The Connection Between Migraine Headaches and Diarrhea

A migraine can cause diarrhea in some people. While the exact connection between migraines and diarrhea is unknown, research has found that people who have migraines are also more likely to have gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Learn more about the connection between migraine headaches and diarrhea, plus how to treat and prevent symptoms and when to see a healthcare provider.

The Link Between Headaches and Diarrhea

For those who suffer from diarrhea during a migraine attack, the diarrhea often occurs during the prodrome (preheadache) phase of the migraine, before the pain fully sets in.

The exact connection between migraine headaches and diarrhea is not known, although research has found that people who suffer from migraines are also more likely to have gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Studies have shown that treating a GI disorder can help lower the risk of getting a migraine. Scientists are exploring the link between the gut microbiome (the bacteria and other microbes that live in the digestive tract) and migraine headaches, but more research is needed.

Causes and Related Symptoms 

If you have a GI disorder, you're also more likely to suffer from migraines. Other factors that could cause a migraine headache and diarrhea include: 

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal
• Skipped meals
• Food triggers such as chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and yeast
  

Along with diarrhea, other common symptoms during the prodrome phase of a migraine include:

• Nausea 
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Neck pain or muscle stiffness
• Increased urination 
  

Treatment and Prevention 

Treatment for migraines and diarrhea can help ease your symptoms and make you more comfortable, while prevention focuses on identifying and avoiding migraine triggers. 

Migraine Diary 

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you keep a migraine diary in order to identify possible triggers for your headaches and diarrhea. You should write down any symptoms you experience, how long they last, and how severe they are.

Make a note of any factors you think might have played a role in your migraine, such as where you were, the weather conditions, any foods you ate beforehand, and your sleeping patterns. 

Medication 

Several migraine medications are available to help alleviate your symptoms. These range from over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen) to prescription drugs such as triptans and ergotamine drugs.

Your diarrhea should stop once your migraine clears. An OTC antidiarrheal drug, such as Imodium (loperamide), may also help, but check with your healthcare provider first.

Stress Management 

Stress is a common trigger for both migraines and diarrhea, so stress management is a smart prevention strategy. Techniques for reducing stress include regular physical activity, meditation, relaxation exercises, getting a good night’s sleep, listening to calming music or an inspirational podcast, and playing with your pet.

Proper Hydration 

Staying hydrated is essential to proper body function and can help prevent a migraine attack. Be sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids; signs you may be dehydrated include thirst, dark yellow urine, and fatigue.

Keep in mind that diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's essential to drink plenty of fluids during and after a migraine attack, too.

When to See a Healthcare Provider 

If you have infrequent migraines that you're able to manage with OTC pain relievers and your diarrhea goes away after an attack, there may be no reason to seek medical treatment.

However, if you experience migraines once a week or more, your migraines don’t respond to medication, they interfere with your day-to-day activities, or your diarrhea is severe, it’s time to see your healthcare provider.

Summary 

Migraine headache and diarrhea can take a toll on your quality of life. While there is no known link between the two conditions, researchers are exploring the connection between GI disorders and migraine headaches.

Treating your migraine symptoms should resolve both your pain and diarrhea. However, if you suffer from frequent bouts of migraine pain accompanied by diarrhea that is not resolved with medication, it’s time to see your healthcare provider to get an examination and discuss treatment options. 

A Word From Verywell

Migraine headaches and diarrhea can be debilitating at times, but there are many effective treatments available that can get your symptoms under control so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.