HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

[Alimentary trigger factors that provoke migraine and tension-type headache].

Abstract
Based on a review of the literature the authors discuss the role of nutrition in the precipitation of migraine and tension-type headache (TTH). The available information relies largely on the subjective assessment of the patients. Controlled trials suggest that alcohol and caffeine withdrawal are the most important nutritional precipitating factors of migraine and TTH. In addition, there is some evidence that missing meals is also an important factor. Dehydration seems to deserve more attention. A selective sensitivity to red wine has been shown in some patients, the importance of chocolate has been doubted seriously, and scientific evidence for cheese as a precipitating factor is lacking. Despite a series of experimental studies demonstrating that NO donors such as nitroglycerin and parenteral histamine cause headache the role of histamine, nitrates, and nitrites in food remains unclear. Similarly, other biogenic amines and aspartame have not been proven to precipitate headache. Sodium glutamate causes adverse reactions including headache probably at large doses ingested on an empty stomach. Therefore, patients should be advised that food plays a limited role as a precipitating factor of migraine and TTH. Subjective sensitivity to certain foods should be examined critically, and proven precipitating factors should be avoided. General dietary restrictions have not been proven to be useful.
AuthorsJ Holzhammer, C Wöber
JournalSchmerz (Berlin, Germany) (Schmerz) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 151-9 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 0932-433X [Print] Germany
Vernacular TitleAlimentäre Triggerfaktoren bei Migräne und Kopfschmerz vom Spannungstyp.
PMID15806385 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Caffeine
Topics
  • Cacao
  • Caffeine
  • Dehydration (physiopathology)
  • Digestive System Diseases (physiopathology)
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders (etiology)
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (physiopathology)
  • Tension-Type Headache (etiology)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: