migraines and THC
I am aware that there has been some interest in using marijuana to self-medicate migraines. This is irritating me quite a bit, because I am trying to find information about migraines caused by using marijuana.
On several occasions, under high dosages (once after ingesting a huge dose orally, several other times after smoking a great deal), I have experienced a most uncomfortable pain in my head, which feels kind of like having a knife twisted in my brain. When it has happened after smoking the drug, it has generally lasted a few minutes. When I ingested it orally (1.0-1.5g), the onset of this mysterious pain induced a full-blown bad trip, which lasted for several hours.
First of all, I have never, to my knowledge, experienced a migraine before while sober. For those of you who have, does this sound like a migraine to you?
Second, have any of you experienced such pains as those that I have experienced while high? What's the deal?
Some background information: I do not smoke very often (roughly once every two weeks to two months), and I do not smoke recreationally; rather, I smoke with the express intention of using my time productively, either to explore the intoxication's effects on the mind, or to deliberately induce a state of mind conducive to speculative philosophy. For this reason, I usually seek a medium-high dosage. I probably don't smoke often enough to develop a noticeable tolerance.
Ok, I've been a migraine sufferer for over a decade. I get them for 3 days continuously at least once/week...unless I take medication. I now take a triptan. What you described with the knife -- yes, that's a migraine. It's excruciating pain with nausea...makes you question the presence of a higher-being ...all that stuff. It's pretty simple really -- weed is just like alcohol or anything else -- you can have too much, of course. I've had my share of both over the years. First off, know your tolerances -- with weed it's probably a lot less than alcohol. When you DO have too much, you are depriving your brain of oxygen and that causes the migraine. This article explains how when ingesting THC your blood flow to the brain increases, but simultaneously your brain's ability to accept the oxygen being brought to your brain tissue by your blood is hindered:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6975-marijuana-makes-blood-rush-to-the-head/ You aren't going to die and you aren't going crazy, I promise. But yes, you aren't doing your body or your brain any favors by ingesting too much. I've definitely been there a few times. Not to say that you can't use this stuff recreationally, just be aware of dosages and your reactions. Just be smart about it...you'll have fun and won't suffer.
When you get a standard migraine (off of THC) -- as explained by my neurologist -- your brain stem is over-simulated by something (a trigger: alcohol, heat, stress, sleep deprivation...some people have tension migraines, food-triggered migraines, hormone-induced migraines or other random things...it's different for everyone). When your brain stem is over-stimulated it sends a huge surge of energy/blood flow into your brain causing all of your blood vessels in your head to dilate (i.e. get bigger in diameter). All of these blood vessels are rubbing up against every possible brain nerve, brain tissue, etc. and you can FEEL IT ALL. It makes you nauseated, in intense pain and many people senses are heightened from the nerve stimulation (for example: I can smell everything when in a migraine state). Here's an article with more information:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/headache/migraine1.htm
The common element here between THC-induced migraines and regular migraines -- a surge of blood flow to the brain, the friction against the brain tissue (causing pain, nausea). The lack of oxygen caused by the higher quantity of THC is probably the trigger.
Lastly, you may not need this unless they become frequent -- but there are two ways to "cure" migraine: triptans and anti-inflammatories. I know, medical terms. Hear me out though - this could be a life-saver. For years I took anti-inflammatories -- you know, ibuprofen, Excedrin, even a little weed might dull the pain. I was even prescribed hydrocodone and percocet for my pain. The problem is with all of these when it comes to migraines -- they might take down the inflammation in your brain tissue...but they don't reduce the size of your blood vessels (the initial problem). That's why migraine sufferers need a triptan (Imotrex, Sumitriptan, Zomitriptan, etc.). These actually REDUCE the diameter of your blood vessels and eliminate your migraine -- sometimes in as little as 20 minutes. Sure, take some ibuprofen with it to reduce the inflammation; but even with percocet I would pass out for 6 hours "unconsciously pain-free" and then wake up when the drug wore off back where I started. And know that the triptans are different for everyone - find the right one for you. Imotrex (the migraine "go-to") was like a sugar pill for me. It took me about 7 years to find the right one. There are also preventatives -- I've tried anti-depressants, anti-seizures meds, beta-blockers, even experimental clinical trial drugs (Neudexta worked as a preventative for me -- not FDA approved for migraine yet though).
If these DO become frequent, seek medical attention. They may not want to send you to a neurologist b/c you don't get "aura"...it's a weird sensation before the onset of a migraine. I don't get them, but it's typically changes in vision, ringing in your ears, dizziness, being sensitive to light, etc. You'll know if you're getting it. My friend gets them and they nearly make her drive off the road. Anyhow, PLEASE emphasize that you still need to see a neurologist or take something beyond over-the-counter meds if they are disrupting your life. Neurologists are the brain experts. There are also many general practitioners that know a lot about migraine -- but I have immediate luck with a neurologist. They'll do a CT scan (to make sure there aren't any tumors) and they'll find the right medication. I was doing AmeriCorps at the time (i.e. gov't insurance so the appt was only $5 and my meds were free...!) -- just one way to pay for the darn appt. Though now I'd pay any price to have the solution. While migraines won't kill you immediately, they are serious. Too many of them can lead to stroke and as we now, stroke can lead to death. The more you have, apparently the more you'll get. Be aggressive with them...don't wait 7 years like I did to see someone serious about it. Doc's will play conservative and give you ibuprofen for as long as they can -- it's just their protocol. Be your own advocate. They affect 28 million Americans and apparently another 14 million are undiagnosed.
Good luck, know that you aren't alone! There's help out there...take care of that noggin