Ulcerative Colitis with Migraines?

I'm not sure if mine are migraines or just really bad headaches, but I get one at least once a week, if not more. It varies...for a while I was getting 3 headaches a week, but then I went a few weeks without getting one at all. Aleve is the only thing that helps me, so I take it, even though NSAIDs generally aren't recommended for us.

Interesting to see 6 out of 8 so far have migraines, and also UC.  Of course 8 people in a poll isn't necessarily a high enough number for averaging.  I read about a study where about 25 out of 30 UC patients developed migraines.  A larger study needs to be done I think.

And I take Fioricet for my migraines since it works so quickly, and is quite strong.  I haven't tried Vicodin before, as it's probably stronger than what I take already.

I get terrible migraines around that time of the month. I figure it is hormonal. I should probably see a doctor for it but I don't have insurance.

I'm not sure how you're defining migraines, but I sure do get headaches. I'll describe them to you and you decide. I have moderate severity (4 to 6 on a scale of 10) headaches at least 2-3 times a week that last 4-5 seconds at most. They are distributed randomly, but are usually one sided, either around one eye or the other, or on one side of the head or other. They are sometimes dull and sometimes stabbing. Can't figure out what brings them on or what makes them better. I don't have any associated symptoms. I also have UC since early 2003. I'm currently taking Lialda 4 grams once a day for the past 6-8 months or so. I think I'm in remission (no blood, no frequency), but do still have to go 3 times a day. I think our meds (mesalamine) can cause headaches. Sounds like its different for everyone. I'm not sure if migraines are specifically associated with UC.

Regarding doing a study, I'm sure there will be a bias on this thread because most likely only people with headaches and UC will read and post. It's tough to do a real unbiased study on these forums. Feel better.

I had migraines for a short period when I was on birth control pills, but none since then. I consider myself really lucky, because my mother and grandmother both suffered from severe migraines. I used to have a lot of regular headaches, but since I started taking Naproxen twice a day for my joint pain, I rarely have a headache.

My migraines, by definition, are the type that start as soon as I wake up.  Intense pain in one temple or the other (most often just one side, the left).  If I don't take a strong pain med for it within an hour or so, it will progress to vomiting anything I take, sensitive to any light/sounds, and have almost no ability to comprehend what's going on around me.  They last one day.

And I agree that the poll on here really doesn't work too well for determining who has UC with migraines, but it does show many get them. 

mbx5 - I couldn't have said it better myself.  I especially noticed that with the one I had last week.  I caught it early, was feeling better by 6pm or so, and didn't even want to go to bed, as if my day had just started.

Yea, migraines are the worst. I've learned to catch them early most of the time. Fioricet works for me. If I dont catch it early, I end up in the Er due to uncontrolled vomitting, sensitivity to light and the whole deal. It takes morphine at that point and a muscle relaxer to knock it out.

Have you tried Zomig? I tried a ton of the triptans and that's the only one that has worked to abort for me. I also didn't respond to fiorcet. I respond to NSAIDs - I take a Rx one when I NEED it but yeah, it's not a good option for people who have UC.

Hi, I also have UC and Migraines six years now! I have tried everything! Here is my story and what I have done so far.
-I have 6 years now UC (pancolitis) and at the same time I same time I started having migraines. Pain from 1-10: 9 and 10!
-The last years I don’t take any drugs such as mesalazine and I am fine.
-The first year I had migraines once per week. By the time, the migraines became very frequent. The last three years I have migraines EVERY DAY!
-I asked many doctors if UC has to do with my Migraines and they answered no. I don’t agree with them. I know people with the same problem. This thing has destroyed my life!
-I did x-rays, MRI etc. Everything was fine.
-I tried all the alternative solutions: acupuncture, homeopathy, reiki, siatsu, bioenergetic therapies, rephlexology etc. Nothing has helped me.
-The medicines for tension headaches are antidepressants, and for migraines antiepileptics. I tried both of them. But nothing helped me.
-I have migranes every day, and they are really painful. When I have a migrane I will feel better after 3 days. I cant sleep until my head doesn’t hurt.
-When the migrane starts i have about half an hour to take Triptanes (I use Relpax) and opium painkillers at the same time! That’s the only thing that helps me.
-I know that taking painkillers gets the situation worse due to rebound effects but if I don’t take them I am dying from the pain!
I have tried everything and I don’t know what else to try. I am desperate and this thing is killing me and destroying my life. Please, if anybody knows that UC and Migranes are linked and he knows what can I do, help me! I know that many people have the same problem as me..lets help each other!

Kostas198 what medicines are you one
Certain UC drugs can cause headaches

I have more migraines when taking Mesalazine but still have them no matter what. I have been having migraines since I'm 15. So, that was before UC. They got worse after a neck injury. In my case they are hormonal, tension from the neck and I have them more often when taking Mesalazine. But for sure in my case the migraines are not related to UC.

Codeine and Tylenol works great if taken early enough together with a black coffee. Other way, I have to ad a muscle relaxant to the mix and use ice on my forehead and neck.

The ice thing is a real saver for me. I always have 6 bag of frozen peas ready in the freezer. So I can switch them around until the migraine is gone. I'don't hear very often about ice and I wonder why as I'm sure it saves me from going insane with the pain.

Migraines and strong headaches are so commun and have many causes I don't think we can draw any conclusions out of a pool. Plus people with no headache problem would not be inclined to read this tread. Therefore, that would make this survey not very conclusive.