The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically when a migraine headache takes place? It appears the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a little bit above the spinal cord, but beneath the cortex of the brain. The migraine “control center” in the brain stem emits signals to the blood vessels lining the brain, requesting these blood vessels to dilate and expand. In the process, pain signals are sent returning to the “control center”.
Migraine Symptoms
The following is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Severe pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (generally unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain non-traditional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy also has been used with success. Magnetic therapy initiates increased electrical activity in the brain. This increases neural conductivity which then stimulates within the brain the secretion of the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin controls moods and depression tendencies. Magnetic therapy treatment generally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care procedure includes utilizing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to the base of the skull. This decreases the flow of blood to the head, resulting in diminished pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, for example a wet cloth.
Migraine Versus other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are generally one-sided, with concomitant nausea, reduction of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the common tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. Moreover, the routine headache is not as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are standard migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last roughly 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary reduction of vision. You could feel a burning or unusual prickly feeling, and maybe feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine does not involve an aura. A common migraine starts slower than a classic migraine and the pain may merely be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and could interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Migraine Triggers
Certain environmental triggers seem to produce a migraine attack. These triggers include some foods, stressful lifestyles, and exposure to bright lights or loud sounds. Commonly, certain foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG are able to induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well cause migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can trigger migraines is the presence of amines that act on the vascular system by producing venal constriction through release of catecholamines.
Migraine Treatments
There is a broad range of treatments for migraines. They vary from medications similar to the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to precluding some stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy at this moment exists.
A few prescription medications might ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Certain herbal remedies have been utilized. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also may help individuals suffering from migraines:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Magnesium
- Multivitamins/multi-minerals
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
Lastly, some further remedies include extra magnesium in one's diet, regular physical exercise, and relaxation techniques like yoga or transcendental meditation. Recently, a new form of migraine treatment called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has been developed. TENS sends a mild shock of electricity, precluding the body from getting migraine pain signals.
Migraine Complications
The majority of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, however, they might induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
If you have an interest in migraine headaches, you may also want to look into ocular migraine CV disease or in addition chronic visual migraine aura without headache.
