Abscout, your step mum is ignorant. Migraines are often hereditary. They run in my family. My grandma died of kidney failure brought on by getting addicted to Bex powders for her headaches. Back in the 60's and earlier, taking painkillers was about the only thing that could be done for these headaches.

it's not hereditary because i'm the first in the family for this

Ah, well I suppose it can crop up at random too.

I think people should perhaps do the research before they post definitive yes/no answers to whether or not migraines and AS are linked. I have a particular form of migraine and I have an AS dx. The aberrant chromosome for susceptibility to each is at exactly the same location in the genome: 1q21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/dispo...?id=608781

Now, I don't know much about genetics at all, but it does seem to me that this indicates some sort of linkage. Other types of migraine arise from other chromosomal anomalies and it could be that what some people and doctors call 'migraine' is actually another form of headache, so there wouldn't appear to be a link in those cases. But we're all different, neurology is still a mystery even to top neuologists when they're being honest. I think it's almost impossible to be categorical about this question.

I don't get migraines (except for a while ago when I was on some other medicine), but I do get debilitating tension headaches on occasion. My head feels like it's literally going to explode. In fact, one time I had a panic attack because there was so much pressure in my head that I actually, truly thought my head was going to explode. They only happen at night, and the only thing that makes them better is sleeping.

Also, I thought I should mention my mom gets really bad migraines all the time, but no one else in the family does.

I get the kind of migraine where I see wavy lines and spots before the eyes first (the aura) but also think I get "stomach migraines" - abdomnal cramps.

I had that before. That's the part I hate the most about migranes. Soon as I see it, the worser I feel. Another thing I hated was that scene in the movie The last Crucaid. The Indiana Johnes movie part where they are going to the cresent velley, or cresent shaped cliffs. Anyway, that little cresent is what mine migrane sparkles are shaped like, so when I see that part in the movie comming I imediatly look away from it or leave the room.

Research shows that celiac disease is linked to autism. Some manifestations of celiac disease are autistic like behavior, headaches, stomach aches and depression. I found a cite for parents of autistic children that recommends a gluten, wheat and dairy free diet for autistic children. Since I have tried the diet I have experienced less headaches and no migraines. I also find that cutting out sugars, adequate regular sleep patterns and no coffee (although I do drink black tea and yerba mate) relieve me from developing headaches and stomach aches as often.
I see our body as a whole, everything functioning and affecting everything else. Our diets greatly affect our well being, and since links have been found between autism and sensitivities to wheat and gluten it makes since we may be more prone to migraines and other symptoms which manifest themselves in a variety of ways.

I pulled some of the most relevant pieces from the website, as well as the link below.

http://www.nationalautismassociation.org...erview.php

2)Test for yeast and bacteria overgrowth in your daughter's gut. A form of yeast called candida albicans and other intestinal microbes are a known problem in children with autism. The  Organic Acid Test (OAT) will help you determine the severity of the problem.

Typically children with autism have a history of ear infections which were treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the "good" gut bacteria which normally keeps the yeast in check. Once the delicate balance has been disrupted yeast flourishes. Some of the behaviors linked to yeast overgrowth include confusion, hyperactivity, short attention span, lethargy, irritability, and aggression.

Attempting to restore intestinal balance is a constant struggle. Probiotics (meaning good bacteria) are an excellent supplement to begin replenishing the stock of natural flora. Controlling yeast may be accomplished using an anti-fungal medication like Nystatin in combination with natural yeast-fighting supplements like garlic, MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides) and activated charcoal.

Be careful. Other antifungal medications, like Diflucan and Nizoral inhibit the synthesis of steroid hormones. Treatment with either should not exceed 3 to 4 weeks followed by a 3 to 4 week rest period before beginning another round.

During yeast die-off symptoms and behaviors often temporarily worsen due to toxins flooding the body. Yeast die-off reactions generally begin within a week after antifungal treatments are started and last for 2 to 7 days, sometimes longer. Your daughter should drink plenty of distilled water, at least 8 ounces every 2 hours, during the die-off period.

There is growing evidence to suggest that individuals who experience greater than normal yeast die-off reactions suffer from elevated heavy metal levels. In addition, yeast overgrowth may only be eliminated in the long-term by removing the heavy-metal burden from the body. (Heavy-metal toxicity is something I will discuss in more detail below.)

3.) Implement a gluten- and casein-free (GFCF) diet. Almost 70 percent of children with autism respond favorably. The diet is not as difficult as it may seem at first. Download Mary Romaniec's presentation "GFCF and Do We Really Have to do this Diet" from this page which provides easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.

Instead of "GFCF diet" the phrase "GFCF environment" might be more appropriate. Gluten is found in toothpaste, hair shampoo, Play Dough, glue, and finger paint among other items. Gluten is also hidden in many foods you would never suspect, for instance, raisins are often dusted with flour (gluten) to keep them from clumping.

To effectively implement a GFCF diet a child's exposure to gluten and casein must be completely restricted (GFCF environment). Contamination can occur by touch, taste, or smell (skin, mouth, or nose). Some children are so sensitive they will react to gluten-free labeled foods which have been cross contaminated by the tiny amounts of airborne gluten found in plants processing other foods.

Call the manufacturers to ensure foods are gluten and casein free. Your daughter may not react to cross-contaminated foods. On the other hand be alert to the possibility. In addition, manufacturers often change ingredients and manufacturing operations. Food from a trusted company may suddenly become a problem. It is a good habit to constantly check food labels and keep in phone contact with companies.

The first month or two is a learning experience. Within a very short period of time, however, it will become second nature. Don't forget to throw away the old toothbrush when you begin the GFCF diet and begin using GFCF toothpaste.

In addition to the GFCF diet is the Special Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). Many children who do not respond to the GFCF diet fare wonderfully on the SCD. Elaine Gottschall created the SCD and her book Breaking the Vicious Cycle is a testament that good science and clear, concise writing are not mutually exclusive.

Reading Elaine's book is to know the illuminating power of science in the hands of a gifted writer. Ideas are presented not only in terms of what to do, but more importantly in terms of why. Elaine's work is a program for action steeped in something lived (Elaine saved her own daughter using a special diet).

In conjunction with a special diet (GFCF or SCD) consider enzymes as part of your daughter's supplements. Enzymes will help her properly digest gluten and casein introduced inadvertently. Enzymes will also help her digest other proteins, fats, starches, carbohydrates, and fibers.

...Some fellow that went to a church in my home town had some problem with his brain that he gotten a migrane everyday. He had to take certain pills to stop them from comming so much. I had very bad migranes, so honestly I feel for anyone that hurts that often. They are very unpleasant!

Some people *can* have a problem with withdrawal symptoms from the painkiller medications, so you get trapped in a vicious circle:  take the pills because you have a headache, and then as the caffeine or whatever wears off, you get withdrawal symptoms and another headache, so you take more pills, and when they're wearing off you get a headache... and so on and so on...

It's worthwhile double checking what's actually in the medication, and maybe checking out some alternatives, to make sure you're actually treating the headaches and not causing them as well!

Go to your dentist and get your teeth ruled out as the cause:  it could be wisdom teeth or even in some people due to some malalignment of the jaw such as over/underbite or something.

As a teenager/in my early 20s, I used to get some quite bad headaches, sometimes affecting my sinuses, very painful, and also really bad pain behind my eyeball, especially on one side.  After a few years, they went and I got them rarely.  

Years later I was reading a newspaper article about some medical research and there was a study that said there was a very small, fine muscle that went from... erm, somewhere near the mouth/jaw, to right up behind the eyeball.

I figured in hindsight that maybe that's what my headaches were all about, because -- again in hindsight -- I realised that they had stopped when my wisdom teeth came through.  If only I had known at the time, I'd have had them removed and saved myself a load of pain.

Err Estella, I believe all that stuff about supposed heavy metal poisoning in autistic kids has well and truly been debunked. I'd also be cautious about restrictive diets as they can lead to malnutrition which in itself is no good for anybody.

You may want to consider msg as a possible trigger for your migraines. try researching msgtruth.org or truthinlabeling.org. There are some questions as to whether or not people on the spectrum are more prone to problems with msg (a known neurotoxin) because of differences in metabolism of glutamine or the behavior of the glutamine receptors in the body. I get severe migraines when I ingest anything with msg (aka: "natural flavors," "hydrolized vegetable protein," "autolyzed yeast," etc, etc.)
Eliminating the neurotoxin from the diet is tricky, but can only be positive.
Good luck to you
Kathryn

I get migraines if I am constantly immersed in a noisy environment, go away for a break and then come back for more punishment. Its a reaction to stress I think. Noise (heavy social environment) gives me heaps of stress. And thats a side result of aspies. But the migraine cause is stress, and that anyone can have.

^^ didn't know intolerance of msg was autism linked. Good to know the aka's as I can't tolerate msg.(mind you - I soon realise when I have ingested msg.
My migraines are hormonally linked.