Head - Stomach Connection
I've had bad migraines for over 10 years. The past 5 years they have gotten severe at times (i.e. 3 days in bed, incapacitated). The 3-day episodes occur 3-5 times a year, but I rarely go a week without a headache of some sort. However, I had a severe case of the stomach flu (norovirus) around Christmas. It was so bad I almost passed out. The weird thing is that my migraines greatly improved...almost immediately afterwards. It has been 2 months and I have only had a few minor headaches. I go weeks without a headache. Even a few days after the flu when I was barely eating I didn't get a headache. After 3 days I only had one can of cannned peaches and my head felt fine. Normally get a headache if I am late for lunch.
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but does anyone know of a stomach/migraine connection? This sounds crazy, but I wonder if there was a stomach bug causing the migraines and it finally left? If so I hope it's gone and doesn't just need to "build up" again in my system. If so, I would welcome the norovirus.
Hi Alyaine,
Thank you for reaching out to us and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum - we're glad you've found us!
I'm sorry you were so sick over the holidays - I know how frustrating that can be. I've not heard of that type of particular stomach/brain connection, but can tell you there is a connection.This article will explain things in more detail; https://migraine.com/blog/gut-brain-connection/.
Let me know what you think,
Nancy
I never heard of that. When I get the flu it always starts off with a migraine. total hell
Thanks for sharing angel1234,
Typically when I get a cold, I'll start with a migraine attack 🙁. You are not alone in getting a migraine attack when ill.
Nancy
