Ep. 46: The connection between allergy, headache and migraine

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How are headaches related to allergies?

If you have allergies or don’t have allergies, but you get your fair share of headaches and or migraines this episode is for you.

We are joined by Dr. Huma Sheikh a board-certified Neurologist-Headache and Vascular Disorder Specialist. She gives us the 101 on all things headaches and migraines and lays out the connection between headaches and allergies. If you say you have sinus headaches then you will be sorely surprised to learn that is not a medical condition.

What we cover in this allergy headache episode

  • What are headaches?

  • What is the trigeminal nerve, why is it important in headaches?

  • What is homeostasis?

  • Primary and secondary headaches - when headaches are a symptom and when is a headache the main disease such as a migraine.

  • How are allergies and headaches linked?

  • The link between allergies and migraines?

  • What is a sinus headache?

  • Cross-over between allergies of the eyes and nose and headaches.

  • What is trigeminal neuralgia? How to differentiate it from allergies.

  • When should someone see a headache specialist?

  • Comorbidities and migraines.

  • How are migraines diagnosed?

  • Can certain foods and food intolerances cause headaches?

  • Can histamines cause headaches?

  • How are headaches and migraines treated?

  • NSAIDs - how do these medications work? What is an NSAID allergy?

  • How do you know that you need to see a doctor about your headaches?

Helpful resources:

More about Dr. Sheikh

NSAIDlist: NSAID list: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/transplant/programs/kidney/living_donors/NSAIDs%20List%20to%20Avoid.pdf

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Ep. 47: The impacts of climate change and health

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Ep. 45: The importance of sleep and allergies