By: Samantha Weideman
A study released in August in the American Journal of Medicine found that consuming a high level of caffeinated drinks could trigger migraine headaches.
Migraines occur when blood vessels in the brain become too dilated and cause an intense throbbing in one area of the head.
The study, conducted by Harvard researchers and main author Elizabeth Mostofsky, found that three or more servings of caffeine per day (one serving is equal to 8-10 oz. coffee or tea; 12 oz. soda) may trigger migraines in individuals who suffer from migraines. Researchers accounted for variables such as alcohol consumption, stress, sleep, activity and menstrual bleeding.
Caffeine can also help with migraines because it causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, allowing for temporary relief.
Madhuri Are, M.D., professor and division chief of pain at UNMC, said she’s not entirely sold on this research.
“This is some new data, and think more research needs to be done to give us a larger sample size to see what is actually going on,” Are said. “There is also a finite amount that anyone can take before it actually helps or doesn’t help anymore.”
Among factors such as hormones, stress and lack of sleep, inconsistency in caffeine consumption could cause a migraine, Are said.
“If [someone] is used to drinking a certain amount Monday through Friday and then Saturday and Sunday, their caffeine intake doesn’t happen until 11 in the morning, that can actually cause a migraine.”
Because this data is new and is speculative, these findings aren’t the end-all-be-all. However, as a general rule, Are suggested a simple preventative measure:
“Anything in moderation.”
There is a plethora of factors that lead to migraines, so determining the effects of caffeine vary from person to person. The American Migraine Foundation suggests that migraine sufferers cut down on caffeine consumption or stop consuming it entirely. Stopping caffeine consumption immediately and all at once may also trigger migraines.
For those starting to explore migraine solutions, potential medications include Excedrin migraine and triptan. Those who have tried multiple medications without much success may benefit from using topiramate, blood pressure medication or botulinum toxin (Botox), Are said.
To find out if you’re at risk of caffeine-related migraines, or if you suffer from migraines, speak with your doctor.
