Can anyone tell me why nicotine curbs migraine pain?

I have been suffering from chronic migraine pain for over 6 months. I've seen a neurologist, have had numerous tests run, and taken many prescriptions to curtail the pain. Nothing worked. One day, I was really frustrated with having to cope with this excruciating pain day-in and day-out, so I decided to buy a pack of cigarettes. I was up for trying anything at this point. Less than 2 days later, low & behold, the pain was almost completely gone. I was ecstatic! Now I am 98% pain-free. I informed my doctor that I was smoking again (I had quit 5 years earlier) & told him how it helped my pain virtually disappered. He said nicotine constricts the blood vessels, so that's most likely why my pain has subsided. He also told me to try the nicotine patch to get the same effect. I've been trying the patch, but it doesn't work as well. I've searched the web for info. as to why nicotine has helped me, mostly all I can find is negative statements. I appreciate any info. you can help me with.

Actually, nicotine has a long history of medicinal use, the native use, amongst certain tribes.

You're not the only one, a lot of people have found smoking to help with alot of their various problems. Once upon a time it was prescribed as an anti-psychotic.

Your doctor as the right idea. The difference between smoking and using the patch is the amount of nicotine you receive, the patch weans you off smoking thus gives you less.

Nicotine is not a bad drug and it's actually the act of inhaling into your system that causes problems. Nicotine can be found in alot foods like potatoes, and related vegetable.

I understand crippling migraines, I've had them too. But consider eating more potatoes and such, rather than smoking, you'll be much better off for it.

Edit: I just realized I didn't answer the first question. Nicotine can be dehydrating. Migraines are often couse by or prolonged by excess fluid in the brain. So, put the two together, and you've got a treatment.

Because it's numbing some of the nerves that it takes to kill parts of your lungs and heart instead. Keep smoking and a migraine headache will be the least of your problems.

No offense, but don't come on Y/A to ask for medical advice from boneheads like us. It's your health you're talking about.

There is no medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic.
Acidity, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation;
Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it.
Acupuncture is the best treatment. I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see.
Avoid late sleeping if possible;spicy, sour, stale bakery foods and alcohole.
Sweet foods, sweet fruits, milk, rice and good sleep will help you.
But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves' juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it isvery strong.
If it is acute pl search a painful point 3-6 mm behind your thumb nail and press it, H/A will disappear within 30 seconds.

Source(s):
SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
R.H. 鈥?19, Jhulelal Society, Sector 鈥?2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

The number one cause of migraines is not staying hydrated (your body weight divided by 2 times ounces) with non sugar drinks. The second is muscles that are tight for full explination see a book called The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. The muscles in the back as far down as the butt, shoulders, arms, neck and throughout the head can all be involved. Starting with a massage therapist will speed you to health (they should be able to help you decide if a chiropractor can help - I use one).

There's a new development in migraine therapy:
http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr...