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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
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Migraine MLT-down: an unusual presentation of migraine in patients with aspartame-triggered headaches

L C Newman1, R B Lipton

  • 1The Headache Institute, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center, 1000 Tenth Avenue, Suite 1C10, New York, NY 10019, USA.

Headache
|November 13, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, may trigger headaches in sensitive people. An aspartame-containing migraine medication worsened headaches in two patients, highlighting a potential trigger interaction.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Food Science

Background:

  • Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener found in numerous food and beverage products.
  • Headaches, particularly migraines, are a common neurological condition affecting a significant portion of the population.

Observation:

  • Two patients experiencing aspartame-triggered headaches were identified.
  • These patients were administered an acute medication containing aspartame (Maxalt-MLT) during an ongoing migraine attack.

Findings:

  • The administration of Maxalt-MLT, an aspartame-containing medication, exacerbated the ongoing migraine attacks in both reported patients.
  • This suggests a potential interaction where aspartame in acute treatment can worsen migraine episodes.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider aspartame as a potential trigger for headaches and migraines in susceptible individuals.
  • Patients with a history of aspartame sensitivity should be cautious about consuming products, including medications, containing this artificial sweetener.

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