Constipation and Migrains?

I have asked that question many times, to many different physicians.  So far, only one has believed that constipation can and, in some cases, does cause migraines.  Personally, I have absolutely no doubt that constipation causes severe migraines - at least in my case.

I am on fiber therapy, three times per day, due to a multitude of bowel problems.  As I am writing this, I am just now recovering from a severe migraine because I missed my mid-day dose of fiber (yeah, it's that bad!). 

I do not presently know what the link is and/or why and how there is a link at all.  All I know is that once I can finally go to the bathroom after being constipated, the migraine eases dramatically the more I can go.  In fact, I cannot ever remember getting a migraine at all without constipation being the culprit.

I hope this helps whoever is wondering about this issue.  Over 25 years of experience of battling migraines and constipation has taught me well that there is a definite link between the two.  If you are having regular bouts of constipation, and migraines because of them, see your physician as soon as possible.  Whatever they prescribe to ease your constipation, do it - your migraine will ease almost the minute you are finished using the restroom!  Also, I personally recommend getting some form of fiber, OTC, and taking it daily.  Whatever fiber regimen I'm on, I take the maximum amount that the directions will allow.  Of course, you should always consult your physician before starting any regimen.

One other thing: if you are in a constipation and/or migraine "crisis" and need relief ASAP, I recommend the active ingredient in Ex-Lax...Senna.  This is a natural "herb" that does one thing and does it WELL: relieve constipation!

I hope this helps  :)

Thank you so much. You're comments really helped me. I thought I was crazy for thinking that the two were linked! I'm going straight to my doctor in the morning to sort out my problem. I've suffered from both constipation and migraines for years, I hope they can both be cured!

You are quite welcome, and I'm glad that my comments helped you out so much!  Since my last post, I have suffered another skull-splitter.  Of course, this was because I missed another dose of my fiber therapy.  Despite how it sounds, I do not miss many doses; however, even one missed dose almost certainly brings on a migraine!

Another thing to discuss with your physician is getting a script for a migraine medicine.  My Mom has a prescription for some, and I am working on getting my doc to give a script to me, too.  I have used my Mom's medicine during a couple of migraines and it has worked very well.  It didn't take the pain and nausea completely away, but it did take the edge <b>way</b> off.  Depending upon the level of severity of your migraines, the medicine might make your symptoms disappear completely.  A warning, though: even if the medicine makes you feel better, I urge you to talk to your doctor and begin and keep a fiber therapy regimen going full-time.  If you have serious gastrointestional problems, this is pretty much a must.  Talk to your doctor - they will tailor a plan of battle for you.

Thank you very much for your reply.  It makes me happy to know that there are those out there who benefit from my ramblings.  :o)

I have suffered from migraines for about 25 years and have noticed that sometimes when I get constipated, I get a migraine and then relief once it "passes".  I have many triggers, unfortunately, and I'm sure constipation is one of them.  I'm sorry for all who suffer from this but am relieved to know "its not just me".

I'facing to the issue. Serious migrain and I think there is a link. Contrary to you, I usually have fibers at breakfast but I have a desease which is (colopathie) i don't know the name in english since sevral year, it could be the cause.

i too have experienced migraines , verytime i have constipation which is very common because i do not drink enough fluids... i am positively 1000% sure that it causes migraine and fatigue for me

I too believe they have something in common.  I have had migraines for nearly 30 years and never figured it out.  Every one said it was the Ice Cream or Nuts or Candy or Dairy or too much caffeine or looking at my computer monitors.  Everybody had their opinions. 

Even now I am not sure that constipation is the trigger every time.  However I asked my wife to start asking me when ever I have a migraine if I have am having bowel trouble.  I know that may sound funny but when I get a migraine I can't think about much of anything.  So far in the past couple months nearly every time I have a migraine there is something going on with my bowels.  Occasionally I also get IBS and I "think" this all might go hand in hand.  I don't want to gross anyone out but I have noticed that the worse Migraines seemed to be constipation followed by very loose stool or even diarrhea.  How you could have diarrhea and constipation at the same time?  I have no idea but it can happen.

Anyway seeing that there are other people that are seeing the link I think there might be something to this.  I can't imagine how many Advil-Tylenol with Coca Cola caffeine cocktails I have taken in the past 20 years or so trying to break migraines.  All this time I should have been doing fiber therapy.  Why didn't my doctor say something?

I have to agree with the migraine/constipation link.I too suffer from IBS and migraine.

I have also found that I must stick to a routine in order to fend off the attacks,these include.........

Getting up at the same time everyday(not easy at weekends)...as a sleep in will trigger a migraine.

Eating meals at the same time everyday helps to keep restroom breaks on the same timetable.

I prefer to eat bran and fruit rather than medication...but,each to their own...and I must drink lots of water,as this helps digestion.

I have found that if I have too much sleep...eg,a sleep on on Saturday...I will undoubtedly have a migraine,but not usually during the week.

Hope this can be of help to someone,as it has taken me a lot of years to find my causes and symptoms.

Thank you so much for your letter. This is my first day on this site.

 My 17 year old daughter has had migrains for 7 years. She has had 5 in the last 17 days. We have worked with the doctors. I have read so much on the subject and I am more confused than ever. My other two children grew out of them in a couple of years. I will continue to study till I come up with something that helps.

Thanks again, Valorie

THANKS!!!!    I  had  severe migrains  and doctors  tell me  that  in my case are "mini-strokes"   I  know that   when I  am constipated   I  have  my  vision  afected and  stars halo   began to appear  leaving later a  head ache  and total  disconfort.

I went to  a  gastroenterologist  and  he prescribed Xifaxan  BUT  that is medication for  diaharrea  and  what I  have is  constipation.

   I am glad to know  that  someone  else   knows about  the link  between  constipation and diaharrea  so  I inmediatelly  will  consult  with another  gastroenterologist.  I do appreciate tis info.