Migraine diarrhea, also known as abdominal migraine, are lesser-known type of migraine that primarily affects the abdomen rather than the head.
While they are less common than the traditional form of migraines, they can be just as debilitating for those who experience them.
It is a migraine-associated functional gastrointestinal disorder, a condition in which individuals experience recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea alongside their migraine attacks.
It is believed to be a manifestation of the same underlying mechanisms that cause migraines.
By addressing risk factors and adopting preventive measures, individuals can reduce the likelihood of experiencing abdominal migraine and maintain better health.
This article will cover homeopathic remedies for abdominal migraine and its homeopathic treatment, the cause behind it, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and management, and its associated complications in detail.
Types of Migraine Diarrhea
There are two main types of abdominal migraines.
1. Typical Abdominal Migraines
This type of migraine primarily affects children, with symptoms including severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
These symptoms can occur with or without a headache. The attacks typically last between 2 and 72 hours and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
2. Abdominal Migraines in Adults
This type of abdominal migraine is less common and primarily affects adults.
The symptoms are like those of typical abdominal migraines, with severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and potential diarrhea.
Again, the symptoms can occur with or without a headache.
Causes of Migraine Diarrhea
The exact causes of abdominal migraines are not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to abnormal brain activity that affects the function of the gut.
Several factors may contribute to the development of abdominal migraines, including.
1. Genetics
There is evidence to suggest that a family history of migraines or another type of headache may increase the risk of developing abdominal migraines.
However, the specific gene or genes responsible for this condition have not been identified.
2. Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those that occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, may trigger abdominal migraines in some individuals.
Hormonal changes can affect the brain and gut function, leading to the development of symptoms.
3. Neurological Factors
Abdominal migraines are considered a type of migraine that involves the nervous system.
Abnormalities in the brain’s processing of pain signals and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, may play a role in the development of abdominal migraines.
4. Triggers
Various triggers, such as stress, anxiety, certain foods, environmental factors, and changes in routine or sleep patterns, can precipitate abdominal migraines in susceptible individuals.
Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
5. Gastrointestinal Issues
Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food sensitivities, may be more likely to experience abdominal migraines.
The interaction between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, may contribute to the development of symptoms.
6. Other medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as migraines with aura, cyclic vomiting syndrome, or abdominal epilepsy, may overlap with or be mistaken for abdominal migraines.
It is important for healthcare providers to properly diagnose and differentiate these conditions to ensure appropriate treatment.
Signs and symptoms associated with Migraine diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain: episodes of moderate to severe abdominal pain are the hallmark symptom of migraine diarrhea. The pain is usually described as dull or crampy and often occurs around the umbilical region.
- Nausea and vomiting: Many children with abdominal migraines experience nausea and vomiting during an episode.
- Loss of appetite: children may have a reduced appetite or avoid eating due to the discomfort they feel.
- Pallor or paleness: some children may appear pale during an episode of abdominal migraine due to the associated symptoms.
- Sensitivity to light and sound: like traditional migraines, children with abdominal migraines may be sensitive to light and sound during an attack.
Risk factors of Migraine Diarrhea
Abdominal migraine and migraine-associated diarrhea are conditions that can be influenced by various risk factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to these conditions include:
1. Genetics
A family history of migraine or abdominal migraines can increase the risk of developing these conditions.
2. Dietary Triggers
Certain foods such as processed foods, aged cheeses, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are known to trigger migraines in some individuals.
3. Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in estrogen levels, often related to menstrual cycles or hormonal medication, can trigger migraines in some people.
4. Stress
Emotional stress, anxiety, and tension can trigger migraines and abdominal symptoms in susceptible individuals.
5. Sleep disturbances
Irregular sleep patterns, lack of sleep, or poor-quality sleep can trigger migraines in some people.
6. Environmental factors
Strong smells, bright light, loud noise, or other environmental triggers can lead to migraines and abdominal symptoms.
7. Medications
Some medications can trigger migraine or worsen symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Diagnosis of Migraine Diarrhea
Diagnosing abdominal migraines or migraine diarrhea can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of symptoms and the overlap with other gastrointestinal conditions.
The diagnosis is typically based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and ruling out other possible causes of abdominal pain.
Your doctor will ask about the frequency, duration, and characteristics of the abdominal pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
A family history of migraines or other types of headaches may also be relevant.
A physical examination may be performed to check for tenderness, bloating, and other signs of abdominal discomfort. Signs of dehydration, weight loss, or malnutrition may also be assessed.
Various tests may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of abdominal pain, such as blood tests, stool analysis, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and endoscopic procedures, such as upper endoscopy or colonoscopy.
In some cases, a referral to a neurologist or gastroenterologist may be necessary for further evaluation and management of abdominal migraines.
Prevention and management of Migraine diarrhea
- Preventing and managing abdominal migraines involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, identifying triggers, and utilizing appropriate treatments.
- Keeping a detailed diary of symptoms, diet, and daily activities can help identify potential triggers for abdominal migraines. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
- Making lifestyle changes such as practicing stress-reducing techniques, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and staying hydrated can help reduce the frequency and severity of abdominal migraines.
- Some individuals find relief from abdominal migraines by avoiding certain trigger foods such as processed foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol.
- A balanced and nutritious diet, adequate hydration, and regular meals can also help manage symptoms.
- In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help prevent and manage abdominal migraines. These may include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, and prescription migraine medications.
- Through a combination of lifestyle modifications, identifying triggers, and potential medication treatments, individuals can work towards living a more comfortable and fulfilling life despite the challenges of this condition.
Homeopathic Medicines for Migraine Diarrhea
Homeopathy is a holistic system of medicine that treats not only the symptoms of the disease but also the man who is suffering from the disease.
So, after a complete detailed history of present and past disease and considering the family history, a drug is prescribed which will be based on the individualization of every patient.
In mild cases, improvement can be seen within weeks, whereas in severe cases of migraine diarrhea, the improvement will take a longer time. Along with homeopathic medicine, patients must follow a healthy regimen for optimum results.
It is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner before taking any remedies to ensure they are suited to your individual symptoms and health status.
Keep in mind that homeopathy focuses on the person’s overall health and symptoms, so the best remedy may vary for everyone.
Now, let us go through some of the homeopathic medicines that can help to treat Migraine diarrhea. Some of the best homeopathic medicines for the treatment of this condition are mentioned below: –
- Glonoine
- Ignatia
- Belladonna
- Nux vomica
- Natrum muriaticum
- Iris versicolor
- Podophyllum
- Arsenicum album
1. Glonoine: for migraine after-effects of sunstroke
This medicine has a very good effect on gastric and cerebral troubles. It is often indicated in throbbing headaches, gastric headaches, and in case of effects of sunstroke.
This medicine is indicated especially for individuals who work under gas and electric light. There is vertigo on assuming an upright position.
The characteristic symptoms of this medicine are that patients develop sun headaches that increase and decrease with the sun. This symptom indicates the prescription of this medicine.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c 4 globules (pills) dissolved in half a cup of water 2 times a day for 15 days.
2. Ignatia: for migraine diarrhea in sensitive people.
Ignatia is a polychrest remedy and has action on almost all the organs of the body. It is very effective in treating gastric troubles that are linked with mental confusion and headaches.
This medicine is effective in treating migraine diarrhea in those individuals who are sensitive to criticism. The headache develops only on one side of the head.
This medicine can also be indicated when there is colicky griping pain in the abdomen and there is diarrhea come due to fright. The patient has an aversion to an ordinary diet and craves indigestible things.
Dosage and potency: 200c, 4 globes of Ignatia in half a cup of water thrice a day till the symptoms disappear. Take 15 minutes gap between meals and medication.
3. Belladonna: for congestive headache and diarrhea
Belladonna has marked action on the vascular system, skin, and glands. It is always associated with hot, red skin, flushed face, glaring eyes, and throbbing carotids.
It is indicated in the case of migraine with palpitation reverberating in the head, with much throbbing and heat. Headache is worse on the right side and when lying down.
There are spasms of the stomach and other gastric troubles seen along with migraines such as uncontrollable vomiting and dread of drinking, with spasmodic hiccoughs.
On the mental plane, the patient is in a delirious condition, sees monsters and ghosts and hideous faces, lives in worlds of his own, and is oblivious to surrounding realities.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, take 4 drops of dilution in half a cup of water twice a day, till the improvement is seen.
4. Nux vomica: for migraines triggered by indulgence in food or alcohol
Nux vomica is the greatest polychrest remedy and is pre-eminently the remedy for many of the conditions incident to modern life.
This remedy is often indicated for migraines triggered by overindulgence in food or alcohol, along with symptoms of indigestion, constipation, and irritability.
It is indicated when there is a headache in the occiput or over the eyes, with vertigo, the brain feels turning in a circle. There is a frontal headache, with a desire to press the head against something.
It is also indicated to treat gastric troubles such as a sour taste in the mouth, flatulence, pyrosis, nausea, and vomiting, with much retching.
Dosage and potency: 30c or 200c potency take 4 globules (pills)once a month or as recommended by a homeopathic physician.
5. Natrum muriaticum: for headaches and nervousness in anemic girls.
Natrum muriaticum is an indicated medicine for migraine and blinding headaches as if a thousand little hammers were knocking in the brain.
There is chronic headache, semi-lateral, congestive, from sunrise to sunset along with nausea and vomiting. The Head feels too large. It especially indicated anemic headaches of school girls associated with gastric troubles such as pain in the part of the stomach, nausea, and vomiting with retching.
On the mental plane, the patient gets affected by fright, prolonged grief, and anger. Consolation aggravates the patients which is also a characteristic symptom.
Dosage and potency: 200c or 1m potency of dilution, take 2-3 drops of Natrium muriaticum in half a cup of water one time a day for 3 days.
6. Iris versicolor: for frontal headaches with nausea
Iris versicolor is a highly effective homeopathic medicine for treating migraine diarrhea. Sick headaches are a special therapeutic field for their action.
This medicine is often indicated for migraines with vomiting and diarrhea, especially when the pain is in the front of the head and is accompanied by acid reflux and nausea.
There is burning of the whole alimentary canal with diarrhea, watery stools with burning in the anus and through intestinal canals.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c potency, take 2-3 drops of dilution in half a cup of water and take twice a day till the improvement.
7. Podophyllum: for abdominal migraine with severe cramping diarrhea.
Podophyllum is especially adapted to the patients having bilious temperament. It affects chiefly the duodenum, small intestines, liver, and rectum.
This medicine is indicated when patients complain about vertigo, with a tendency to fall forward. Headache, alternating with diarrhea and vomiting is the main indication of this medicine.
This medicine may be beneficial for abdominal migraines with severe, cramping diarrhea that is often watery and foul-smelling.
On the mental plane, there is depression of spirit, mental confusion, and high loquacity and delirium from eating acidic fruits.
Dosage and potency: 30c, 200c, 4 globules (pills) of Podophyllum twice a day till the improvement is seen. You can take dilution also. Take 10 drops of dilution in half a cup of water once a day for 10 days.
8. Arsenicum album: for migraines with burning abdominal pain.
Arsenicum album is a marvelous homeopathic medicine for treating abdominal migraine or migraine diarrhea. It is effective in treating gastric troubles accompanied by headaches.
Arsenicum album is typically recommended for migraines with burning abdominal pain and diarrhea that are worsened by eating or drinking.
There is periodical burning pain in the head with mental and physical restlessness. There is hemicrania, with an icy feeling of the scalp and great weakness.
On the mental plane, there is great anguish and restlessness. Patients change places continually and there is great fear also.
Dosage and potency: – 200c, 1 M potency, take 4 globules directly on the tongue once a day for 15 days.