The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically if a migraine headache takes place? It turns out the origin of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a small 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 back to the “control center”.
Migraine Triggers
Specific environmental triggers seem to produce a migraine attack. These triggers include some foods, stressful lifestyles, and exposure to bright lights or loud sounds. Commonly, some foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG might induce migraine headaches. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well lead to migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can trigger migraines is the occurrence of amines that act on the vascular system by producing venal constriction through release of catecholamines.
Migraine Treatments
There is an extensive range of treatments for migraines. They vary from medications like the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to avoiding certain stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy presently exists.
Certain prescription medications are able to ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Versus other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are generally one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the common tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Also, the common headache is not as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are normal migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines commence with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last close to 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and possibly a temporary reduction of vision. You might feel a burning or curious prickly feeling, and perhaps feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine starts slower than a classic migraine and the pain may only be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your typical activities.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain non-traditional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy leads to increased electrical activity in the brain. This steps up 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 typically involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment method includes employing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to the base of the skull. This lessens the flow of blood to the head, resulting in less pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, like a wet cloth.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Significant pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Certain herbal remedies have been used. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also should help individuals suffering from migraines:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Magnesium
- Multivitamins/multi-minerals
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
Lastly, some additional 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, avoiding the body from receiving migraine pain signals.
Migraine Complications
A large amount 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.
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