RA and migraine

[Bluepegasus]

I've been on tocilizumab now for 3 months which has thankfully kept pain at bay. I'm very careful what I eat and don't generally have anything sugary, much as I'd love to. I did dive into the sweets and biscuits at the weekend though and now have a hip, knee and foot flare and have had 2 migraines as well. I'm wondering if anyone knows if migraine is connected with RA as it seems a bit of a coincidence and whether anyone else gets it, especially with a flare and, if so, if you've been able to put it down to anything particular?

[SarahJane926]

By what you've described, I would say that the sugar is the culprit. I try to eat clean and avoid sugars and high processed foods but last week I had the urge for some Ben & Jerrys and ended up eating the whole tub... next day I had a really bad headache and inflammation in my hands, feet and shoulders. Sugar is a b***h for inflammation. I would keep a diary and see how frequent the migraines are & when they happen (include a food diary) then speak to your consultant. I think there is a link between RA, headaches and migraines. My headaches increased after diagnosis but I put that down to medication. All the best x

[AgedCrone in reply to SarahJane926]

I agree...I used to work night shifts & altho I’m not a chocolate fan I often used to eat a Mars bar on the drive home and I always got a headache ....which at first I put down to tiredness then for some reason I stopped eating the Mars bars and the headaches went away....now I don’t touch chocolate...no hardship as I am not fond of it .....but occasionally I do eat a very sugary jam doughnut from an Italian bakery....and sure enough I get a headache.

White refined Sugar has a lot to answer for.

[Bluepegasus in reply to SarahJane926]

Thanks very much SarahJane, the sugar thing seems to be a common theme with inflammation and headaches. I'm due to speak to my consultant next week and will ask for her thoughts. Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

[achyknitter]

I have had migraines every now and again for over forty years and have noticed no difference in their frequency / severity since I developed RA. Mine are often triggered by flickering lights but too much sugar can also be a culprit.

[Brychni]

Hi Bluepegasus - I am a long time sufferer of migraine and cluster headaches. they came long before my diagnosis of Undifferentiated Inflammatory Arthritis but I have since wondered if they are connected. Lots of information saying that they are, especially PsA. However I think with me it's bot. My neck pain sometimes creeps into the back of my head, over the top and into the usual location over the top right quarter of my face. So that is one trigger but the others just come out of nowhere - but perhaps they have always been an early sign of UIA. I've tried everything, been OK for a few weeks. It seems that my head problems might be hormonal and so The Migraine centre with whom I had an online appointment with recently said that taking high levels of Riboflavin (400mg per day) has been shown to have some effect there. I've been taking them for a few months now and there is evidence for this treatment (it's not an 'alternative') and neurologists and the Migraine Centre prescribe it - it seems to be doing something, or maybe it's just another lull which I get occasionally! Then the only thing to snap me out of them is Sumatriptan injections.

You have my every sympathy. If it continues then please get in touch with Migraine centre, they have a group on here too.

I was on keto diet for about 15 years and it worked then about 2 years ago it just stopped working. I'm 49 so probably have lots of rumbling hormones and who knows maybe they will stop now.

good luck.

[Brychni in reply to Brychni]

that should be 'I think it's both.'

[Brychni]

In addition - one of the recommendations from my consultation was Nortryptiline as a preventative.

I've tried it and don't to take it again. #consultant said it might also help with arthritis pain - it is used for pain generally, like sports injuries etc. but it, and its comrades amitryptiline to name one, started life as antidepressants and although when used for headaches, pain and sports injuries etc they are given in minute doses compared to when they were used for depression I find myself being very susceptible and they have always made me feel dozy and quite low. generally they aren't used for depression any more.

[Bluepegasus]

Thank you all so much for your help, it's very comforting to hear of other people's response and treatment of similar problems. I'd never heard of the Migraine Centre and will look into that next. All good wishes to you all and many thanks again.