The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically if a migraine headache occurs? It seems the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a 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 back to the “control center”.
Some herbal remedies have been utilized. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also might 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 obtaining migraine pain signals.
Migraine Compared to 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 whole head. Also, the routine headache isn't as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is better described 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 start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on roughly 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary loss of vision. You could feel a burning or peculiar prickly feeling, and perhaps feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine does not involve an aura. A common migraine starts more slowly than a classic migraine and the pain may only be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and could interfere more extensively with your typical activities.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete list of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Severe pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (usually unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to produce a migraine attack. These triggers include some foods, stressful lifestyles, and exposure to bright lights or loud sounds. Commonly, a few foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also lead to migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause migraines is the occurrence 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 certain stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy now exists.
Specific 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
A few alternative treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy causes 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 method includes employing an ice pack on the back of the neck around the base of the skull. This lessens 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, like a wet cloth.
Migraine Complications
The majority of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, yet, they may induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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