Researchers Seek Connection Between Celiac Disease and Migraine Headaches

Celiac.com 02/16/2023 - Migraine headaches are a common problem for many people with celiac disease. However, the connection between headaches and celiac disease is not well understood. A study conducted in 2021 compared 1,000 celiac subjects registered at a celiac center with a control group, based on International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition criteria and their gastrointestinal symptoms. The study also compared celiac subjects with migraine and non-migrainous headache in terms of their gastrointestinal symptoms and accompanying conditions. Here's a bit of what they found.

More Migraines for Celiacs, Especially Women

Researchers comparing rates of headaches, including migraines, among celiac patients and a healthy control group showed that celiac subjects experienced higher rates of headaches than control subjects, with the greatest rates of migraines found in celiac women. 

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Additionally, celiacs had higher rates of migraine than control subjects, especially in women. In fact, four out of five women with celiac disease suffered from migraines, and without aura nearly three-quarters of the time. The most common gut symptoms in celiacs who suffered from headaches were abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation, which were all more common in celiacs with migraines. 

Lower Rates of Type 1 Diabetes

Notably, celiacs with migraines experienced lower rates of type 1 diabetes mellitus than celiac subjects with non-migrainous headaches.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being female and having celiac disease were independent predictors of headaches, whereas patients over 60 years old saw some protective effects.

Other recent research has also shed light on gut health and its connection to celiac disease and migraines.

Gut-Brain Axis

A number of mechanisms proposed to explain the connection focus on the gut-brain axis, including the interplay of chronic inflammation with certain mediators, the control of the intestinal immune environment of the microbiota, and a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system.

The gut-brain axis is a known pathway that can influence neurological illnesses such as migraines. Some data suggests that gut microbiota can influence the brain-gut axis, and may impact nociceptive behavior, and, in turn, brain function. 

The composition of the gut microbiome, which also plays a significant role in the gut-brain axis, is thought to be one of the main processes connected to migraine, potentially via neurotransmitters, hormones, and inflammatory chemicals originating from the microbiome. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific aspects of this connection.

These findings suggest that celiac disease and migraines may be connected, and that celiac patients are at a higher risk for headaches, especially migraines. Researchers are now recommending that celiac screening be considered for patients with migraines and simultaneous GI symptoms.

The findings also highlight the importance of understanding the relationship between celiac disease and migraines, and how it relates to gut health. It also reveals the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind this connection.

Read more at:

• PLoS One
• Cureus.com 
• The Journal of Headache and Pain