migraines

[katievoice]

My daughter is 14 and recently started getting migraines. Is this common for diabetics and what seems to cause them?:(

[pookas]

My older son, Colby who is 6 yrs old has been suffering from migraines since he was about 2. He was diagnosed at 4 yrs old. He does not have diabetes [his brother does]. However, the neurologist says he SHOULD outgrow them by the time he hits puberty. I have read that hormones can play a major role in migraines. Is she hitting puberty now? You should see a pediatric neurologist. Colby usually suffers from them if he doesn't get enough sleep [11 hours a night] or if he's stressed or excited, like around the holidays. There are alot of reasons for migraines. Maybe your diabetes team can work w/ a neurologist to see if there's a connection?
The reason it took so long to diagnose Colby was because he suffered from Eosinophilic Esophagitis [a food allergy disease] which made him vomit alot so, he would say his eyes hurt and then vomit and I thought it was the food allergies. When he had 2 episodes that landed him on the couch all day, it finally hit me what was happening! DUH! I've found that as soon as he says his eye hurts, I give him Advil and he closes his eyes for a few minutes, he's ok, but if he doesn't get that Advil right away, watch out!
Like I said, it could be many different causes. Colby's eye specialist said it's probably Ocular Migraines [he also wears glasses]. We have an appointment w/ the neurologist next month to check up on things. I'm hoping to get a CAT scan to rule out anything serious. He already had an EEG done.
Hope this helps a little =)

Linda-[NEPA]-Mom to:
Hunter, 5 yrs, dx'd 11/14/05 type I
Colby, 6 yrs, migraines

[My_Dana]

Hello -

A friend of mine had a migraine episode as we were out for dinner.
He got a migraine about 1-3 times a month.

In many cases, it can be nutritional related.

I suggested to him to take 500mg magnesium a day.
After 4 months and counting, no headaches.

Mag is an extremely important mineral and most of us are deficient.
I take it for constipation. It is also very alkaline which is a good thing.

Things to try
1. Get off all aspartame (diet sodas). This is a neurotoxin, and the highly acidic sodas leach out minerals over time causing all sorts of issues.
2. Take a 250-500mg magnesium supplement per day (try GNC).
3. Could be misaligned vertebra in the neck. Have it checked to be sure.

Good luck.

[jendean]

I dont know if they are related to D. Headaches maybe, but Id say unless you are high or low, then no.
Migranes are the worst. A lot of people see a neurologist for them. I used to get them, but somehow, having babies cured that for me.
:cwds:

[OSUMom]

I suffer from migraines, and they began at menopause so hormones can play a role. Also, aspartame is definitely a huge trigger for me. I'm okay with Splenda.

I second the suggestion about magnesium also. It's worth a try. There are several books out about the connection for some with magnesium.

I'm so sorry as I know first hand the suffering from migraines and the depression they can cause as well. :(

[CC'sMom]

My daughter had horrible migraines when first diagnosed. When the meds from the pediatrician stopped working, we went to see a neurologist. And we left there with two prescriptions for stronger medications even though they were pretty sure low blood sugar was triggering the migraines. I really didn't want to give her the meds if we could get a better handle on the lows and we were able to. So now that her lows are fewer and farther apart, she doesn't have any major headaches anymore.

So I'd check to see if the headaches coincide with low bg's. Especially if she has several lows in a row that just seem to pile on. If you don't see a pattern there, I'd guess its hormonal too.

All the best. I hope you get it figured out soon.

[Heather(CA)]

Seth has had migraines for years, since before dx'd. They have gotten worse recently, I think I'm going to try the Mag. interesting..

[kyleesmom]

Ive been wondering this myself. Kylee has complaigned of having a headache at least once a week since she was diagnosed and I cant ever remember her having them like this before.

Jill

[MamaC]

I dont know if they are related to D. Headaches maybe, but Id say unless you are high or low, then no.
Migranes are the worst. A lot of people see a neurologist for them. I used to get them, but somehow, having babies cured that for me.
:cwds:

LOL. Having children INTRODUCED me to migraines.

My daughter also suffers from them. We are fortunate that 4 ibuprofen and a nap in a dark, quiet room usually knock them down. I do find that I am wicked tired for 2 days after. Although this doesn't work for my daughter, I have begun treating mine with "Migraide," usually available in health food stores. It contains feverfew. My triggers are flashing lights and fragrances.

I don't know of any relationship of migraine to diabetes.


Becky

[OSUMom]

I have 2 books on the magnesium theory. Unfortunately, I have not been consistent on following through to see if it works. I take prescription medicine. Prior to needing prescription medicine, Excedrin worked great.
http://www.amazon.com/Magnesium-Solution-Migraine-Headaches-Migraines/dp/0757002560/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199742260&sr=8-15
http://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Magnesium-Carolyn-Dean/dp/0345445880/ref=pd_sim_b_title_10

[vettechmomof2]

I have had migraines since I was about 2 years old. Some years as many as 1 a day, some years 1 or 2 a month. Pregnancy takes them away for me and breastfeeding but my periods bring them on. Fragrances, certain chemicals among other things like stress and lack of sleep:rolleyes: can bring them on.
We have yet to find meds that work for me. Eventually I will vomit a lot and pass out, normally wake up about 12 hours later weak and crabby but whole.
Migraines are very, very unpleasant and their are many different types as well. Seeing a good neurologist should hopefully help or lead you in the right direction.
Allene

[My_Dana]

I have had migraines since I was about 2 years old. Some years as many as 1 a day, some years 1 or 2 a month. Pregnancy takes them away for me and breastfeeding but my periods bring them on. Fragrances, certain chemicals among other things like stress and lack of sleep:rolleyes: can bring them on.
We have yet to find meds that work for me. Eventually I will vomit a lot and pass out, normally wake up about 12 hours later weak and crabby but whole.
Migraines are very, very unpleasant and their are many different types as well. Seeing a good neurologist should hopefully help or lead you in the right direction.
Allene

Hello vettechmomof2,

Sounds a bit like you have your migraines tied to a hormonal fluctuations. Have you ever tried seeing a doctor/specialist in the area for an eval?
There are usually a few good naturopathic doctors in most areas that can do a full vitamin/mineral/hormonal evaluation. Have you check such a thing?

Another possibility, although I have never had a migraine, I did "used" to get headaches frequently. Or at least like most people. Maybe 1 a week give or take.
I now get none. But I have made many changes in diet and supplement so probably a combination of things. I take no medication of any kind. No Advil, Tylenol,
not even a Tums. Chronic use of things like Advil is tough on the stomach and liver.

Here's what I have done -

1. I noticed the biggest difference when I did a liver detox. The liver stores loads of toxins from the blood as well as chemicals in medications. Heavy metals also sit in the liver. Usually a 30 day program can be had at any health food store.
2. No caffeine. Only decaf coffee and green teas.
3. No soda, especially diet. Stuff's bad news any way you slice it.
4. Take "consistently" a good vitamin/mineral supplement. B-100 supp (good for stress). Fish oils. Simply can't get all you need from food anymore.
5. Eliminate any meds as best you can. This may takes months. If prescription meds, see if you can find a natural alternative. Things like cholesterol and blood pressure meds are usually easy to get off if you know where to look (personally I think they are way over prescribed). The chemicals in medications are simply not good for your head. Ever since I decided to quite all meds I am to the point now where it is very rare for head to hurt at all.

These are easy things to try but you have to stick with it to reap the benefits. You'll be so glad you did.
Just think like a detective and troubleshoot each ailment, finding its cause. Address it then move on to the next.
It is possible to be completely pain free!

[deafmack]

Migraines run in my family. My Mother, Sister, and I all get them. For years there was no medication available. I now take Midrin when the aura starts and that really helps. I have dealt with them since I was 15. I can tell you that nothing worked till the Midrin came along. My sister gets hemiplegic migraines where her she ends up with stroke like symptoms. She cannot take any of the newer drugs such as Imitrex. Actually none of us can. My Mother has had them since she was 12 years old. I do know that I have certain triggers such as nitrites and nitrates in food. msg, etc. Another weird trigger is when someone takes a picture with a camera and uses a flash. The flash going off in my front of my eyes triggers an instant migraine. Why I do not know. All of the over the counter meds they say are for migraines just don't work. I get the full blown migraine complete with blurred vision, nausea, and head splitting pain. I don't wish them on anyone. That is interesting about the magnesium. I already take 250 mg two times a day to prevent restless legs and leg cramps.

[vettechmomof2]

Hello vettechmomof2,

Sounds a bit like you have your migraines tied to a hormonal fluctuations. Have you ever tried seeing a doctor/specialist in the area for an eval?
There are usually a few good naturopathic doctors in most areas that can do a full vitamin/mineral/hormonal evaluation. Have you check such a thing?

Another possibility, although I have never had a migraine, I did "used" to get headaches frequently. Or at least like most people. Maybe 1 a week give or take.
I now get none. But I have made many changes in diet and supplement so probably a combination of things. I take no medication of any kind. No Advil, Tylenol,
not even a Tums. Chronic use of things like Advil is tough on the stomach and liver.

Here's what I have done -

1. I noticed the biggest difference when I did a liver detox. The liver stores loads of toxins from the blood as well as chemicals in medications. Heavy metals also sit in the liver. Usually a 30 day program can be had at any health food store.
2. No caffeine. Only decaf coffee and green teas.*** I do not take caffeine and occassionally will drink green tea.
3. No soda, especially diet. Stuff's bad news any way you slice it.*** I never drink it. I have bad reactions to caffeine.
4. Take "consistently" a good vitamin/mineral supplement. B-100 supp (good for stress). Fish oils. Simply can't get all you need from food anymore.*** Already do.
5. Eliminate any meds as best you can. This may takes months. If prescription meds, see if you can find a natural alternative. Things like cholesterol and blood pressure meds are usually easy to get off if you know where to look (personally I think they are way over prescribed). The chemicals in medications are simply not good for your head. Ever since I decided to quite all meds I am to the point now where it is very rare for head to hurt at all.*** Only take my thyroid meds.

These are easy things to try but you have to stick with it to reap the benefits. You'll be so glad you did.
Just think like a detective and troubleshoot each ailment, finding its cause. Address it then move on to the next.
It is possible to be completely pain free!

Sounds a bit like you have your migraines tied to a hormonal fluctuations. Have you ever tried seeing a doctor/specialist in the area for an eval? *** HAve done, not successful.

There are usually a few good naturopathic doctors in most areas that can do a full vitamin/mineral/hormonal evaluation. Have you check such a thing? ***Yes, again not successful.

2. No caffeine. Only decaf coffee and green teas.*** I do not take caffeine and occassionally will drink green tea.

3. No soda, especially diet. Stuff's bad news any way you slice it.*** I never drink it. I have bad reactions to caffeine.

4. Take "consistently" a good vitamin/mineral supplement. B-100 supp (good for stress). Fish oils. Simply can't get all you need from food anymore.*** Already do.

5. Eliminate any meds as best you can. *** Only take my thyroid meds.

It is possible to be completely pain free!*** THe possibility has been exhausted though for me. SO unless I stay pregnant or nursing all the time;), I get um. But that is a whole another story.
THanks though. Allene

[My_Dana]

Ok. so sounds like you covered those bases.

You gotta check out this site www.earthclinic.com

I did a quick search on migraines and got the message below -
Look yourself because there are many different things to try, and it appears everyone is different. MSG can cause problems too I see. So I think a lot can be tied to something dietary. The trick is trying to figure out what's missing, or what's too much...


30 yeahs, 1 nay - (seems like a pretty good success rate)
Apple Cider Vinegar is perhaps one of the most best cures for headaches and migraines. The trick is to take it at the onset of symptoms.

Dosage: 2 Tbsp (or more) of Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 tbsp honey in 8 oz of water, 2x day. Get the unfiltered, unpasteurized, organic version. "BRAAG"

We found the following testimonial on Amazon.com book review for "Folk Medicine" (author, D.C. Jarvis). Reviewer: danmanning@ij.net from Clearwater, Fla., USA:

"In Dec. '97 and Jan. '98 My wife and I spent the holidays in Costa Rica. I had already read "Folk Medicine" by D.C. Jarvis and while we were visiting one of my wife's friends I noticed our hostess (the wife) seemed in pain. Upon querying her she said she only had one of her daily migraines which she has suffered most of her life. The migraines began when she was around 12 years and she rarely went even one day since without them. No doctors had done anything for her. She "lived" on Ibuprofen, 1000mgs 2/3 times a day. She was 52 Y.O. I mentioned the Folk Medicine book and 2 tsp vinegar with 2 tsp honey in a full glass of water. I told her it was worth a try, but (fearing it may take a while to take effect) I told her to try it faithfully for at least a week before abandoning it. I returned next day (1/2 block away) to find her bright and smiling giving me a big hug! NO MIGRAINE!! This was surprising enough, but I was skeptical ... placebo?...


Hopefully someone out there suffering can find relief.