I have multiple autoimmune diseases and have had daily migraines for two years now. But only just recently did one of my doctors decided that I should be checked for pernicious anemia (aka vitamin b12 deficiency). Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurological disorders, and it's not very common among teenagers, like myself.

Well anyway, two days after I had the test done, I find out that it is genetic. My grandmother on my father's side has it. My levels were low but not serious, but when I told my doctor that it runs in the family he gave me an injection right then and there. I was even having a bad migraine at the time, but after I had the injection it didn't come back for the rest of the day. Yesterday my pain was only about a one or two, and today, I have absolutely no pain whatsoever. In two years I have not gone two days without pain. This is unbelieveable. I can't even remember that last time I felt this well.

Well, I just wanted to share my good news. Hopefully I remain pain free. It'd be nice if all I had to do was have an injection every so often to keep the headaches away. Thanks for reading and/or replying.

Natalie

Wow Natalie that is very interesting. I too have suffered from migraine headaches and eye migraines (w/o headache) for quite some time. I did not get them every single day but at one point it was pretty close. I am now on a new bc pill and am contributing my success to these pills. But the interesting thing is that my grandfather and one of my aunts have a B12 deficiency and both of them take monthly shots for it. They do not suffer from migraines but obviously the deficiency runs in the family. I'm not sure if this could be the cause of my migraines although this new bc pill seems to be making a big difference.
Thanks for sharing your story and I wish you continued success!!
Lots of luck, Chris

Hi Natalie,

Thank you for that information. I've had migraines for 18 years now, not the severe headaches I get ocular migraines (which terrify me), however its the after effects where sounds, lights etc hurt that makes me nuts and my head gets very sore. I do get 3 to 4 headaches a day in general, but a lot of Tylenol will fix that. My doctor is currently treating me for allergies for severe vertigo that I've been getting and nothings wrong with my ears so where do you go from here, however, she suggested I start to take vitamins on a daily basis, which I started on about 3 weeks ago and I can honestly say I have had one minor headache in that time :-) I never made the connection until I read your post :D After checking the bottle I take (Womens One A Day), theres 100% vitamin B12 in them, so that is really interesting. Im sure the injection provided you with a massive dose, but did he say how much B12 to take on a daily basis?

Hey Chris, you should definitely have your B12 level checked. No one in my family has migraines even my grandmother who has B12 deficiency. It's always worth having it checked out, just even if all it does is rule out one more possible cause for your migraines.

Ahall, I'm sorry you've suffered with migraines for so many years. The problem with pernicious anemia (aka vitamin B12 deficiency) is that my body isn't absorbing the B12 like it should. Sometimes vitamin B12 deficiency is brought on my one's diet (for example the vegan diet). However, that is not my case. So really despite how high my animal product and vitamin intake is, I still can't absorb it correctly, thus the B12 injection. I'm not entirely sure how often I'll be needing the injection, probably when I feel very ill again. I had a migraine today, but it still wasn't like before. It actually went away, w/o me having to take Relpax.

I wish you both the best of luck with your health problems.

Best Wishes, Natalie

I believe you can get b12 pills from Trivita instead of paniful injections. They are absorbed into your system because they melt on your tongue.

Natalie,
I really hope that you have finally found the cause of your headaches. I have suffered with migraines since I was 9 years old, but can't even imagine having it happen on a daily basis like you have.

I started taking vitamins about a month ago just like Ahall, and now I'm wondering if that might be why I haven't had a migraine for over a month now. I used to donate blood for my Mom all the time when she was on a kidney machine, and was turned down several times because they said I was anemic. I didn't think much of it at the time because I attributed it to so many donations, and perhaps that I may have gone in to donate again too soon. I just might check into this as well.

It sure was an interesting development in your case, and I hope it continues to help you stay migraine free.

Thanks for the information.

Sandi

Mystiq86,

How do they check for a B12 deficiency? What kind of test is it?? I have seriously tried everything for my headaches. I am taking certain vitamins for my TMJ which isn't helping my chronic daily headaches, and I'm not taking any B vitamins. I told my husband I worry about that because I know that it's important to get those in. I know in prenatal vitamins, they have all the b vitamins so they must be important.

CalgaryGirl-

What kind of BC are you on? I am starting to think that my BC is contributing to my HA's so I thought of switching but I'm so scared to make any changes but hearing what you said, makes me want to try that, but I guess I have to remember that everyone has a different body. I still thought I'd ask.

Thanks All! I'm glad to hear a happy story Mistiq86 (sorry I keep spelling your name wrong!)

cjdearden,
I think they check for a B12 deficiency by a simple blood test.
I am on Yasmine for my birth control pills, apparently they use a different hormone which I am obviously having success with. The down side is I've been dealing with depression. I'm not sure if it's associated with the pill or not. There is also some history of depression in our family. Also I am 38 so it could be perimenopause. It doesn't sound as though this new bc pill is for everyone as I have read some awful posts about it. But for me, it's great-my migraines are so much better!!! And I do not have any other side effects from this pill, as a matter of fact I contribute a 5 lb weight loss with it. Talk to your dr about this pill. My dr switched me because of the migraines, it is apparently suppose to help with those of us who suffer from migraines.
Good luck, Chris

Cjdearden,
Yes, it's just a simple blood test to test for B12 deficiency. What birth control are you on? I'm only 18, and just started taking the pill two months ago. I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and I'm nearly positive isn't made my migraines any worse. It may have even made my migraines a little bit better, but it's hard to tell since my medications change constantly.

Chirs,
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurological disorders which normally include depression, dementia, etc. I think you should definitely get your B12 level checked, especially, since both depression and B12 deficiency runs in your family.

Hope you both feel better.
Best Wishes,
Natalie