Psilocybin and Headaches
Headaches have various causes – some result from fatigue, others from inadequate hydration, poor nutrition, and even hypertension. However, there are situations when this condition is practically constant or attacks suddenly and intensly. It’s worth knowing that some causes are still undiagnosed, and doctors throw up their hands in disbelief, claiming that “it’s just a charm.” However, nature has remedies. One of them is psilocybin. A compound derived from so-called hallucinogenic mushrooms can effectively support people suffering from such symptoms and alleviate headaches. Want to know more? Read the article below.
What are chronic headaches and migraines?
Chronic headaches can be idiopathic. They are often called tension-type headaches. You’ll find an explanation below. Migraines and cluster headaches shouldn’t be forgotten either.
The first of these ailments has various causes. It is often the result of stress and fatigue, or even mental disorders. It manifests itself with daily pain symptoms on both sides of the skull. Sufferers describe it as pressing, dull, or pressing. It is often located in the occipital region or near the forehead. Importantly, it can worsen with certain activities, including coughing or defecation. It’s worth noting that in this case, there are no additional symptoms, such as nausea.
These, in turn, like vomiting, can occur with migraines. Although the chronic form is rare (affecting about 1% of the population), the so-called episodic migraine is much more common. Often, the chronic form stems from the episodic form. It primarily manifests as paroxysmal, intense pain, accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as nausea, regurgitation, and photophobia. Over time, they appear more frequently, but their intensity and the frequency of other symptoms decrease.
It’s important to know that chronic migraines don’t only occur as a result of neglected treatment. Factors such as exposure to constant stress, obesity, sleep disorders, overuse of certain medications, and caffeine addiction can also contribute to chronic migraines. Importantly, even in these cases, complete recovery is possible.
The last condition mentioned, cluster headache, is a serious condition characterized by a severe unilateral headache with autonomic symptoms on the same side. These include facial flushing, tearing, sweaty face, and intense nasal discharge. To this day, no one knows its causes, but it is suspected (though not yet proven) that it may have a genetic basis.
How can psilocybin help with these ailments?
What role does psilocybin play in the treatment of migraines and chronic headaches? Emmanuelle Shindler, assistant professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine, has been working on using this compound to treat these ailments. Although the test group was small (10 people), the results were quite promising. The subjects took two pills two weeks apart. They were also asked to keep a journal describing their symptoms throughout the entire period.
The result? A significant reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks and a decrease in their intensity, as well as in headaches and co-occurring symptoms. Schindler herself notes that the research was very preliminary, but it sheds light on the use of this substance in treating migraines – not the symptoms, but the disorder itself.
It’s worth noting that the scientist tested psilocybin for the treatment of cluster headaches. The tests showed that this method is significantly more effective than previously used therapies. What’s significant about both studies is that this compound showed no side effects!
Is psilocybin available as a medicine?
Although intensive testing of psilocybin is ongoing, it remains a prohibited substance in many countries, both in terms of possession and trade. Moreover, in Poland, it belongs to a group of substances excluded from medical use and with a high potential for abuse. But will this change? Much depends on the evidence scientists present to politicians, as they are ultimately the ones who make the decisions in this regard. And as numerous studies indicate, this compound has numerous positive effects.