What are the causes of Ramadan headache or fasting?

Fasting or Ramadan headache is a very common type of headache during bouts of fasting. Symptoms are similar to a tension headache, mild to moderate pain or constant pressure on both sides of the head. Almost 40% of those who fast during Ramadan complain about fasting. It often occurs in the first days of fasting but may persist through the entire episode. If someone had headaches or migraines before the risks are higher.


What are the causes of Ramadan headache or fasting


Introduction


Fasting is the act of abstaining from some or all of the food or drink or both, practiced to some extent by most religions. In Islam, fasting for about a month is a mandatory practice during the holy month of Ramadan [1], from dawn (dawn) until sunset (dusk). Muslims are prohibited from eating, drinking (including water), sexual activity, anger, and smoking while fasting. Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam, and therefore one of the most important Islamic acts of worship.


What are the causes of headache during the month of Ramadan before breakfast and after breakfast?


There may be multiple factors that contribute to these phenomena. These are some of the causes of headaches during the fasting period in the month of Ramadan, specifically before or after breakfast, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), caffeine withdrawal (caffeine has a known analgesic effect), Dehydration, changes in daily habits (fasting and Ramadan routine are highly productive and competitive. A work environment like Dubai can lead to additional stress) and lack of sleep.


What can you do during the fasting period to avoid headaches?


After breakfast, complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains) with a low glycemic index will increase blood glucose levels and provide longer-lasting energy. By avoiding simple carbs such as pure sugar, you avoid a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a rapid drop that could lead to a headache before breakfast.


A cup of strong coffee before the start of the fast will reduce the risk of caffeine withdrawal or after breakfast.

Dehydration during fasting should be prevented by consuming enough fluids during meals and after breakfast.

Maintain a consistent routine in Ramadan, and avoid sleeping too late and lack of sleep that causes headaches before and after breakfast.

If you are unable to control your headache with preventive measures, medications may be prescribed that have been shown to be particularly effective eg a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken in the morning before the start of the fast.


If it becomes uncontrollable or has reached severe severity, it is advisable to seek professional medical advice to rule out other causes. People who suffer from migraines may also need other treatment during Ramadan.


Migraine - German Neuroscience Center Dubai


Do you suffer from headaches? you are not alone! It is considered a common disease and one of the most common reasons for visiting a neurologist. It occurs in different types and strengths and can significantly impair the quality of life. You could do something against it.


Headache rate during Ramadan fasting


The prevalence of migraine [2] is estimated to be around 12% of adults. Islam. According to a 2009 demographic study, Islam has 1.57 billion adherents [3], and they make up 23% of the world's population. Therefore, approximately 90 million Muslims suffer from migraines. It has previously been reported that fasting [4] causes headaches. Based on our clinical experience and observations, we attempted to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on the frequency of migraine attacks among observant Muslim migraine patients.


The study was based on several factors, which are:


Patients


Patients with episodic migraine with or without aura (ICHD-II [5]) are treated in a neurology clinic.

Inclusion criteria: Age >18, Muslim, fasting Ramadan, had migraine with or without aura for more than 1 year (without any other type of headache), average frequency of migraine attacks from 2 to 14 per month over 3 months Prior to the study period, who completed a clinical examination to exclude a secondary headache etiology.

Exclusion criteria: intracranial disturbance, other than migraine, head trauma in the previous year, pregnancy or lactation during the study period, and inability (according to the investigators' judgment) to fill out headache diaries.

Patients who did not complete the diary or did not complete Ramadan in its entirety were excluded from the study.


protocol


It was performed 7-14 days before Ramadan. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding personal data and headache history, allowing a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura according to ICHD-II. During the visit, patients were given headache diaries and instructed on how to fill them out.


Ramadan diary for headache


Diaries filled by patients during the month of Ramadan. In the diary, patients were instructed to record headache attacks similar to those they normally experience. Patients were instructed to contact their physician regarding other headache types. The diary was returned to the investigator for up to 10 days after the end of the month.


Headache control diary


A second diary identical to the first was given to patients at the same visit. The diaries covered a 30-day period beginning immediately thereafter. Diaries were returned to the investigator for up to 10 days after the end of the observation month.


Frequently asked questions during the beginning of Ramadan are about fasting if you suffer from migraines.


During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset – that is, they do not eat anything during the day.


Children, pregnant women, the sick, the elderly and travelers do not have to fast.


What foods should be eaten while fasting in the month of Ramadan to avoid headaches?


Rice with vegetables In general, for those who suffer from migraines or frequent headaches, skipping meals, hunger and thirst may be triggers for migraine attacks, and at this time of year daylight can last about 16 to 19 hours.


For many people, Ramadan in the summer months has become very difficult due to lack of sleep, fatigue and the usual “9-5” work pattern. However, all Ramadan schedules are based on the opinions of scholars so that people have a range of options to choose from, whichever suits their circumstances.


Ruling on fasting for people who suffer from frequent headaches during Ramadan


We asked Dr. Fayadh Ahmed, Consultant Neurologist and member of the Board of Trustees of The Migraine Trust, about people with migraines during Ramadan:


“Fasting is obligatory for Muslims in the month of Ramadan. However, people with diseases are exempt from fasting if they feel that fasting causes health problems.


Who should avoid fasting?


There is evidence to suggest that fasting for up to 14 hours intermittently is beneficial for health. However, people who suffer from migraines, especially if their attacks are caused by dehydration or low glucose, should avoid fasting.


Fasting is meant to be observed as long as it does not disturb the normal daily routine activities. Fasting that causes loss of productivity, and therefore the need to sleep or be sick throughout the day, negates its purpose.


This year and for many more years to come, the duration of fasting will reach an extended period and it is definitely not recommended for migraine sufferers. Patients who still feel guilty can make up for their fasting days in the winter months.