Caffeine and Migraines: Understanding the Complex Relationship

The National Headache Foundation defines migraine headaches as a condition when individuals endure severe headaches. The pulsating pain usually occurs on one side of the head and becomes so intense that it affect peoples' daily lives. It has been reported that caffeine has positive and negative effects on those individuals suffering from migraine headaches.

Excessive Consumption

• One of the effects of caffeine on migraine headaches occurs when individuals abruptly stop consuming caffeine. They may experience throbbing pain for a much as a week until the withdrawal symptoms subside.

Chocolate

• Beverages are not the only ways in which caffeine enters the body. Individuals who are susceptible to migraines can also suffer from chocolate-induced migraine headaches.

Blood Vessels

• Research from the Cleveland Clinic states that blood vessels become sensitive to caffeine, causing migraine headaches.

Treatment of Migraine Headaches

• Caffeine can have a positive effect on migraine headaches as well. As a pain reliever, caffeine is one of main ingredients in pain medications, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

Absorption

• Combining caffeine with pain relievers helps the body absorb the medication, easing the pain faster and reducing the amount of medication. Drinking a caffeinated beverage with pain relievers produces the same rapid results.