Posted by Georgia (64.209.30.1) on November 13, 2000 at 15:46:24:
In Reply to: Silly Question...Coffee? posted by Pete C on November 13, 2000 at 15:09:01:
Caffeine - the wonder drug in coffee - constricts blood vessels in the body. Migraines and cluster headaches are considered vascular headaches (though they differ biochemically, organically, etc.) because sufferers experience dilation of the blood vessels during an attack. Caffeine may help to reduce the dilation, thus it's presence in pain killers like excedrin and fiornal and fiorset. It's why ice may help too. The reason you were told to avoid it is because too much caffeine or caffeine addiction can lead to rebound headaches. I drink coffee like a fiend when I am in a shadow, take excedrin extra strength and put herbal ice packs on my head. Hope that helps. Good luck, Pete.