Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on December 08, 1999 at 17:29:30:
In Reply to: bowel movements cluster headaches? (long) posted by DR on December 08, 1999 at 16:12:12:
DR,
Someone did link your post from the other site a few weeks ago. The only thing I can think of is serotonin (5-HT). 5-HT is found in 3 areas of the body, Central Nervous System, Blood plateletts and the Gastrointestinal System. The last one, the GI system being the one you're asking about. When the Gi system is put into service, it releases 5-HT. I've read that this is why with a lot of migrainers, when they barf the headache stops. I've used cafergot for my CH and found that when I take too much I get nauseated. When I barf, my headache will usually abort within a couple of minutes. Someone else, just last week said the same thing about having a gag/puke method for stopping the headache. All I can think of is that the effort of the bowel movement is causing the Gi system to unload 5-HT, which is finding it's way to the appropriate sites and constricting the blood vessels, stopping the headache. We all know 5-HT agonists and 5-HT itself in the right spot constricts the blood vessels.
Now this is all just guessing on my part, based on little things I've read here and there. And based on this principle, Susan should never have another headache (but she may be the exception).
Hope this give you some food for thought.
BTW - hub is taking some stuff that makes him go like the Christmas goose. Hasn't had a single headache.
LYG
Bob P