Full Question:
MOST food trigger head and upper body migraines. What test other than the norms.
HI;FROM JV---WHAT TEST OTHER THAN THE -NORMAL TEST-CAN HELP ME FIND OUT IF THERE IS SOME SORT OF CHEMICAL IMBALANCE THAT MAY BE THE CAUSE FOR ALL THIS PAIN IN THE HEAD AND UPPER BODY. I AM A OLDER MALE WITH MAJOR FOOOOOD!! PROBLEM WHICH TRIGGER MAJOR HEAD AND BODY MIGRAINS OFTEN DURING THE WEEK. FOOD MEANING SUGAR,GLUCOSE,NUTS BANANAS,MSG,BREAD,FAST FOODS,TEA,BOOOOZ,ECT ECT-- ONLY THING THAT HELP IS LOTS AND LOTS OF REST.AND MEDICATION ( 325/BUTALBITAL 50/CAFF 40MG TAB) AND BLACK COFFIE... JOE
Answer:
Dear Joe,
Migraine is a genetic neurological disease. The cause of the disease is not a chemical imbalance. The root cause of Migraine disease is genetics and overly excitable neurons in the brain. When you encounter a trigger, those neurons start firing in a wave across the brain, starting a chain reaction that produces a Migraine attack with it's different systems. You may have heard about imbalances of chemicals such as serotonin, but that is a symptom that occurs during a Migraine attack. There are no tests to confirm a diagnosis of Migraine or determine one's triggers.
It looks as if you've identified some foods that are triggers for you. Once you've identified triggers that can be avoided, unfortunately, that's what you have to do to prevent those Migraines -- avoid those foods. I know it's not easy, but it's worth it to avoid the Migraines.
(Just a little PS: Typing in all caps online is considered shouting. Also, it's easier for people to read if you type in a combination of upper and lower case letters.)
Good luck,
John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert
About Ask the Clinician:
Dr. Krusz is a recognized expert in the fields of headache and Migraine treatment and pain treatment. Each week, he and Lead Expert Teri Robert, team up to answer your questions about headaches and Migraines. You can read more about Dr. Krusz or more about Teri Robert.
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