From: Gus 13/09/2001 11:38:33
Subject: Coffee Migraine post id: 411945
Earlier on the show it was asked the relation between caffeine and migraines. Well isn't a migraine a severe headache, and what are headaches caused by, often swelling of the brain. This swelling is caused in numerous cases by dehydration, the classic example being the hangover headache. Alcohol dehydrates the individual, through urination primarily, unless this fluid is replaced your brain swells and you get a headache.

Similarly Caffeine is a diuretic and will cause an individual to often urinate and therefore dehydrate. The point of this is that caffeine will cause you to urinate, if this fluid is not replaced you become dehydrated, once you are dehydrated your brain swells placing pressure on the skull, thus resulting in a headache or in more severe cases a migraine.

Any questions, queries, problems, doubtful points - or even comments?
From: Carmel ® 13/09/2001 11:47:07
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 411959
Well isn't a migraine a severe headache

A migraine is a lot worse than a severe headache - it is a physiological response to an imbalance of some sort, be chemical or hormonal.
From: Megan 13/09/2001 11:51:26
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 411972
A migraine is more to do with a chemical reaction in the brain than pain caused by swelling. That's why they are often induced by chemicals eg preservatives in Red Wine or chocolate.
From: beclf ® 13/09/2001 12:24:33
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 412059
I've recently had a series of migraines due to hormone imbalance, and believe me, it's not just a severe headache. You get about half an hours warning and if you can load up on the pain killers at that point, then you might be able to drive home with your eye open.

My doctor told me that migraines are due to the massive dilation of a certain blood vessel behind the eye. The vessel constricts first which is what gives you the warning. He said that possible triggers include imbalances as Carmel said, as well as general stress or excitement, but on the whole they're still guessing.

Getting back to caffiene though, I've been a serious coffee addict for several years and I never had a migraine 'til recently, so I don't think you could say it's a trigger. However one of Dr Karl's book says that caffiene causes a general dilation of blood vessels, so I guess it could make a migraine worse.

Sorry if this has already been said on the show - I'm in WA so I haven't heard it yet :(
From: Zardoz ® 13/09/2001 12:26:27
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 412061
How to Prevent Primary Headaches/Migraines by Manipulating Caffeine Intake -

Caffeine is widely used to relieve (abort) headaches and migraines. Caffeine intake can also be manipulated to prevent primary headaches and migraines from happening in the first place (caffeine can be used as a headache or migraine prophylactic).

The idea is to prevent caffeine withdrawal and thereby prevent primary headache/migraine. There are two ways to prevent yourself from going into caffeine withdrawal:
(1) never ingest any caffeine whatsoever, or
(2) always ingest enough caffeine at regular intervals spaced closely enough so that you never go without caffeine long enough to go into withdrawal.

The first tactic is called caffeine abstinence, the second caffeine maintenance. There are advantages and disadvantages to each tactic. Either method is safe and inexpensive, so they are worth a try.

Caffeine is found naturally in coffee, some teas, and many soft drinks, as well as in chocolate, cocoa, and more. At WholeHealthMD we suggest limiting your caffeine intake to 200 mg - or less - a day. When you consider that "real" coffee contains about 85 mg per cup, tea and colas around 40 mg, it's easy to see how some people could get through a day's ration in no time. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it can disrupt sleep (lack of sleep is a known migraine trigger). As with alcohol, it's important to avoid caffeinated beverages or other caffeinated products within three hours of bedtime.

Primary headaches can also be caused by too much blood flow. For example, you know that caffeine reduces blood flow in the brain. Some pain relievers contain caffeine to take advantage of this effect. If you have been taking caffeine every day and you stop, you can get an incredible headache because of the increased blood flow in your brain.



http://www.batnet.com/spencer/prevent.html
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/migraine/chronic_dietaryadvice/0,1616,492,00.html
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question648.htm

From: Lisa 13/09/2001 12:37:20
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 412069
There is a theory that caffeine and aspirin help to relieve migraines in some people - particularly those who experience the aura prior to an attack. In my experience this only works if taken as soon as the aura sensations begin.

The caffeine works as a vasoconstrictor, and the aspirin works as an antiinflammatory.

The thoughts came from doctors at RPA, or St Vincents.

It works for me.
Has anyone else heard of it?

From: Faraday ® 13/09/2001 13:34:17
Subject: re: Coffee Migraine post id: 412183
Migraines are not severe headaches. They are a separate type of headache. My migraine pain is often not what I would call severe, but I have nausea, light sensitivity etc as well.

Migraines are a physiological response to stress, specific chemical in food etc, which involves constriction then dilation of blood vessels in the brain. This causes the intense pounding, throbbing sensation. Caffeine is thought to constrict blood vessels again and may be prescibed for some migraine sufferers.

Dehydration causes the membrane surrounding the brain (dura?) to shrink as the brain shrinks. This membrane is rich in nerve endings and it is this shrinking that causes the pain of, for