Migraine headaches and copper toxicity: a case history

Original Internist, June, 2005 by William Risley, Larry Wilson

Abstract

Several researchers postulate an association between migraine headaches and excessive tissue copper. In this dramatic case history, a 38-year-old woman with a 12-year history of daily migraine headaches obtained relief of her symptoms in response to a nutritional balancing program. At the time symptoms improved, hair mineral analysis revealed a massive elimination of copper from her body tissues. The woman had used a copper intrauterine device for years, which later became imbedded in her uterine wall, necessitating surgical removal. This may have contributed to copper buildup in her body. This case history supports the hypothesis that copper accumulation in the tissues may contribute to some cases of migraine headaches.

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Introduction

Migraine headaches are a common and debilitating condition. They affect women more than men and result in extensive disability and discomfort. In spite of extensive research, the exact cause and cure for migraine headaches is still unknown. Treatment options in general medicine remain limited, other than symptomatic relief. Drs. Paul Eck and D.P. Harrison, in addition to others, assert that excessive accumulation of copper in the body's tissues can contribute to migraine headaches. Copper concentrates in the brain, where it affects neurotransmitter levels and may irritate delicate tissues.

Methodology

Mineral analyses were performed at Accutrace Laboratories in Phoenix, Arizona, a federally licensed testing laboratory with 30 years experience in tissue mineral analysis. Measurement was done by induction-coupled plasma spectroscopy. Hair samples were not washed at the laboratory because research by Dr. Raymond LeRoy, DSc, and others indicates that washing hair at the laboratory erratically removes water-soluble elements from the hair.

The interpretation of tissue mineral analysis is a complex subject. We have employed methods of interpretation pioneered by Dr. Paul C. Eck. He drew on the research of George Watson, PhD, Hans Selye, MD, Dr. William Albrecht, and other pioneers of modern biochemistry and biological medicine.

Case History

Mrs. H, age 38, suffered with migraine headaches on a daily basis for 12 years. She used Cafergot suppositories daily to control her headaches. However, she could not prevent their recurrence. When the headaches began, she was using a copper intrauterine device (IUD). The device eventually became imbedded in her uterine wall and had to be surgically removed. Copper IUDs can be an important source of copper. If the copper is not adequately excreted, it can accumulate in body tissues.

A friend recommended that Mrs. H try a nutrition program based on correcting mineral imbalances detected through hair tissue mineral analysis.

Hidden Copper Toxicity

The initial mineral analysis (April 1996) revealed several important imbalances. Among these were a low zinc level, elevated calcium and magnesium levels, and a low sodium/potassium ratio. However, the copper level was 1.5 mg% or 15 ppm, well within the normal range of about 1.0-2.5 mg%.

Mrs. H's mineral analysis revealed a condition called hidden copper toxicity. This means that copper is present in the body, but it is not seen as elevated in the hair. This often occurs because the primary storage sites for copper are the liver, brain, testes, ovaries and kidneys, not the hair. Research by Dr. Paul Eck indicates that when hidden copper is present, a hair mineral analysis frequently reveals other imbalances. Indicators of hidden copper toxicity are the following:

1) Calcium level greater than 75 mg%

2) Potassium less than 4 mg%

3) Zinc less than 14 mg%

4) Sodium/potassium ratio less than 2:1

5) Mercury level greater than 0.1 mg%

6) Copper level less than 1 mg%

Copper is required to fix calcium in the bones and for calcium mobilization from the tissues. This may account for the correlation between excess tissue copper and elevated tissue calcium. Copper has an antagonistic relationship with zinc and potassium which may account for low potassium and zinc being indicators of copper toxicity.

The relationship between the hair sodium/potassium ratio and copper is more involved. Tissue sodium levels depend on the level of aldosterone. This adrenal mineralocorticoid serves to retain sodium in the kidneys. Aldosterone is one indicator of adrenal gland activity. The adrenals also trigger the production of ceruloplasmin by the liver. Ceruloplasmin is the main copper-binding protein in the body. Low hair levels of sodium and potassium and a low ratio of sodium to potassium have been found to correlate with adrenal weakness or insufficiency. This reduces the body's ability to produce ceruloplasmin, and thus reduces its ability to transport and remove excess copper. Low ceruloplasmin allows unbound copper to build up in the body tissues.

Mrs. H's test revealed three of the five hidden copper indicators, i.e., elevated calcium, low zinc, and a low ratio of sodium to potassium.

Nutritional Correction

Mrs. H began an omnivorous diet with adequate protein, plenty of vegetables, low fat, and moderate unrefined carbohydrates. She avoided refined carbohydrates. Protein supports adrenal glandular activity, whereas excessive carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates, cause more stress on the adrenal glands. Animal protein contains more zinc, whereas vegetarian proteins contain more copper. Less fat in the diet tends to enhance the metabolic rate.