sacks had a philosophical approach to neuroscience and wrote extensively about migraines in his book Migraine (1970).

He explored how the condition influences perception and consciousness. In Migraine, Sacks documented different types of migraines and their connections to art, perception, and consciousness, influencing both medical research and philosophical discussions on the mind-body relationship.

Entertainers

Lady Gaga: Diagnosed with migraines at 14, the singer and actress has described the debilitating impact they’ve had on her life and career.

Ben Affleck: The actor and director was hospitalized due to a severe migraine while directing “Gone Baby Gone,” attributing the episode to stress and lack of sleep.

Marcia Cross: The “Desperate Housewives” actress has been vocal about her struggles with migraines, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of the condition.

Carly Simon: The renowned singer-songwriter has dealt with migraines throughout her life, often finding that stress and certain foods can trigger episodes.

Kristin Chenoweth: The actress and singer experiences vestibular migraines, which include vertigo and sensitivity to light. She has found relief through treatments like Botox.

Lisa Kudrow: Known for her role in “Friends,” Kudrow has a family history of migraines and has been involved in research on the condition.

Athletes

Serena Williams: The tennis champion has experienced migraines since her 20s and has spoken about the challenges of managing them during her career.

Aly Raisman: The Olympic gymnast has shared her struggles with migraines, noting that she often pushed through the pain during training and competitions.

Ryan Murphy: A two-time Olympian and world-record-holding swimmer, Murphy has been open about his struggles with migraines, particularly during high-stress periods like Olympic trials.

Terrell Davis: The Pro Football Hall of Fame running back experienced a debilitating migraine during Super Bowl XXXII, which forced him to miss part of the game.

Ian Thorpe: The Australian swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist has discussed his battle with migraines throughout his competitive career.

Amanda Beard: A seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming, Beard has shared her experiences with migraines, including symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity.

Steve Kerr: The NBA coach and former player missed several games due to severe headaches and complications from back surgery, highlighting the impact of migraines on his professional life.

DeShone Kizer: The NFL quarterback has dealt with chronic migraines since childhood, which have occasionally affected his performance during games.

These accounts highlight that migraines do not discriminate, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Today, with increased awareness and advanced treatment options, those who suffer from migraines have more resources than ever for preventing migraines or managing their symptoms. If you struggle with migraines, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone—many of history’s greatest figures have walked the same path, proving that even in the face of pain, greatness is possible.

A Thanksgiving Message from the MigreLief Team at Akeso Health Sciences

Back Pain and Migraines More Likely to Occur Together

A systematic review published by researchers at the University of Warwick found that there is an association between chronic low back pain and primary headache disorders, namely migraines and tension-type headaches.

Migraines and chronic lower back pain are two of the most disabling conditions worldwide. Migraines affect more than 1 billion people globally, and low back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability. Both of these conditions are a significant socioeconomic burden, costing individuals and nations billions of dollars every year in healthcare expenditures and missed workdays.

The systematic review, published by the Journal of Headache and Pain, included 14 research studies with a combined total of 460,435 participants. The results of the analysis showed a positive association between primary headache disorders and lower back pain. This association indicates that frequent back pain or chronic headaches are at least twice as likely to occur in the presence of the other.

Treating Back Pain and Migraine

Healthcare providers have always treated low back pain and primary headaches as two separate conditions. There are many drugs and natural remedies that can be beneficial to migraines and tension-type headache sufferers. Chronic lower back pain and other pain syndromes can be managed through exercise, physical and occupational therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as with prescription and OTC medications and certain dietary supplements. However, there aren’t many interventions that target both ailments at the same time.

“People with persistent low back pain and people with chronic headache disorders are typically managed by clinicians from specific clinical specialties rather than experts in the management of chronic pain syndromes,” the authors note. Treating both conditions together could significantly lower costs, reduce medication overuse, and improve patient’s quality of life.

Mild or episodic back pain and headaches can be treated with OTC medications, certain dietary supplements and home remedies such as ice-packs, mindfulness meditation, and acupressure.

Several plant extracts like Ginger and Boswellia can help with back and joint pain as well as headache and migraine. Maintaining a good posture, reducing stress, and exercising frequently can also help prevent episodic headaches with back pain.

The Link Between PTSD and Migraine: Breaking it Down

When people think of PTSD, flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance are usually the first things that come to mind. Not migraines. And while headaches aren’t a textbook sign of the disorder, there’s a strong link between PTSD and migraine. Mounting evidence shows people with PTSD are far more likely to deal with migraine than those who don’t. In this article, we’ll break down the research connecting migraine and PTSD and offer tips for how to manage both conditions.

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a disorder that occurs as a response to a traumatic situation. While trauma comes in all shapes and forms, the most common events to trigger PTSD include:

Military combat
Natural disasters
Serious accidents
Childhood or domestic abuse
Physical or sexual assault
Death of a loved one
Serious injuries or health conditions

That said, only 1 in 3 people who go through severe trauma develop PTSD.¹ No one knows why some develop the disorder, while others don’t.

Genetics, particularly a family history of mental health problems, likely plays a role. Yet lack of social support may also contribute to PTSD.

While the disorder is commonly associated with war veterans, anyone at any age can develop PTSD.

PTSD symptoms

Typically, symptoms arise within three months after being exposed to a traumatic event. But in some cases, symptoms may not emerge until years later.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts reliving the traumatic event
Avoiding places, objects, or situations that may trigger distressing memories
Feeling guarded, on edge, or easily startled
Having irritable or angry outbursts
Distorted thoughts about oneself
Feelings of guilt, shame, or inability to feel positive emotions
Reckless or destructive behavior
Trouble falling or staying asleep

Due to the nature of PTSD, it’s no surprise that depression and anxiety are common comorbidities. Yet, PTSD can impact your physical health as well. Patients with PTSD face a greater risk of arthritis, heart problems, and digestive disorders, such as GERD.² But pain often goes hand in hand with PTSD as well. For example, in one study of people with chronic low back pain, 51% also had PTSD symptoms.³ Headaches are also a common complaint in those with PTSD.⁴

The Relationship Between PTSD and Migraine

There is an undeniable link between PTSD and migraine. It’s estimated that roughly 8% of the population has PTSD. Yet the frequency of PTSD is much greater in those with migraine.

One study from the journal Headache found that 22.4% of people with episodic migraine had symptoms of PTSD.5 The results with chronic migraine were even more dramatic, with 30.3% of patients having signs of PTSD.

Another study examined the prevalence of PTSD among patients with tension headaches or chronic migraine. Out of 60 healthy control patients, five had PTSD (8%).6 Compare that to 40% of migraine patients and 13.3% of patients with tension headaches.

What’s more, childhood trauma and migraines often go hand in hand. Research shows migraine is more common in people with a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse than in the general population.7

Clearly, there’s a bidirectional link between the two conditions. But the mechanisms connecting the two aren’t entirely understood.

Does PTSD Cause Migraine?

For now, it’s unclear. One study found that 69% of episodic migraine patients had PTSD symptoms before the onset of their migraines.8 This suggests PTSD may trigger migraine, yet further research is needed to understand the link. About 80% of people with migraine report stress as a common trigger.9 And since PTSD involves living in a state of hyperarousal, the connection makes sense.

PTSD can cause your nervous system to stay stuck in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Staying in the stress zone for too long may cause abnormal activity of the trigeminal nerve, which is linked with migraine10 Stress also creates chronic inflammation, which may alter pain perception. Yet migraine may trigger PTSD symptoms as well. Living with migraine presents plenty of stressors. Migraine episodes can take a toll on work, relationships, and social life. These challenges may exacerbate symptoms of PTSD, creating a vicious cycle.

Managing PTSD with Migraine

Both PTSD and migraine are complex conditions. So treatment involves a comprehensive approach. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications are typically the recommended treatments.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is shown to be particularly helpful for PTSD patients with migraine. CBT works to shift dysfunctional thought patterns that may be contributing to stress and anxiety. CBT can also help you learn coping strategies for managing both conditions.

Shifting lifestyle habits can also help ease symptoms of both disorders. Meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can all help calm the nervous system and ease stress.

Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often prescribed for PTSD patients as well. These meds may help lessen the severity of symptoms. Yet, these drugs often come with a long list of side effects.

Luckily, there are also natural options for calming an overactive stress response. Nutritional support can help address any underlying imbalances that may stir up anxiety or migraine. We carry two formulas that may offer relief:

Calm and Clever includes herbs and nutrients that reduce cortisol, helping to ease anxiety and lower the stress response.
Migrelief contains a triple shot of nutritional support for migraine sufferers, with magnesium, riboflavin, and Puracol® feverfew. For fast-acting neurological comfort for both migraine or headache sufferers, MigreLief-NOW (rescue formula) can make a big difference. MigreLief has been recommended by neurologists and headache specialists for over 25 years.

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Takeaways

The link between PTSD and migraine is clear. Migraine is much more common in people with PTSD – and vice versa. Both disorders involve an overactive stress response. But the mechanisms behind the connection are unknown for now.

While both conditions are complex, coping strategies may help manage symptoms. Relaxation techniques, therapy, and nutritional support can help ease stress and anxiety, which may offer symptom relief.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Understanding the Condition and Its Connection to Migraine

Living with migraine is challenging enough. But adding Ehler-Danlos syndrome on top of it takes those challenges to a whole new level.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that can affect the skin, joints, muscles, and blood vessels. Joint dislocations, fragile skin, and chronic pain are common among those with EDS. And like many health conditions, EDS occurs more often among those with migraine.

In this article, we’ll cover what EDS is, along with symptoms, causes, and its connection to migraine.

What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of connective tissue disorders. Your connective tissue acts as the “glue” that holds your organs in place. It’s made of a mix of substances and proteins, including collagen and elastin.

Collagen is a protein that provides strength and structure to your body and helps maintain skin elasticity. Unfortunately, people with EDS have a gene that affects their collagen production. Because of this, their connective tissues are weaker than they should be. This can lead to a variety of issues, including fragile skin and loose joints.¹

Types of EDS

There are 13 different types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. While we won’t cover them all in this article, here are three of the most common:

Hypermobile EDS

Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) is the most common type, representing about 80-90% of EDS cases.² The hallmark sign of hEDS is joint hypermobility. Meaning, the joints move more than they should.

Classical EDS

Classical EDS (cEDS) is a type of EDS that can cause fragile, overly stretchy skin. People with this form often scar or bruise more easily.

Vascular EDS

Vascular EDS (vEDS) is a less common form of EDS, but more severe. Vascular EDS can cause the blood vessels and organs to rupture more easily. This can lead to internal bleeding and increase the risk of stroke.³

How Common is EDS?

Not at all. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is rare, affecting roughly 1 in 5,000 people worldwide (0.02%).⁴ To put this in context, about 10% of people live with migraine.

As mentioned, hypermobile EDS is the most common, affecting between 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000 people. Classical EDS affects between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 20,000 people.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type of EDS. However, some of the most common EDS symptoms include:⁵

Joint hypermobility. People with EDS often have overly flexible joints. For example, they may be able to bend forward and place their hands flat on the ground. This is because the connective tissue that holds their joints in place is weaker. This can increase the risk of joint pain and dislocations.
Stretchy skin. Weaker connective tissue can make the skin unusually stretchy. This is known as skin hyperextensibility. Skin may also have a soft, velvety texture.
Tissue fragility. When the connective tissues are more fragile, the skin and organs are more prone to damage. This can lead to easy bruising, unusual scarring, and poor wound healing.

Other symptoms of EDS include:^1,5

Fatigue
Joint and muscle pain
Trouble concentrating
Digestive issues like heartburn and constipation
Poor muscle tone
Dental issues like gum disease
Hernias
Pelvis organ prolapse
Urinary incontinence
Headaches

What Causes Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?

In short, genetics. Currently, 20 different genetic variants are linked with EDS.³ Each type of EDS can be traced to a specific gene mutation. These genes all affect your body’s ability to produce collagen.

The parts of your body affected depend on the type of genetic mutation you have. In some forms of EDS, multiple genes are involved.⁵

Since EDS is a genetic disorder, it can be inherited from your parents or passed onto your children. However, it’s possible to get EDS even if your biological parents didn’t have it.

EDS and Migraine: What’s the Connection?

It’s no secret that migraine has a long list of comorbidities. And it turns out, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is one of them.

No research indicates that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome causes migraine. However, there is a link between the two.

While hypermobility is the textbook sign of EDS, headaches are also common. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 70% of people with EDS get regular headaches.⁶

Of all headache types, the most prevalent ones among those with EDS are migraine without aura and migraine with aura.⁷ One study of over 1.6 million Israeli teens found that migraine was twice as common among those with EDS.⁸

In addition, migraine tends to be more severe among people with EDS.

One study published in Neurological Sciences compared migraine in 33 patients with hypermobile EDS to 66 patients suffering solely from migraine. They found that those with EDS had an earlier onset of migraine (12.6 vs 17.0 years of age).⁹

In the study, patients with EDS also had more frequent migraines (15 days per month vs 9.3) and more adverse effects on their quality of life.⁹

Why is Migraine Worse with EDS?

It’s not entirely clear. But some suggest stress could play a role.

Like migraine, living with EDS can take a toll on a person physically and mentally. And stress is the number one migraine trigger. The increased stress of living with EDS may worsen migraine symptoms.

In addition, people with EDS often suffer from comorbid conditions. This includes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).¹⁰ Like EDS, these conditions can increase the risk of migraine and potentially make symptoms more severe.

Plus, many people with EDS may turn to medications like aspirin or ibuprofen to manage pain. If used regularly, these may contribute to medication overuse headaches.

How is EDS Diagnosed?

Each type of EDS has its own criteria for diagnosis. This consists of a set of symptoms that characterize each condition.

If your doctor suspects you have EDS, they’ll likely do a physical examination with a series of tests. This may include:

Checking your skin to assess how stretchy it is and to look for scars and bruises.
Seeing how far you can bend joints like your wrist, elbows, knees, or fingers. For example, can you lift your pinkie finger beyond a 90-degree angle? Or can you bend your knees backward?
A medical history to see if anyone in your family has dealt with these symptoms before.

Genetic testing can also pinpoint genes related to the rarer forms of EDS. But keep in mind, if no genetic mutations show up, you could still have EDS. You just may have a genetic variant not included in that test.

Other tests may also be recommended depending on the severity of your symptoms. This may include a CT scan, MRI, or echocardiogram.

Managing EDS & Migraine

There’s no cure for EDS. However, certain treatments can help you manage your symptoms. Since EDS can affect multiple body parts, you may need a team of specialists to manage your care.

Treatment will vary depending on your symptoms and the type of EDS you have but may include:

Physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around your joints. This may help prevent injuries and reduce the risk of dislocations.
Occupational therapy can help you adjust your daily living to reduce the risk of injuries. They may recommend devices like braces for extra joint support.
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and pilates help build muscle tone without putting too much pressure on the joints. Contact sports, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercise can increase the risk of dislocations. So it’s best to avoid them.
Mindfulness practices like meditation are shown to relieve stress, increase body awareness, and reduce sensitivity to pain.¹¹ This can be helpful for both EDS and migraine.
Skincare routines may need to be adjusted to protect fragile skin. Avoid harsh soaps and vigorous scrubbing and opt for gentle cleansers instead. Wearing sunscreen every day is a must too.
Hydration is key for EDS and migraine. Drinking plenty of water keeps your joints lubricated and helps maintain tissue elasticity. Dehydration is also a common migraine trigger. Aim to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
Nutrition is a crucial part of treating any health condition, including EDS and migraine. Processed foods can cause inflammation and trigger migraine, so it’s best to avoid them. Instead, opt for a diet rich in wholesome foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This will flood your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote healing.
Dietary supplements should be considered to fill nutritional gaps and support neruological health and comfort such as MigreLief (daily maintenance) and MigreLief-NOW (as-needed / at first warning signs – support for neurological and overall comfort.)

Living with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

EDS is a lifelong health issue. The good news is, once you learn how to manage your EDS symptoms, you should be able to enjoy your usual activities. However, you’ll want to steer clear of extreme activities like contact sports to avoid injury.

Some people with EDS also have migraine, which adds another layer of challenge. But you have more power than you think. Keeping a heathy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, proper hydration, and mindfulness can help keep your body balanced which may reduce future flares.

Sources:

Prevent Summer Migraines

While there is much to love about summer- longer days, outdoor picnics, trips to the beach, pool time and nighttime barbecues, summer months can also increase the risk of debilitating migraines. Hotter temperatures, barometric pressure changes, and high humidity make many migraine sufferers more susceptible to an attack.

What triggers migraines during the summer?

A host of factors make summer one of the worst seasons for migraine attacks. For example, dehydration, a common migraine trigger, is more likely to occur during the summer months when the weather is warm and during periods of profuse sweating where people lose more fluid than they take in.

Other factors may trigger migraines during the summer months, including:
• High humidity
• High winds
• Longer days (which can change sleeping patterns)
• Typical summer foods and drinks (hot dogs, bacon, sausage, soda, alcohol, pre-made sauces like BBQ sauce, chips, candy, etc.)
• Barometric pressure changes

But even though migraines often rob us of summer’s little pleasures, there are things you can do to minimize your risk and ward off triggers. Here are some helpful tips for avoiding migraines and headaches this summer:

How do you avoid a summer migraine?

Stay well hydrated.

For many migraine sufferers, even mild dehydration is the quickest way to a migraine attack. To avoid getting dehydrated while you are out and about, carry a water bottle with you at all times and drink 6 to 8 ounces every hour. Drinking water is not the only way to stay hydrated: fruits and veggies with high water content like grapes, watermelon, celery, and cucumber are fun and effective hydration options perfect for pool or beach days.

Wear sunglasses.

Many migraine sufferers are sensitive to light before, during, or even after an attack (photophobia). 85 to 90 percent of migraineurs experience photophobia which is why so many migraine sufferers seeking migraine relief, lie down in a dark room.

Some migraineurs swear by dark, polarized, tinted, or FL-41 lenses, but keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way of choosing sunglasses for your migraines. The perfect pair will be the one that sits comfortably on your face, provides adequate UV ray coverage, and reduces discomfort. It is important to choose frames with good eye-coverage that can help block light that comes from above, that comes from the side, and that causes glare that comes from the back.

You may also need to wear your sunglasses indoors to deal with fluorescent lights, computer screens, etc. However, wearing sunglasses indoors too much can lead to something called chronic dark adaptation, which can make your sensitivity to light even worse. If you have to wear sunglasses inside, be sure to take them off every hour or so to avoid getting chronic dark adaptation. Consider decreasing glare and brightness by turning off fluorescent lights or adjusting or tinting your computer screen.

Cool down with cold-therapy ice caps. While migraine and headache relief ice gel caps are great for fast relief, they are also great for cooling down and relaxing on a hot day. Keep the convenient one-size fits most, form-fitting soft gel compression cap in the freezer and slip on whenever you need cool comfort or migraine and headache relief.

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

With longer days and shorter nights, you probably find yourself going to bed later and waking up earlier than usual. Daylight hour changes can be very disruptive to sleeping routines; humans are wired to sleep after the sun sets and wake up when it rises. But during the summertime, the earth tilts on its axis ever so slightly, bringing more daylight hours to most places around the world.
Sleep deprivation is a potent migraine trigger, but you can avoid it by sticking to a regular sleeping schedule, making sure your room is dark, the temperature is pleasant, and limiting your sugar and caffeine consumption before bed.

Before you give in to the inevitability of waking up with a migraine, consider a natural sleep aide to help you reset your internal clock and ease back to sleep. Natural supplements with melatonin, valerian root extract, or magnesium are all safe and effective options.

Avoid Fragrances.

Fragrance-loaded summer products like sunscreens are important to avoid if you are susceptible to this migraine trigger. Try to purchase fragrance-free products when possible.

Manage Stress.

Although summer is a carefree time of fun and relaxation, many people may experience what some call a “let-down” migraine because they occur on the first day of vacation or the start of a weekend. According to a study conducted by researchers at the Montefiore Headache Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, in the first six hours of reduced stress, a person’s risk of getting a migraine attack increases nearly five times, an effect that lasts up to 24 hours. The researchers found that relaxation following heightened stress was an even more significant trigger for migraine attacks and reduced stress from one day to the next significantly increased risk of migraine onset on the following day.

Practice mindfulness in order to reduce stress

It is important for people to be aware of rising stress levels and attempt to relax during periods of stress, rather than allowing a major build-up. Rising temperatures are also known to increase levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Practicing mindfulness or yoga and taking natural supplements to help maintain healthy levels of cortisol are great ways to manage stress and prevent migraines.

On-the-Spot Nutritional Support

If you are using MigreLief Original daily formula, don’t forget to pack it along on any trip you may be taking. It is available in a small travel-size bottle. Be sure to keep MigreLief-NOW close by, in your purse or backpack in case of emergencies for on-the-spot neurological comfort during difficult times.

Relax, enjoy your summer, and stay safe.

When your out and about this summer, remember to avoid heat-related illnesses. Avoid becoming overheated. While having fun and the sun, be sure to seek out shade occasionally, drink plenty of water and cool down by misting yourself with a spray bottle of water.

5 Diets for Migraine Management

If you suffer from migraines, you know their onsets aren’t always so mysterious. A bad night’s sleep, high-stress levels, and even certain foods might trigger a migraine. For that reason, it’s safe to say that migraine attacks are affected by multiple factors and are not just dependent on genetics. The environment, lifestyle, and diet can also trigger migraines.

Good nutrition seems to be the answer to most things health. According to the Global Burden of Disease, suboptimal diets are linked to more fatalities from noncommunicable illnesses than any other risk factor, such as smoking. So, as you would expect, trading an inadequate diet for an optimal one is the way to go. An effective way to decrease the burden of certain diseases is by consuming more of the good dietary components our current diets lack. Among the most under-consumed nutrition components is fiber. In fact, 95% of American adults and kids do not consume the advised amount of fiber. New research has found that increased consumption of fiber-rich meals may help protect against severe headaches or migraine.

Other dietary factors may also be involved with migraines. There are several nutritional triggers out there. Certain foods, such as chocolate, cheese, milk, or alcoholic beverages, are commonly reported triggers for migraine attacks. However, there is a severe misunderstanding revolving around the connection between food and migraines. Firstly, we eat many food ingredients at once, making it challenging to identify dietary triggers without the help of professionals. Secondly, one food component may affect your migraine one day while not the next. But generally speaking, most studies indicate that avoiding migraine-inducing foods, ingredients, and minerals while ingesting migraine-beneficial ones is advantageous. Some diets are even believed to reduce migraine through a variety of mechanisms.

In this article, we will look at the relationship between diet and migraine. We will also discuss beneficial diets and dietary components.

Relationship Between Diet & Migraine

Let’s be honest; migraines love to be disruptive. You’re just enjoying life when all of a sudden, a migraine starts creeping in. Before you know it, you’re in bed waiting for it to be over. The good news is migraines don’t have to be the ones controlling us; we can—to a certain extent—tame them. Multiple factors bring on migraine attacks, some of which we can’t control, like the weather, while others we can, like our diet.

Due to the limited efficacy of currently available drug and non-drug therapies, the prevention and management of migraines have proven difficult. Researchers have been looking for more efficient management methods, and a growing body of research indicates that migraine occurrence and relief are highly correlated with our nutrition. Among lifestyle factors, nutrition and diet play a significant role in migraine, so adjusting one’s diet may be helpful in both avoiding and treating migraines. Compared to drug treatments, dietary therapies are also less expensive and have fewer side effects. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins are the primary components of a diet. It is unclear, however, if some dietary variables cause headache episodes to occur, and there is still debate over the effectiveness of nutritional treatments for migraines.

Certain foods have been identified as possible triggers for migraine. Such foods may include aged cheese, smoked fish, chocolate, alcoholic beverages, yeast extract, milk, cured meats, and artificial sweeteners. These dietary products should be recognized and removed. However, not every migraine sufferer who consumes these foods will experience a migraine episode. Finding your unique dietary triggers can be challenging. Keeping a food diary alongside your headache log can help you remember what you consumed before migraine episodes.

Being provided with tailored nutritional advice based on your health and comorbidities may be helpful in lowering headache incidence or even delaying an episode. As we will discuss the various mechanisms in which food has a role in migraines and what diets are best later in the article, dietary fiber is a food component worth mentioning.

Fiber Intake & Migraine

With all the types of diets swarming the media, it’s easy to just go with the flow and follow one that can limit your intake of specific nutritional components. It’s possible that by abandoning certain foods, you’ll be depriving your body of many important nutritional components, like dietary fibers.

Dietary fibers are carbohydrates that the body cannot digest or absorb. Instead, they are fermented by the intestinal microbiota found in our large intestine. Foods high in fiber include fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, and tubers. The American Heart Association advises eating a range of foods high in fiber. The recommended total dietary fiber intake should be between 25 to 30 grams daily.

High Fiber Diet for Migraines

The health benefits of fiber consumption are well established. For example, consuming adequate amounts of fiber helps improve intestinal health, regulate the intestinal microbiome, reduce blood glucose concentrations, lower serum cholesterol, and increase the feeling of satiety. In addition, due to their functions in the body, dietary fiber is linked to reducing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

A recent study explored the association between dietary fiber intake and migraines. It was found that increasing your consumption of foods high in fiber could protect you from migraines or severe headaches. The frequency of severe headaches or migraine dropped by 11% for every 10-gram increase of dietary fiber consumed a day. However, no such inverse relationship was observed among Mexican Americans, other ethnicities, or those with a BMI of 25 to 30 kg/m2.

However, the mechanisms by which dietary fiber acts on migraines remain unclear. A concept that has been in the spotlight in recent years is the gut-brain axis. Some experts believe that the relationship between the gut and the brain may contribute to neuro-related issues and that modulating the gut bacteria may help prevent and treat these issues. The process of the gut-brain axis’ impact on migraine has not been fully understood; however, it has been hypothesized that greater intestinal permeability may cause pro-inflammatory chemicals to enter the trigeminal vascular system and cause migraine to develop. Some evidence suggests that gradually increasing dietary fiber consumption may help migraine sufferers by regulating the gut-brain axis, gut bacteria, and short-chain fatty acids. Dietary fiber may also decrease inflammation and alleviate migraine symptoms.

Best Diets For Migraine Sufferers

Knowing that food plays a role in migraines, dietary interventions have been studied to help in managing episodes. Diet is a modifiable aspect, and so the effects of various types of diets have been researched, examining their relationship with migraines. It is said that the dietary interventions, which we will dive into later, affect migraines characteristics through various mechanisms as they may play a role in neuronal excitability, brain mitochondrial function, serotoninergic dysfunction, platelet aggregation, neuroinflammation, hypothalamic function, and the presence and amount of certain factors that have an effect on the pathogenesis of migraine (like nitric oxide, adiponectin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and leptin). Nutritional supplements like MigreLief also work via several of these mechanisms of action, making them highly efficient in nutritionally supporting migraine sufferers. Neurologists and headache experts have been recommending MigreLief, the daily supplement for migraine patients, for over 25 years.

Migraine-specific diets have been created due to the identification of numerous dietary migraine triggers. Elimination diets, ketogenic diets, and comprehensive diets are just a few of the diets that have been suggested as being beneficial for migraine, mostly in helping to avoid them. Even though there is inconsistency in the literature, currently available data show a possible promise in dietary treatments for some migraine patients.

The idea of specific diets for migraine has been developed alongside elimination diets. According to a recent study, potentially beneficial diets for migraines include ketogenic, modified Atkins, low-fat, high omega-3/low omega-6, and high-folate. However, keep in mind that numerous factors impact the efficiency of the diet one chooses, such as sex, age, and heredity. Concomitant conditions or even particular migraine types must be considered in the reasoning. To get the best results, a combination of proven-effective diets or nutritional therapies may be useful. It’s recommended to always consult your doctor or a health care professional regarding your case.

Here are some of the most recommended diets for migraines:

Ketogenic Diet

We’ve all heard of the ketogenic, or keto, diet. It’s everywhere, from the labels on our food packages to the posts we see on social media. It has been widely adopted for weight loss over the past few years, with about 5% of individuals adhering to it in 2021. However, the keto diet is not new at all. The ketogenic diet was first used as an epileptic therapy in the 1920s to imitate the metabolism of fasting. In more recent years, this diet has had growing attention for its potential benefits in other neurological disorders.

A ketogenic diet is primarily a low carbohydrate, high fat, and moderate protein diet. Macronutrients are divided into 55%-60% fat, 30%-35% protein, and 5%-10% carbohydrates. The ketogenic diet’s goal is to allow our bodies to use a different kind of fuel source. Generally, carbohydrates supply the body with most of the fuel it needs. However, with the keto diet, carbohydrate consumption is restricted, so our body starts burning fat for fuel instead. In other words, instead of relying on glucose (sugar) that is obtained from carbs for fuel, the body starts depending on ketone bodies, a form of fuel that the liver creates from stored fat. These ketone bodies are widely responsible for why the keto diet can benefit migraine sufferers.

Ketogenic diets cause an increase of ketones in our bodies, which have been found to help prevent migraine. Ketone bodies affect oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, inflammation, brain excitability, and the gut microbiota. A 2013 study examined the difference between ketogenic and low-calorie (1200-1500 kcal/day) diets in 108 migraineurs. The ketogenic diet outperformed the low-calorie diet with a 90% responder rate, whereas the low-calorie diet was not beneficial. In another study involving 96 migraine sufferers, migraine remission following ketosis was also found. A substantial improvement in headache-related characteristics, such as the frequency of episodes, was seen.

Keto diet for migraines

Modified Atkins Diet

Like the keto diet, the modified Atkins diet has also been commonly used in treating intractable epilepsy. However, this diet is a more relaxed version of the ketogenic diet. The modified Atkins diet is initiated without an induced fasting state or restriction of protein, fat, calories, or fluids and so can be applied on out-patients more easily.

Similarly to anticonvulsant drugs and the ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet’s positive effects on migraine, neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumors, autism, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been studied for their use as a therapeutic strategy. In addition, both the keto and modified Atkins diets are believed to play a part in neuroprotection, mitochondrial function, and ATP generation improvement.

Low-Fat Diet

A low-fat diet is on the other end of the spectrum from the keto and the modified Atkins diet. However, it still made its way onto the list of diets good for migraines! This shows that individual factors play a major role, and no one diet fits all. A couple of studies have examined the effects of low-fat diets on migraines.

A 1999 research trial involving 54 migraine patients examined the role of a low-fat diet on migraine. After 12 weeks of restricting their fat intake to less than 20 grams per day, a reduction in migraine frequency, intensity, and the need for medication was observed in the patients. Another study found that the intervention group that was allocated a low-fat vegan diet, followed by an elimination diet and a reintroduction diet, had a drop in migraine frequency, intensity, and use of medication compared to the placebo group. Another cross-over study also found similar results, as a low-fat diet showed to have significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of headaches.

High Omega-3 + Low Omega-6 Diet

The amount and type of fat consumed have an impact on inflammatory reactions. The proper balance between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids helps to reduce inflammatory reactions, improve platelet function, and regulate vascular tone. Through our western diets, we often consume too much omega 6 while consuming too little omega 3 fatty acids. A ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 that is too high is linked to elevated inflammation in the body, raising the risk of certain diseases. A diet that reduces omega-6 fatty acid consumption while increasing omega-3 fatty acid may be greatly beneficial, specifically for migraineurs.

To unveil how different types of fat had differing headache-related influences, a randomized study was conducted, evaluating the impact of omega-3 and omega-6 intake. Fifty-five individuals with chronic migraine went on either a reduced omega-6 fatty acid diet or an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids with reduced omega-6. Individuals on a high omega-3 paired with a low omega-6 diet improved their headache symptoms more than headache patients on a low omega-6 diet after 12 weeks.

High Folic Acid Diet

Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia found that a diet higher in folate, a vitamin B found in various green leafy veggies such as spinach and kale, may decrease migraine incidence. Past research has shown that taking folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 supplements reduces migraine symptoms, but the new research looked more at dietary folate’s impact. Folic acid is a man-made type of folate that is commonly found in supplements. The QUT study found that women who consumed more folate and folic acid had fewer migraine episodes than those who consumed less.

10 Migraine Facts & Statistics that Everyone Needs to Know

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability in the United States and the third most prevalent illness in the world. For those of us who experience these debilitating symptoms, we are well aware of the toll they can take on our social life, productivity, and overall well-being. But despite being so common, migraines are also incredibly misunderstood.

Whether you are a recurrent migraine sufferer, or know someone who is, we’ve put together a list of some of the most eye-opening facts and statistics to help you get a clearer picture of this condition and put to rest some of the most common misconceptions surrounding this disabling disorder.

Migraine Facts & Stats

A Debilitating Disease

For folks who’ve never suffered through a blinding migraine, it’s easy to think that it’s “just a bad headache.” But severe head pain is just a symptom of migraine, which is, in fact, a neurological disease with a wide range of symptoms and severity.

As far as health conditions go, migraine is more prevalent than asthma and diabetes combined, affecting over one billion women, men, and children worldwide. Although symptoms vary from person to person, some of the most common ones include:

A throbbing or pounding headache, usually one-sided, of varying intensity. Sometimes the pain may be hard to endure or even unbearable. Children often have pain on both sides of head.
Temporary perceptual disturbances, known as auras, such as flashing lights, trouble speaking, vertigo, brain fog, and more, that precede the actual migraine attack
Nausea and/or vomiting
Mood swings
Frequent yawning
Depression
Fatigue or low energy
Food cravings

Migraine and Women

Three in every four migraine sufferers are women, and more than 25% of women have had at least one migraine. But why? Most factors that trigger these disabling headaches are still unknown, but scientists have found clear links between hormonal fluctuations and the likelihood of developing a migraine.

The main culprit, or so it seems, is estrogen: women’s primary sex hormone. A woman’s menstrual cycle can be divided into two phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. Right after ovulation, at the beginning of the luteal phase, estrogen levels drop precipitously, slowly rising up again at the beginning of the following cycle in preparation for ovulation.

This quick drop of estrogen, researchers believe, may be responsible for migraines and so-called menstrual headaches in women of reproductive age. In fact, research suggests that migraines tend to improve, and often even disappear entirely, after menopause when estrogen and other hormone levels stop fluctuating.

The Economic Burden of Migraines

Like all disabling health conditions, migraines pose a significant economic burden for both the sufferer and society at large. The Migraine Research Foundation estimates that more than 90% of people who suffer from migraines are unable to function normally during an attack. That means that every day, tens of thousands of individuals have to miss work or school as a direct consequence of migraines. In addition, in households with at least one migraine sufferer, healthcare costs are estimated to be up to 70 percent higher.

According to the Journal of Managed Care, the economic impact of migraines in the United States is estimated to be around $11 billion in direct costs (healthcare services) and $11 billion in indirect costs (short and long-term disability, time off work, loss of productivity).

A Family Affair

Genetics play a huge role in migraines. Research shows that although environmental factors can cause migraine, there are certain genetic variations that can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing this neurological condition. In fact, according to the American Migraine Foundation, having one parent with migraine increases the risk of developing migraine by 50%, and if both parents have migraine the risk increases to 75%.

Babies and Migraine

Many people are surprised to learn that babies and toddlers can get migraines too, although there are some key differences in symptoms, especially in children younger than six years old. Some of the most notable differences include:

Abdominal symptoms – when young children experience migraine, they often do so in the form of abdominal migraine, which is a type of headache-less migraine marked by abdominal pain. The pain associated with abdominal migraine is usually located in the middle of the belly, around the navel. It may feel like soreness or a dull ache of moderate to severe intensity. Some children also experience nausea, vomiting, a pale appearance, and/or sensitivity to light and sound.
Attacks are often less frequent than in adults
Migraine headache episodes tend to be shorter (30 minutes to 48 hours)
Common precursors and symptoms of child migraine; cyclical vomiting, abdominal pain, vertigo, and sensitivity to light
Child migraine is often under-diagnosed by doctors, possibly due to the prominence of non-headache symptoms

Do your kids suffer from migraine?

Overlapping Conditions

For a lot of people, migraine is also associated with other illnesses, especially mental health conditions. Depression is a particularly common overlapping condition; according to the American Migraine Foundation, a person suffering from episodic migraine (headache 14 days or fewer each month), has a 20% chance of developing depression. Someone with chronic migraine (more than 15 headaches per month) has a 30 to 50% chance of depression and an even greater likelihood of having generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or PTSD.

Migraine is also comorbid with a number of pain disorders, including fibromyalgia and arthritis. In addition, severe head pain, which is one of the hallmarks of migraine, is associated with a higher risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease. Nearly 35% of chronic migraine sufferers are also diagnosed with hypertension.

ER Visits

Every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to the emergency room (ER) with excruciating head pain. Yearly, 1.2 million hospital visits are for migraine attacks. Some people experience an attack once or twice a month, but more than 4 million people experience chronic daily migraines and at least 15 migraines per month. Given the pain and symptoms (such as uncontrolled vomiting) associated with severe migraine headaches, ER doctors often administer medications intravenously and focus on rehydrating the person to avoid more serious issues. Many people who go to the ER with a migraine experience such disabling and painful symptoms that they believe they’re having a stroke.

Endless Triggers

A trigger is something that a person does, or that happens to them, that can result in developing a migraine attack. Experts have identified hundreds of potential migraine triggers, including foods, activities, weather changes, lifestyle habits, and more. These are a few of the most common triggers:

Stress
Too little or too much sleep
Hormonal changes
Alcohol
Caffeine
Dehydration
Foods containing additives, MSG, and/or histamines
Medication overuse
Physical activity
Certain smells
Intense light or sounds
Migraine without headache?

Similar to abdominal migraines, silent migraines, also known as acephalgic migraines, are a type of migraine that doesn’t cause headache pain. Instead, a person experiencing a silent migraine may experience a range of symptoms, including visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and dizziness. These symptoms can be just as debilitating as traditional migraine headaches and can last for hours or even days. Silent migraines are thought to be caused by changes in brain activity and blood flow, and can be triggered by many of the same factors as regular migraines. Ocular and Visual migraines are a type of silent migraine.

Different Types of Migraine

There are many different types of migraines, each with its own unique symptoms and management strategies. The most common type is migraine with aura, which is characterized by sensory disturbances and other symptoms, such as trouble speaking. Migraines without aura, on the other hand, don’t have visual disturbances but do still cause intense head pain along with other symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and light and sound sensitivity.

Other types include chronic migraine; vestibular migraines, which feature vertigo or balance problems); hemiplegic migraines, which can cause temporary paralysis on one side of the body; menstrual migraines; retinal migraines; and more.

To Wrap Things Up

Migraine is a complex and debilitating neurological condition that affects more than a billion people worldwide. A migraine is not just a bad headache, but a serious health issue that can have significant impacts on a person’s quality of life and economic status. Its overlapping conditions, particularly those related to mental health, further compound the burden of living with this disabling condition. There are many effective options for migraine sufferers but not everything works for everyone.

Migraine “Let-Down” Headache: What It Is & How to Prevent

Picture this: You made it through a grueling week at work and sailed through it migraine-free. But when you wake up Saturday morning, WHAM! A migraine hits.

Sound familiar? If it does, then you’ve just had what’s known as a “let-down” migraine.

Whether it happens the day after final exams or the first day of your honeymoon, let-down migraines are a confusing experience. After all, stress is the most common migraine trigger. So why do migraines happen when stress finally dies down?

If you’re curious to find out, read on. In this article, we’ll explore what let-down migraines are, why they happen, and what you can do to prevent them.

What is a Migraine “Let Down” Headache?

Stress is a migraine trigger for roughly 80% of people.¹ However, research suggests that drastic drops in stress can be an even bigger trigger for migraine episodes.

One study published in Neurology found that sudden reductions in stress from one day to the next often trigger migraine attacks.² This phenomenon is known as the “let down” effect.

In the study, migraine episodes increased nearly fivefold in the six hours following a decline in stress.² Meaning, that you are more susceptible to migraines once stress finally lifts.

Since this often happens on the weekends, let-down migraines are often called “weekend migraines.” This can make Friday “happy hour” a not-so-happy occasion.

In the study, stress levels were not significantly linked with the onset of a migraine attack.¹ However, fluctuations in perceived stress were.

What Causes Let-Down Migraine Attacks?

It’s not entirely clear. However, researchers suggest the stress hormone cortisol may be to blame.²

Periods of intense stress trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. This ramps up cortisol production. While cortisol is often seen as the bad guy, it has anti-inflammatory effects that help numb pain.

When stress dies down, cortisol drops. And as cortisol dips, so do its pain-reducing effects.

Plus, living with migraine is stressful in and of itself. Going about your day worrying when the next attack will hit is enough to stress anyone out. Chronic pain from migraine attacks is a form of physical stress too. Add it all up, and the relief that follows an attack can take cortisol levels on a roller coaster ride, creating a vicious cycle.

Not to mention that in periods of stress, self-care often goes out the window. You may skip meals, skimp on sleep, forget to drink water, or skip workouts. This is bad news, as dehydration, missed meals, lack of sleep, and sedentary lifestyles can all lead to migraines. Meaning, each self-care activity you neglect increases the likelihood of a future attack.

In addition, people often engage in unhealthy behaviors to deal with stress, which can set the stage for migraine. You may drink more alcohol or rely on caffeine and convenience junk foods just to get through the day. This too, can make a migraine episode more likely.

How to Prevent Let-Down Migraines

In our modern world, it’s impossible to avoid stress altogether. That said, you have more power than you think. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is key. That way, you can keep your cortisol levels more balanced to prevent huge stress crashes.

Here are a few ways to reduce let-down migraines:

1 – Build awareness

Since extreme fluctuations in stress can trigger let-down migraines, step one is to become more aware of stress. Make an effort to relax during times of stress, not just after them.

According to the study co-author Dawn Buse, PhD, director of behavioral science at Montefiore Headache Center, “It is important for people to be aware of rising stress levels and attempt to relax during periods of stress rather than allowing a major build-up to occur. This could include exercising or attending a yoga class or may be as simple as taking a walk or focusing on one’s breath for a few minutes.”³

If you feel out of touch with your stress levels, journaling is an excellent way to build awareness. When you sense your stress levels rise, that’s your cue to slow down and carve out time to relax.

2 – Maintain healthy lifestyle habits

Keeping a healthy lifestyle, while important for everyone, is essential for people with migraine. That’s because many migraine triggers can be avoided by maintaining healthy habits.

Here are a few healthy habits to help prevent let-down migraines:

Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep or too much sleep can trigger migraine attacks. So do your best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. (And for more sleep habits to avoid migraines, click here.)
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is another common migraine trigger. To prevent this, keep a water bottle handy wherever you go. Aim for 2 liters a day (or more if you’re active).
Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals is a migraine trigger for 57% of migraineurs.1 So avoid skipping meals and keep snacks on hand so you never get hungry.
Exercise regularly. Exercise does double duty. It relieves stress and reduces the chance of future migraine attacks.⁴
Manage stress. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can all help melt away stress. Talking to a supportive friend or therapist about your worries can also help prevent a stress build-up.

3 – Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) builds awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they’re connected.⁵ This can help you recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts that lead to stress loops. A therapist may also guide you through relaxation exercises to help you learn to handle stress better.

4 – Nutritional Support (Foundational and Targeted)

Research shows people with migraine are often deficient in certain nutrients like magnesium.⁶ Correcting these deficiencies is shown to be beneficial to migraine sufferers. Other beneficial supplements include vitamin B2 (riboflavin), feverfew, and CoQ10.⁷ Having the right nutritional support can make a big difference when taken consistently.

For more migraine prevention tips, check out this article.

Remember, let-down migraines are due to extreme fluctuations in stress. While you can’t avoid stress altogether, you can do things to prevent stress from building up. The more consistent you are with healthy lifestyle habits, the less likely major stress crashes, and let- down migraines will be.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560787/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4001194/
https://www.montefiore.org/body.cfm?id=1738&action=detail&ref=1128
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32529311/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279297/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22426836/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8105190/