The Mechanism of Migraine
What is happening physiologically as a migraine headache takes place? It turns out the origin of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a little bit above the spinal cord, but underneath 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 Contrasted with other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are typically one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the ordinary tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Furthermore, the common headache isn't as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are common migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last approximately 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and possibly a temporary loss of vision. You might feel a burning or peculiar prickly feeling, and maybe feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine begins more slowly 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 typical activities.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to initiate 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. Other triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well trigger 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 causing 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 can 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 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
To conclude, 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 following is an incomplete list of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Intense 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 alternative 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 steps up neural conductivity which then stimulates in 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 technique includes utilizing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to the base of the skull. This reduces 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 Complications
Many symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, yet, they could induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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