Cluster Headaches & B Vitamins

Cluster headaches, or intense, recurring, headaches lasting for a short time, frequently require treatment with prescription medications. However, for those seeking a more natural remedy, research into B vitamins may provide alternatives to medication.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are similar to migraines in several ways. Like migraines, cluster headaches are chronic and can occur because of similar triggers like foods, stress, noise and bright lights. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, cluster headaches are distinguishable from migraines because they occur in clusters or bouts, with each headache lasting for a short time. These clusters can last six to 12 weeks, followed by remission periods without headaches. In addition, cluster headaches typically cause sharp pain on one side of your head, rather than both.

B Vitamins and Headaches

Like migraines, cluster headaches may occur because of your body's release of the chemicals serotonin or histamine. Some B vitamins help with migraines related to your brain's receptors for these chemicals, so they may also help with cluster headaches that occur for similar reasons. However, other causes for cluster headaches can occur because of abnormalities in the hypothalamus region of your brain and B vitamins may not improve these.

Riboflavin

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, riboflavin, also called vitamin B-2, has been helpful in preventing the onset and shortening the duration of migraines, so it may help to prevent cycles of cluster headaches. However, research is currently preliminary, so discuss using riboflavin supplements with your neurologist before beginning a regimen.

Niacin

Your body uses niacin, or vitamin B-3, to help produce some of the enzymes that metabolize food into energy. Pellagra, a severe niacin deficiency, can manifest with neurological symptoms like headaches. It is possible that your cluster headaches occur due to a niacin deficiency, and increasing your intake may help to relieve them.

Vitamin B-6

Vitamin B-6 is essential for the healthy function of your nervous system. Your body uses B-6 to as a part of the enzyme that helps your body create serotonin. Thus, extremely low or extremely high B-6 levels may contribute to cluster headaches caused by the sudden release of serotonin.

Advisory

Research regarding the B vitamins and their connections to cluster headaches is only in the beginning stages. You should discuss vitamin B supplements for cluster headaches with your doctor before changing any medication regimens or beginning to take supplements.

Cluster Headaches & B Vitamins