Migraine Headaches: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Explore the connection between allergies and migraine headaches, understand their causes, diagnosis, and potential treatment options.

What Causes a Migraine Headaches?

Allergies and Migraine Headaches: An Intricate Connection

Migraines are severe headaches often accompanied by various additional symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. While the exact cause of migraines is still somewhat of a mystery, they are believed to be the result of abnormal brain activity, which can be triggered by a number of factors.

Food Allergies: Common Culprits behind Migraine Headaches

Foods and beverages contain various substances that can trigger migraines in people sensitive to them. Some of the most common offenders are:

  • Dairy products: Particularly aged cheeses, which contain a natural substance called tyramine, often linked to migraines.
  • Alcohol and Caffeine: Both substances can instigate migraines. Red wine and beer seem especially likely to and caffeine withdrawal can have the same effect.
  • Foods Containing Nitrates: Processed foods like hot dogs, deli meats, and bacon contain nitrates which can trigger migraines.
  • Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This food additive, found in many processed foods, can also instigate migraines.
  • Chocolates: Though loved by many, chocolates can often be a trigger for those dealing with migraines.

Contact Allergies and Migraines

Contact allergies refer to allergies resulting from physical contact with allergenic substances. Such allergies can also trigger migraines in some people. Common allergens include:

  • Cosmetic Products: The chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, makeup, etc., may cause skin irritation and potentially lead to migraines in allergy-prone individuals.
  • Latex: It's present in many everyday items like gloves, balloons, and condoms, and can instigate migraines after exposure.

Airborne Allergens: Stealth Triggers for Migraine Headaches

  • Pollen: Often blamed for causing 'hay fever' or seasonal allergies, can also trigger migraines.
  • Mold spores: Various types of molds can cause allergic reactions and potentially initiate a migraine.
  • Dust Mites and Pet Dander: They are common indoor allergens that can trigger migraines.

No one size fits all in terms of allergy-induced migraines. Each individual has unique allergenic triggers, just as each person may experience different migraine symptoms. It is important to keep track of potential triggers and discuss the symptoms with a healthcare provider to manage this complex condition.

"Immunotherapy can be amazing"
man opening Curex packaging
man opening Curex packaging
Start with a free quiz
What Symptoms Accompany Migraine Headaches?

Migraine headaches can be extremely debilitating, often accompanied by a variety of symptoms. Following are the additional symptoms which may accompany migraine headaches:

Visual Disturbances or Aura
Before a migraine begins, some people will experience changes in their vision, such as seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots. This is usually a sign that a migraine is imminent.

Nausea and Vomiting
These are common symptoms during a migraine episode. Some people may feel queasy or may vomit.

Sensitivity to Light and Sound
During a migraine, you may become very sensitive to light and sound. This can cause people to seek out dark, quiet rooms.

Dizziness and Vertigo
Some individuals experience dizziness, a feeling of spinning, or even loss of balance.

Difficulty Speaking
In some severe cases, some individuals may have difficulty speaking during a migraine episode.

Fatigue
Extreme tiredness or fatigue can occur either before, during or after a migraine.

Motor Weakness or Sensory Disturbances
In rare cases, a type of migraine called hemiplegic migraine can occur which may resemble a stroke, with motor weakness or sensory disturbances, such as tingling in one area of the body or face.

Mood Changes
Some people may feel unusually excited, depressed, or irritable in the hours leading up to a migraine.

Increased Urination
A need to urinate more often can occur in the hours before a migraine attack.

As for migraines induced by allergies, the symptoms can be similar to the general migraine symptoms mentioned above. However, the individual may also experience allergy-related symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or itchy, watery eyes. Keep in mind that treating the underlying allergy can often help reduce the frequency or severity of migraine attacks.

We Treat Indoor & Outdoor Allergies

maple leaf icon
Weed Pollens
insect icon
Dust Mites
mold allergy
Molds
tree allergy
Tree Pollens
Cat Allergies
Dog Allergies
maple leaf icon
Weed Pollens
insect icon
Dust Mites
mold allergy
Molds
tree allergy
Tree Pollens
Cat Allergies
Dog Allergies

We do not treat food allergies at this time.

How to Relieve Migraine Headaches at home?

Identifying Allergies as a Migraine Trigger

Allergies can often trigger debilitating migraine headaches. It happens as a result of the body's reaction to certain substances, which leads to an inflammatory response, often resulting in a severe headache. Identifying and addressing these allergies can help to relieve migraine headaches.

Allergy Immunotherapy - A Potential Solution

Curex, the leading allergy immunotherapy provider, offers a potential solution to this issue. Allergy immunotherapy focuses on reducing sensitivity to allergens, which can help diminish symptoms of allergies, such as migraines, in the long term.

How does Curex Work?

Curex takes a patient-centered approach, understanding that every person is different, with unique allergen sensitivities. They perform extensive testing to identify specific triggers, creating a personalized treatment plan for each patient. The therapy involves giving gradually increased doses of the specific allergen, or sometimes even a small dose of several allergens, depending on the individual's sensitivities. Over time, this approach can improve tolerance to the allergens that cause symptoms, dramatically reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches.

Relieving Migraines at Home

While the benefits of allergy immunotherapy can be profound, it is a long-term treatment plan. In the meantime, there are several strategies that one can adopt at home to relieve migraines:

  • Avoid known triggers: If specific allergens are known to cause migraines, avoiding these triggers can help prevent future attacks.

  • Use Cold Packs: Applying a cold pack to the area of your head where you feel the pain can provide temporary relief.

  • Maintaining a Regular Sleep Schedule: Sleep disturbances can exacerbate migraines. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a regular sleep pattern.

  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can trigger migraines. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages can help keep you hydrated.

  • Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress, which is a common migraine trigger.

Remember, these strategies can provide some relief, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Consult with Curex or another medical professional to create an effective migraine relief plan tailored to your needs.

Who is Curex for?

Patients with allergies, asthma, sinusitis & eczema

Adults (18+)

Kids (5+)

Allergy immunotherapy, delivered.

Curex doctors prescribe prescribe allergy treatments, including custom allergy drops for long-term relief.

This treatment contains the same ingredients as allergy shots, but is more convenient & affordable.

Curex doctors also prescribe medications for allergies, asthma, eczema and related conditions.
Hand reaching out to Curex allergy drops kit
How to Prevent Migraine Headaches?

Preventing migraine headaches often involves identifying and avoiding triggers that may lead to these painful episodes. As migraines can sometimes be a symptom of an allergy, it's essential to understand the specific allergens that might trigger your headaches.

Understanding Allergies and Migraines

Allergies and migraines are both immune responses. Certain allergens may cause an overactive immune response, leading to inflammation and constriction of blood vessels. This can potentially trigger a migraine. Common allergens include dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, and certain food items such as dairy products, wheat, and alcohol. If you observe a correlation between exposure to a specific allergen and the onset of migraines, an allergy might be the cause of your headaches.

Allergy Immunotherapy Treatment

If allergies are indeed triggering your migraines, one potential solution could be undergoing allergy immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy involves exposing the body to gradually increasing doses of a specific allergen, thereby helping the immune system develop a tolerance. This treatment can result in a significant reduction or even complete resolution of allergic symptoms, including migraines.

One leading provider of this treatment is Curex. Curex: Leader in Allergy Immunotherapy is recognized for its precision medicine approach and commitment to delivering top-quality patient care. Curex offers both subcutaneous and sublingual allergy immunotherapy.

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT) involves regular injections of a gradually increasing allergen dose, known as allergy shots. This method has been used successfully for over a century and is considered a highly effective allergy treatment.

On the other hand, if you cannot tolerate injections, Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) might be more suitable. SLIT involves placing a tablet or a few drops of the allergen solution under the tongue. It's a convenient and less invasive method that can be administered at home, without the need for regular clinic visits.

To determine which treatment is best for you, discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle requirements with a healthcare provider. They can help identify your allergen triggers and whether immunotherapy provided by a leader like Curex, could be a suitable option to prevent your migraine headaches.

Lifestyle Changes

Besides medical treatment, certain lifestyle modifications might also help prevent migraine headaches. These include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying well-hydrated, avoiding foods that may trigger allergies, managing stress levels, and exercising regularly.

In conclusion, understanding the link between your allergies and migraines, coupled with targeted therapy such as that provided by Curex, could drastically improve your condition and prevent the occurrence of migraine headaches.

Avoid the Shots, Just Try Curex!

At Home

Apply treatment at home without going to the doctor's office.

Affordable

Only $59/month + copay for consultations.

No Shots

Take treatment under-the-tongue daily.  No needles or allergy shots.

Safety

Millions of people are treated safely around the world.

All Natural

All natural clinical-grade allergen extracts. No harmful chemicals.

Long-Term Relief

Train your immune system for lasting results. No more allergies.
Curex packaging
How to Recognize a Medical Emergency in Case of Migraine Headaches?

Recognizing a Medical Emergency in Migraines
A migraine can sometimes be a complex condition, with symptoms such as intense head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or noise. Primarily, it's essential to understand that migraines generally are not life-threatening. However, if they become increasingly severe or alter in their pattern, they might be an indication of a more serious medical condition.

Migraines and Allergies
In some cases, migraines could also be a symptom of allergies. In such a situation, it's necessary to identify the trigger, which could be anything from food to environmental factors, and take the appropriate action.

Signs of a Medical Emergency
If you experience any of the following symptoms associated with your migraine, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention:

  1. Your migraine changes in its pattern or severity.
  2. You experience a sudden, severe headache like a thunderclap.
  3. You have a headache followed by a fever, neck stiffness, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, or trouble speaking.
  4. You get a headache after a head injury, especially if it worsens.
  5. Your headache is accompanied with shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or severe vomiting.

Understanding Immunotherapy for Migraines Caused by Allergies
Managing migraines effectively often requires a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and a better understanding of potential triggers. Curex, as a leading allergy immunotherapy provider, offers unique solutions if your migraines are allergy-related.

Curex provides sublingual immunotherapy- a medical treatment for allergy relief which gradually desensitizes your immune system to specific allergens. This therapy involves the administration of controlled doses of allergens under the tongue to enhance immune tolerance over time.

In Summary
While migraines are often not seen as medical emergencies, a sudden shift in pattern or increase in severity necessitates immediate medical intervention. Also, if migraines are determined to be allergy-related, immunotherapy treatments like the ones provided by Curex could be a solution. Please remember to always consult various medical options with your healthcare professional.

Most affordable allergy immunotherapy

Curex makes it easier than ever to treat allergies, even if you need an allergy test or have existing results!

Sign up TODAY
$49*
Sign-up fee
(refundable)
Service deposit is fully refundable if no services (clinical visit or testing) are provided.
STEP ONE:
Review of your allergy test results
Prescription for medication or immunotherapy
Cancel Anytime
Start with a free quiz
*copays may apply.
STEP TWO:

Immunotherapy Delivered

$59/month + copay
Free shipping
Ongoing access to allergist
High deductible plan? No insurance? No problem!
$99/month. HSA/FSA eligible. Discounts with annual plan.
How to Treat Allergy-Related Migraine Headaches?

Allergy-related migraine headaches are a common occurrence for individuals suffering from various types of allergies. These migraines can be incredibly debilitating and often hinder daily activities. However, certain treatments can mitigate their frequency and impact.

Understanding Allergy-Related Migraines

Allergy-related migraines are headaches caused by an allergic reaction of the immune system to a specific allergen. The body releases histamines to combat the presence of these allergens; consequently, these histamines can trigger inflammation in the sinuses and other parts of the body, leading to migraines.

Curex: Leading the Way in Allergy Immunotherapy

Curex, a leading provider of allergy immunotherapy, offers an innovative approach to treating allergies and related symptoms such as migraines. Immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of allergies by desensitizing the immune system to allergens. It may be delivered through two main methods administered by Curex: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), also known as allergy shots, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as allergy drops.

Key Treatments for Allergy-Related Migraine Headaches

Curex's allergy immunotherapy can significantly reduce the frequency of allergy-related migraines. This method either uses injections (SCIT) or drops (SLIT) to gradually expose your body to increasing doses of the allergen over time. This controlled exposure to the allergen enables the immune system to build up a tolerance to the allergen gradually, reducing the severity of allergic responses.

Keep in mind: Immunotherapy treatments should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

In addition to immunotherapy, sufferers of allergy-related migraines should consider making lifestyle changes, including:

  • Avoiding allergen exposure: Keep your environment clean, don't smoke, and minimize time outdoors during peak pollen times.

  • Staying hydrated: Keeps your system flushed and can help to prevent headaches.

  • Good health practices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can maintain your overall health and immune system functioning.

  • Medication: Over-the-counter antihistamines and preventative prescription medicines can help manage allergy symptoms and potentially reduce the occurrence of allergy-related headaches.

It's important to remember that each person's allergies are unique, so treatments will vary based on individual needs. Keeping a headache diary can be beneficial to track triggers and the effectiveness of treatments. Consulting with a healthcare provider is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment of allergy-related migraines.

Remember, while there is no 'cure' for allergies, with effective treatments like those offered by Curex, proactive lifestyle changes, and a good management plan designed with the help of healthcare professionals, it's entirely possible to drastically reduce the frequency of allergy-related migraines and improve the quality of life.

Get Started in 3 Simple Steps

female approaching another female
1

Take quiz and sign up for an at-home or in-lab allergy test

Consult with Curex clinician online

Curex user having an online consultation with a clinician.
2
man opening Curex box
3

Get your allergy treatment delivered

The Better Alternative to Allergy Shots

Backed by Science
Long term solution to allergies
Control allergies and prevent asthma
Proven to reduce symptoms over time
Painless
At-home treatment
Access to clinician via text/call/zoom
Total cost/year

Curex Plans

check icon
check icon
check icon
check icon
check icon
check icon
check icon
$59/month
+ copay

Allergy Shots

doctor giving patient a shot
check icon
check icon
check icon
check icon
$1,500-$4,000
per year

FAQs

Is Curex legitimate?
Does Curex accept insurance?
What conditions do you treat?
Does Curex treat food allergies?
Can my child use Curex?
What is your cancellation policy?
What are the ingredients?
How does allergy testing work?
Where can I find information about the costs and details of allergy immunotherapy?