GERD & Heartburn Support Group

I also get migraine-like headaches on one side of my head, I never really put this together with the reflux although at one point I did think it was the omeprazole causing it.

I keep getting headaches onthe left side and across my forehead. It usually starts in my neck. I never though it could have something to do with the reflux!

For the last few years, I have been getting GERD attacks that are accompanied by debilitating headache, back/chest pain, and low-grade fever. These attacks can last for 1-2 weeks and occur 2-3 times a year. Does that sound familiar to anyone?

I also get headaches, but am pretty sure it's from the Prilosec, Tums and Zantac. I have been migraine free for many years until I was diagnosed with LPR and started taking these otc meds.

Just to clarify, the particular headaches I describe (reply 23) are most definitely associated with GERD. If I have a GERD attack serious enough to feel pain in the chest/back (esophagus), I will invariably experience a headache (a major 24/7 one) at the same time. So far, I have not taken any meds for the GERD, so it's not that. I just find it weird that GERD can trigger such massive headaches. I have been relatively prone to headaches all my life, which may help explain some of it.

i just wrote to pinkvanilla because my symptoms are almost identical. i have a combo of GERD and migraines and was even being tracked for MS! My gp told me that the stomach has neurons in it, which is what accounts for the neurological symptoms of GERD.

At my worst, prior to starting my prescription (Zantac) I was dizzy, had horrible nausea, vomiting, headaches that were not the same as my migraines (which strangely have very little pain)...I still have the nerve pain mainly in my head and legs.

I'm just happy I got an answer and can treat myself more or less. I feel almost normal now. A relief after going through the MS testing ordeal...

My doc prescribed Neurontin for the headaches plus Butalbital for a month. Finally, I have control over my formerly constant headache. I control it now with just the Neurontin. My GERD is still active, but at least I don't have the terrible pain. It is a relief.
Good luck all... GERD seems difficult to control sometimes.

Hi all,will do profile in a bit-felt compelled to reply to this.
I'm 38. I started having severe reflux when I was 18, I smoked and drank alcohol a fair bit so put it down to that & never mentioned to GP.At times I would be almost doubled over in pain whilst out in pubs.Couldn't touch cider,alcopops or wine as they were lethal.
From about 24yrs on I've had the most immense headache, which never goes away.It's been severely debilitating, totally wrecked my sleep pattern,miserable in work, no confidence in myself etc. had a bad head injury when I was 16 so sort of put it down to that.Been diagnosed with Sinusitus and had various drugs/sprays to no affect.Eventually persuaded GP to send me to neurologist-tension headaches diagnosed,pills given,no success.
Aged 30 I mentioned heartburn to GP,lanzoprazole given-HUGE diffference,can pretty much eat and drink anything within reasonable doses,but headachec not gone. I've tried faith healears,chiropractors,acupuncture no success, but had some significant improvement when starting seeing a reflexologist.She's great and I'm loads better in my self, she told me to cut out dairy which I used to eat a shedload of and that's helped loads.
Headache is still with me though and I sort of live with it now. I also have gallstones and have seen surgeon to remove - Now get this - he's also suggested an operation to help my reflux and tests have confirmed severe reflux so he's going ahead. I didn't even know they COULD operate. I've not had a date yet but I'm now looking forward to that op more than having the gall out!!!
Anyway, sorry I've rambled on. I'm fairly convinced now that this headache is down to GERD and I'll let everyone know if I improve after the op.