John H. Boyles Jr., M.D. James J. Howard, M.D. William E. Rogers, M.D.
Headaches occur in many different forms and severity.
Migraine, or vascular type, are often the most severe and difficult to manage, involving abnormal blood flow regulation within the brain. Of the many potential triggers of this response, most may have an underlying allergic basis.
Inhalant allergies typically cause “hayfever” – seasonal watery eyes and/or nose and often contribute to asthma, sinus problems, post nasal drainage, etc. Less well recognized is their ability to trigger migraines by causing tissue swelling in the upper nasal passages or sinuses. The same nerves which supply these areas also are involved in controlling blood flow within the brain. Inhalant allergies are easily identified by skin testing and effectively treated by desensitization shots.
How food allergies trigger migraines and cause behavior disorders such as ADHD is less well understood. None the less, a landmark study published in the prestigious British medical journal The Lancet in 1983 showed conclusively that migraines and behavior disorders in children were markedly improved by removing offending foods from their diet. They are identified by a skin test and confirmed by a food challenge test. All these services and required diet education are provided in our clinic.
Finally, some chemicals may be triggers, including certain food dyes, perfume, smoke, and tyramine (cheese, chocolate, and red wine). Although this relationship has often already been noted by the patient, it can be confirmed by testing with sublingual drops.
It is important to understand that all the above approaches can be safely utilized without interfering with traditional care, medications, etc., although it is hoped that in many cases their use can be reduced or even eliminated.