The Mechanism of Migraine
What is happening physiologically as a migraine headache happens? It appears the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a 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”.
Particular herbal remedies have been used. 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
Finally, 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, preventing the body from receiving migraine pain signals.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete listing of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Intense pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (usually unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Migraine Triggers
Specific environmental triggers seem to initiate a migraine attack. These triggers include certain 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 can induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also cause migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause migraines is the presence of amines that act on the vascular system by triggering venal constriction through release of catecholamines.
Migraine Treatments
There is a broad range of treatments for migraines. They vary from medications such as the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to precluding particular stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy currently exists.
A few prescription medications may ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by causing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain alternative treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy also has been used with success. Magnetic therapy leads to 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 typically involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment technique 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 reduced 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 for the most part one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the conventional tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Furthermore, the typical headache is not as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is better described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are common migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines begin 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 could feel a burning or unusual prickly feeling, and possibly 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. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your usual activities.
Migraine Complications
A good 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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