AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Question I have experienced migraine headaches, with the visual aura as a precursor, periodically. Here is my smoking history: I began smoking cigarettes when I was 17 which lasted maybe three years. I quit smoking for twelve years and began again six years ago. I did quit last Christmas and that was for 8 months. Within the 8 months the migraines came back and in clusters. Not just within the withdrawal time, the entire time. I'm now 43 and I'm aware of all the negatives of smoking but, when I began research my headache history, I suffered with migraines when I did not smoke. I was 13 when I had my first migraine. I know what your thinking my friends say it too, your using that as an excuse not to quit. Believe me this is not the case. Am I an oddity?? I must add, prior to the last quitting sessions of cigs I didn't have one migraine headache for six years. Also and lastly, my migraines disrupted my life.
Answer Dear Hope,
Actually I don't think you are using the headaches as an excuse. You sound committed to quit, and with the help of a doctor you will be able to and get rid of the headaches.
Typically we think of smoking as causing migraines, but some people get headaches on quitting. There are several reasons why.
-Your brain is getting more oxygen and your body is ridding itself of carbon monoxide.
-Many people have their sleep temporarily disrupted.
-You are mode sensitive to caffeine.
There are new medications for migraines. I would suggest seeing a doctor that and about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban.
Nicotine replacement therapy is another option. There are patches, gums, lozenges and nasal sprays
