DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 63-year-old woman just diagnosed with abdominal migraines that started when I was 8 or 9. I get a pain in my stomach that goes to my head, lasting from two hours to several days. It usually helps if I eat something, but not always. I end up in bed and literally don’t move for hours. Noise and lights don’t bother me. I am taking compazine twice a day for the associated nausea, which helps, and I take Frova when I do get the migraines. Is there anything you can tell me about abdominal migraines?
DEAR READER: The cause of abdominal migraines is unknown, but they are believed to be related to changes in histamine and serotonin, with stress and anxiety causing fluctuations in both body chemicals. [Read more...]