Gastric Bypass Alleviates Migraine Headaches - For Most Morbidly Obese Patients with Migraines

Released: 15th June 2011

Source: American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery

Surgery Leads to Fewer and Less Severe Migraines For Most Morbidly Obese Patients with Migraines

Newswise — ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 15, 2011 – Bariatric surgery can lead to total or partial alleviation of migraines in nearly 90 percent of morbidly obese patients diagnosed with migraine headaches, according to a new study* presented here at the 28th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

Over an average follow-up of three years after gastric bypass surgery, more than 70 percent of patients never had another migraine. More than 18 percent had partial resolution, with migraine attacks dropping from five to two per month. These patients also experienced less painful migraines and took fewer medications. Eleven percent of patients had no change in migraine status.

“The incidence and severity of migraines was greatly reduced after bariatric surgery and weight loss, suggesting there are a number of people who are suffering from migraines who otherwise might not but for their excessive weight,” said Isaac Samuel, MD, Associate Professor, University of Iowa (UI) Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and Director, UI Obesity Surgery Program.

http://www.newswise.com/articles/gastric-bypass-alleviates-migraine-headaches

How interesting. But then you wonder if it's to do with the obesity, or something to do with the stomach...

That's true - my leaning is to something with the stomach - even thin people get migraine - and if you look at the other illness poll - a lot of us have IBS.........