What are Migraines?
Those with a migraine disorder tend to have disabling headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days. Migraine attacks can cause intense throbbing in one area of the head, nausea, and vomiting. When people are experiencing a migraine attack, they are typically very sensitive to light and sound. A migraine attack may also cause flashes of light or blind spots in one’s vision or tingling in the arms and legs.
It is important to remember that occasional headaches due to stress, tension, or illness are normal, but debilitating, life-interrupting headaches are not, and should be addressed by a medical professional. Medications can help with the symptoms related to a migraine disorder, and a person may look for a dark, quiet, and cool place to rest when symptoms are at their peak.
The exact cause of a migraine disorder is not well known but may be partly related to the trigeminal nerve system (nerves in the face) and chemical imbalances in the brain.
What is the Connection between Migraines and Celiac Disease?
- Some people with celiac disease find relief from migraine attacks—such as how often they suffer from migraine attacks, the severity of the pain, or how long they last—after beginning a strict gluten-free diet.
- Many people with celiac disease report that they have migraine attacks after they have consumed gluten.
- Past research has found that those with migraine disorders have a higher risk of having celiac disease than the general population, however this remains a controversial association.
- As always, it is essential to be tested for celiac disease before starting the gluten-free diet if you are considering eating gluten-free to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine disorder.
Where can I learn more?
How Do People with Celiac Disease Experience Migraines?
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I have celiac and been gluten-free for 23 years, but had three inadvertent cross-contact events. Each began with throbbing pain in the front-top of my head that moved to the top and back of my head, followed by vomiting and diarrhea for six hours.
Anne
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I had occasional migraines that increased in frequency over a decade. While in intense pain, I would also throw up for hours and at the same time have diarrhea—it was as if my body wanted every ounce of food out of its system. Since my celiac diagnosis and gluten-free diet, they’ve stopped.
Jennifer
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My life before my diagnosis was a living hell. I always had a migraine; I even drove myself to the ER thinking I was having a stroke and was admitted for severe migraines.
Samantha
How Do You Experience Migraines?
At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.
Your experience with migraines can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.
Use the form below to share your experiences with celiac disease and migraines.