According to the National Headache Foundation, nearly 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraine headaches, leading to medical visits and lost work productivity as a result of this extreme and recurring head pain. Migraines may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, and caffeine is one effective ingredient in both types of medicines.
Migraine Blood Vessel Changes
The pain experienced during a migraine attack results from numerous changes in the brain. Though not all causes, triggers or mechanisms are known, levels of serotonin and dilation of blood vessels in the brain play important roles. Swelling and dilating of blood vessels during a migraine cause throbbing head pain, often on only one side.
Caffeine Blood Vessel Effects
Caffeine, a chemical found in coffee beans, tea leaves and myriad other plants worldwide, is a stimulant that increases alertness and may cause insomnia or agitation with excessive use. In addition to these effects, caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain, which may relieve symptoms of throbbing pain during a migraine attack.
Available Caffeine Products for Migraine
In addition to dietary sources, caffeine is found in over-the-counter medications specifically used to treat migraine headaches. These products often combine caffeine with analgesic, or pain-relieving, medications like acetaminophen, to treat the migraine pain. Caffeine is found in prescription analgesics as well, often combined with narcotic medicine to treat severe pain.
Caffeine Warnings
Although caffeine appears effective at reducing the pain of some migraines during an attack, caffeine does not prevent migraines and may actually induce headaches. The body becomes tolerant to caffeine with continual use of even moderate amounts in the diet, lessening its effects on the brain. Abrupt discontinuation of caffeine may trigger sudden blood vessel changes and cause severe headache.
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