Evening star., 1950-12-11
Migruine Declared
Food AIIergy State
American Medical Association
Told Heredity is Also Factor
By Thomas R. Henry

CLEVELAND, Dec. 11.-Migraine, the
recurring sick headache which has been
medical mystery for 5000 years since
its first mention on Mesopotamian clay
tablets. is essentially food allergy.
This claim was made before the Amer
ican Medical Association here by Drs.
Leon and Albert H. Unger OF Northwest
ern University Medical School.
First, they said, their experiments in
dicate there usually is hereditary
tendency. This can be shown in from
10 to 80 per cent of the cases which
come to clinics. It probably never would
manifest itself in most cases, they be-
lieve, were it not for development Of
special sensitivities for various common
foods.
Offending Foods Cited.
Many victims have attacks once a
month or so. In these cases. the doctors
reported, the offending food is most
often found to be something eaten
nearly every day, such as milk, wheat,
eggs or chocolate After each attack
there is latent period during which
the offending food can be eaten with
impunity. Where attacks come at long,
irregular intervals, the cause probably
is some food which rarely is eaten.
The picture has been confused, they
explained, by the fact that attacks
sometimes come only after an emotional
strain or overwork. The same is true.
however, OF most types of allergy, such
as asthma. 1t merely means that the
threshold of sensitivity is lowered at
such times and not that the mental
condition. per Sc, causes the headache.
Usually Affects One Side.
Migraine, Drs. Unger pointed out,
differs significantly from all other types
OF headaches, even aside from its peri
odicity. 1t usually affects one side Of
the head only. There often is feeling
Of extreme elation just before an attack.
1t is often accompanied by vomiting
which usually begins at the height of
the pain. Almost always family his
tory OF migraine can be found.
Anti-histamines-the supposed cold
preventives now sold in large quantities
over drug counters-are potentially very
dangerous, DR.. Harold j. Friedman.
Cleveland allergist, told the association.
Although only few fatalities have
been recorded, he said. there is reason
to believe that a great many have
escaped notice. The purpose of the
drugs is to counteract the production Of
histamine, substance released in the
blood in various allergies and possibly
before cold symptoms appear.
Self Treatment Criticized.
Federal authorization of their over
the-counter sale," DR.. Friedman said,
"has resulted in splurge of self-diag-
ND
ment is common and may cause serious
trouble. Poisonous effects may involve
the nervous system and include such
manifestations as Discrimination, confu-
sion, delirium, hysteria and neuritis.
The circulatory and blood-forming sys-
TENS also may be involved.
There have been frequent reports Of
effects on the heart. Blood pressures
may be moderately elevated and the
heart rate increased Thus the drugs
may be dangerous in high blood pres
sure.
ITO the cost of lives from these drugs
must also be charged all those acciden-
tai deaths from automobiles and ma
ch1nery used by persons who are in o
dopey state from their effects"
Warns of Abuse.
AA4illCdA experience TO QaLe seems 10
indicate that most of these drugs have
a real medical value, but over-enthu-
siasm has resulted in abuse it was said.
The substances never should be used.
1t was declared, except under constant
supervision of a physician familiar with
the poisoning possibilities.
A bad feature, it was emphasized, has
been the giving up of time-tested rene
or HY9N 10 H. lie,
have no bad effects.