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Why do I get a headache before a large bowel movement?
I've had this issue for the past 4-5 years. I'm overweight 256lbs, 34, 5'7". I don't have problems going to the bathroom. I have normal bm's everyday and I guess I over eat. Anyway, I find it odd to have a headache before a medium to large size BM, but its there and happens all the time. Earlier the headache I had was pretty bad and as soon as I went to the bathroom and had my BM it went away just like usual. Whats the deal with this? Should I be concerned about some bigger problem?
I have the same observation and I don’t fully understand the connection and I should say I’m nowhere near any remote medical acumen but since no expert opinion has been posted here I will drop a few hints I picked up during repeated episodes of sleep -> headache -> BM -> relief:
1) The headache seems to not respond to any pain relief meds. Only a BM would make it go away and instantly.
2) Seems to develop 12hrs+ after eating certain foods, and in my case it was beans, bread and hot pepper (not sure which one or combination of foods triggered it).
3) Once the headache develops, the BM seems to become a certainty in the next two hours or so.
4) When I eat a balanced diet it never occurs.
1) The headache seems to not respond to any pain relief meds. Only a BM would make it go away and instantly.
2) Seems to develop 12hrs+ after eating certain foods, and in my case it was beans, bread and hot pepper (not sure which one or combination of foods triggered it).
3) Once the headache develops, the BM seems to become a certainty in the next two hours or so.
4) When I eat a balanced diet it never occurs.
I won't attempt to imply that I even begin to have a sufficient medical knowledge to say what this is, but I can speak out of experience.
What's helped alleviate the headaches and the associated feelings of malaise, head fog, back pain, and bowel pain in my case has been a particular combination of foods: Warm lemon water, warm honey water, Planters Heart health mix, and oven baked salmon with yellow curry and olive oil. After eating everything I felt like a new person-- all aforementioned issues went away over the course of an hour or two.
What's helped alleviate the headaches and the associated feelings of malaise, head fog, back pain, and bowel pain in my case has been a particular combination of foods: Warm lemon water, warm honey water, Planters Heart health mix, and oven baked salmon with yellow curry and olive oil. After eating everything I felt like a new person-- all aforementioned issues went away over the course of an hour or two.
I was so surprised and relieved to find these postings when I mentioned this to my doctor and he didn't even seem to register it little and comment but it's been true for many years. Right now I have a problem with my sinuses which give me a really bad headache my doctor gave me steroid inhalers which has stopped the runny nose but not the headache and now feeling at my wits end as this is pretty constant it's very wearing. I'm just so glad to hear I'm not the only person to link headaches with bowel movements I don't think it's particularly well known to the Medics.
1 Comments
I too was surprised and somewhat relieved to find this post and comments, and I agree that most in the medical field probably don't have an understanding of what we're going through. I wonder if an internist or gastroenterologist would be best. I hate the run-around doctors can give us and still not help or be completely wrong.
Same issues here, I feel like I could have written many of these posts. Feels very much like bad sinus headache, I don't feel constipated, but after I go... Headache goes away. Not sure if it is pressure, or some sort of toxicity happening, but would love to hear what a doctor knowledgeable on this subject has to say! Is there an underlying problem that we can fix to cure these issues? Maybe diet? Motrin does seem to take the edge off until the BM. Also Agree with MinnesotaMama13 that said it seems to happen when possibly dehydrated or excess salt intake. These do seem like they should be preventable if we can identify the actual issue here.
I wake up with a headache which goes away after a bowel movement. I have noticed for years that my nose drips excessively right before a bowel movement. I am not overweight and have not been diagnosed with any problems. I'm tired of waking with this headache. Please help.
1 Comments
This happens to me and I just realized the connection a few months ago. I can have headaches, oftentimes unilaterally that are associated with neck pain and really tight shoulders. That helps and soda Lidoderm patches but they never provide total relief. They can take me out for a whole weekend. I don't feel constipated I don't have diarrhea or any other issues related to my bowels. But as soon as I've had a BM, I feel immediate relief in my head. I've seen this happen 20 or more times and it's phenomenal. Even if I don't feel like I have to go to the bathroom oh, I can take a laxative and just going a little bit makes the headache go away. I would love to know why this happens as it seems like I could do something to prevent it.
HI I just had this problem right now and am in the process of the headache receding. I would really like to know if this is an underlying problem as well. I think next doctor visit I will bring it up and see what she has to say.
I don't think it's related to menstrual cycles. I have the exact same symptoms, and I'm a guy. I also feel bloated and almost poisoned before hand, and then after feel fine. The migraines go away instantaneously. I mentioned it to my neurologist, and he looked at me like I had 2 heads. I think I am going to mention it again, and this time be certain he understands it's no coincidence. I also have elevated bilirubin and other mild liver issues showing in blood work.the last two years have been unbearable with cluster migraines. 2 per day, with only recent relief by being prescribed prednisone and z pack for catching pneumonia out of the blue. Something else is going on that the prednisone and z pack were treating as well as the pneumonia.
I have similar problem. I think that there must be a nerve in the rectum that reacts to the pressure of a full bowel and the pressure on the nerve causes headach, clammy feeling and neck pain at times as well. Though it my be somekind of vagus mercer response. Just a guess and still looking for answers. My headache slinger after the BM but sometimes this is linked to menstral cycle.
Hi, how are u dear now?..After reading ur post I realised that there is someone other who could understand my problem...I am also sufferening from the same problem that u r...plz suggest me what steps u have followed to cure it.. am very frustrated with this problem.
I have this problem if i am unable to do a bm and I forcefully stop that or after a long sleep...but as soon as I return from bm I feel relaxed and headache starts fading...I also used to wonder that is der any hole inside our body that takes out the gas from intestine and straight to my head...and seriously there is a lot of pain in head at that time.
I have this problem if i am unable to do a bm and I forcefully stop that or after a long sleep...but as soon as I return from bm I feel relaxed and headache starts fading...I also used to wonder that is der any hole inside our body that takes out the gas from intestine and straight to my head...and seriously there is a lot of pain in head at that time.
Hi, I have this when I am pregnant only (not really the rest of the time). It also seems for me that it's related to hydration. In some ways it mimics the symptoms of a hangover - but of course I'm not drinking when pregnant. I feel like there must be some muscle or pressure in the region of the bowel which can give you a headache. Very rarely when I was younger I would have this problem if I didn't go to the bathroom when I had the urge. All of this said, I am really most interested in what could possibly be the cause or mechanism. But hope you all get some relief. These are really bad headaches for me and leave my pretty debilitated.
I could have written your post. I'm 5'7" and about 250, in the process of losing weight on advice from my dr. There are many health problems in my family and my own life - family history of colon cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression. So far I've had a polyp removed from my colon at age 44, been treated for high blood pressure and depression, and been told I'm pre-diabetic, so weight loss is important at this time. I've noticed this headache/bm connection since childhood.
I am very regular - you could set your clock by me. 3 times a day, every day, same times. I've just had my second colonoscopy (had them early) and was told that I have a very redundant colon with many extra loops. I suppose this could account for my, uh, volume (I don't eat anywhere near what I see come out). I've looked into redundant colons, and all I see is info on constipation associated with the condition. Not my problem.
I've noticed it happens more often when I have been dehydrated, or eaten foods containing more salt than I normally eat. Sometimes it feels more like a sinus headache; usually it comes on like a bolt from the blue, and I don't feel the need to go until I've had the headache for a while.
I think the food connection may be important. When waste enters the large intestine, it has already had all the nutrients removed and the colon is just compiling and compacting it for evacuation. I suppose some of the leftover chemicals that have not been removed by the small intestine could be leaching out, but at the rate and regularity I process, it doesn't sit around in there for long.
Check you hydration and salt intake. Yesterday I had a greater than normal intake of salt (processed packaged soup for lunch, commercially produced salsa with dinner). I know that I was slightly dehydrated as well - I don't always get enough water during the day.
I am very regular - you could set your clock by me. 3 times a day, every day, same times. I've just had my second colonoscopy (had them early) and was told that I have a very redundant colon with many extra loops. I suppose this could account for my, uh, volume (I don't eat anywhere near what I see come out). I've looked into redundant colons, and all I see is info on constipation associated with the condition. Not my problem.
I've noticed it happens more often when I have been dehydrated, or eaten foods containing more salt than I normally eat. Sometimes it feels more like a sinus headache; usually it comes on like a bolt from the blue, and I don't feel the need to go until I've had the headache for a while.
I think the food connection may be important. When waste enters the large intestine, it has already had all the nutrients removed and the colon is just compiling and compacting it for evacuation. I suppose some of the leftover chemicals that have not been removed by the small intestine could be leaching out, but at the rate and regularity I process, it doesn't sit around in there for long.
Check you hydration and salt intake. Yesterday I had a greater than normal intake of salt (processed packaged soup for lunch, commercially produced salsa with dinner). I know that I was slightly dehydrated as well - I don't always get enough water during the day.
I would be very interested to hear your findings/progress. The problem still happens and the bigger the "payload" (we'll call it - lol) loaded in the bowel before the BM happens, the bigger the headache.
I was hoping the doctor would suggest this theory I have in mind, but the medical community seems to not acknowledge "Leaky Bowel Syndrome" (LBS) and I am thinking this could be a cause of my headaches pre-BM. With LBS it is said that your bowels/intestines become porous leaking digestive fluids/foods, waste, etc.. directly into the body. If there is a pressure change in the bowel from a full bowel waiting to expel and LBS is present (if LBS is really even possible), it makes logical sense to me due to a "leak in the plumbing" that the pressure exerted against the bowel walls could cause a pressure change throughout the body, thus causing a "pressure headache".
I have not seen this idea/theory talked about anywhere. I came up with it purely on my own and it may not be likely or possible what I'm saying.
The other theory I have, is that due to muscle contractions getting ready to or "in process of trying to" push the waste out pre-BM, that the muscle contractions may not stop or release until the waste is expelled, thus causing a rise in blood pressure until the waste is expelled, thus causing a headache, especially if you live as a borderline high blood pressure person. I'm usually borderline high blood pressure, with anxiety problems etc.. hyper sensitive, have had candida problems too and I also recently found out we've been living with MOLD growing in our a/c unit air duct system for just over 30 years, so there are a lot of factors to look at.
I have noticed that taking Apple Cider Vinegar raw unfiltered (with the mother in it) seems to make me feel better overall, eliminate better, etc... just feel better because it helps to liquefy toxins and expel them from your body. It also fights off candida. Yogurt with live acidophilus cultures in it helps too. I've read about this stuff all over the place for a long time and was suspect to it, but it really does seem to help with overall general well being. I still get the headaches though, pre-BM.
I was hoping the doctor would suggest this theory I have in mind, but the medical community seems to not acknowledge "Leaky Bowel Syndrome" (LBS) and I am thinking this could be a cause of my headaches pre-BM. With LBS it is said that your bowels/intestines become porous leaking digestive fluids/foods, waste, etc.. directly into the body. If there is a pressure change in the bowel from a full bowel waiting to expel and LBS is present (if LBS is really even possible), it makes logical sense to me due to a "leak in the plumbing" that the pressure exerted against the bowel walls could cause a pressure change throughout the body, thus causing a "pressure headache".
I have not seen this idea/theory talked about anywhere. I came up with it purely on my own and it may not be likely or possible what I'm saying.
The other theory I have, is that due to muscle contractions getting ready to or "in process of trying to" push the waste out pre-BM, that the muscle contractions may not stop or release until the waste is expelled, thus causing a rise in blood pressure until the waste is expelled, thus causing a headache, especially if you live as a borderline high blood pressure person. I'm usually borderline high blood pressure, with anxiety problems etc.. hyper sensitive, have had candida problems too and I also recently found out we've been living with MOLD growing in our a/c unit air duct system for just over 30 years, so there are a lot of factors to look at.
I have noticed that taking Apple Cider Vinegar raw unfiltered (with the mother in it) seems to make me feel better overall, eliminate better, etc... just feel better because it helps to liquefy toxins and expel them from your body. It also fights off candida. Yogurt with live acidophilus cultures in it helps too. I've read about this stuff all over the place for a long time and was suspect to it, but it really does seem to help with overall general well being. I still get the headaches though, pre-BM.
Hi,
I just want to let you know that I have been having the exact same problem for the last few months. I guess my main difference is that I have suffered from Migraines for years as well. But I feel like a regular Migraine and the Headache/Migraine I get before needing to make a bowel movement are very different. I have a neurologist appt this week for this issue, I will let you know what she says! Have you had any change since your last post?
Thanks
I just want to let you know that I have been having the exact same problem for the last few months. I guess my main difference is that I have suffered from Migraines for years as well. But I feel like a regular Migraine and the Headache/Migraine I get before needing to make a bowel movement are very different. I have a neurologist appt this week for this issue, I will let you know what she says! Have you had any change since your last post?
Thanks
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
Thank you for the clarification. Does the headache appear every time there is an urge to go to the toilet? If there is relief with bowel movement, it is also likely that the complex signals prior to the activity is already in place and therefore, related. At this point, we can observe and try prophylactic pain medication prior to any bowel movement. But if it persists, I still would suggest further evaluation be done to rule out the differentials mentioned above. Take care and do keep us posted.
Thank you for the clarification. Does the headache appear every time there is an urge to go to the toilet? If there is relief with bowel movement, it is also likely that the complex signals prior to the activity is already in place and therefore, related. At this point, we can observe and try prophylactic pain medication prior to any bowel movement. But if it persists, I still would suggest further evaluation be done to rule out the differentials mentioned above. Take care and do keep us posted.
Thank you doctor, but forgive me as I don't think I was clear enough. There is no exertion. This occurs before I even reach the bathroom, before I attempt the BM. After BM is over headache goes away. Does this information change your answer? Thanks.
2 Comments
I have this problem too. I just asked my doctor yesterday and she acted like she never heard of it before. Like it would never happen. Thank you for asking about this. At least I know I'm not the only one.
To clarify a bit, I have had prior surgery that left a lot of scar tissue in and around my intestines. Do you have any scar tissue?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi,
How are you? Exertion headaches may be experienced during or following physical exertion like running, jumping, or sexual intercourse and also with passive exertion such as sneezing, coughing, or moving the bowels. Majority are related to migraine or cluster headaches while around 10% can be due to organic diseases. This includes aneurysms, tumors, or blood vessel malformation. If it persists, you may need to have this checked to determine the underlying cause. Take care and best regards.
How are you? Exertion headaches may be experienced during or following physical exertion like running, jumping, or sexual intercourse and also with passive exertion such as sneezing, coughing, or moving the bowels. Majority are related to migraine or cluster headaches while around 10% can be due to organic diseases. This includes aneurysms, tumors, or blood vessel malformation. If it persists, you may need to have this checked to determine the underlying cause. Take care and best regards.
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