The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically if a migraine headache happens? It seems 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 going back to the “control center”.
Particular 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 other 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 obtaining migraine pain signals.
Alternative Treatmnents
A few unconventional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy also has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy causes 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 normally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care technique includes employing 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, such as a wet cloth.
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, a few foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG can induce migraine headaches. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also trigger migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can lead to 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 like the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to avoiding particular 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 might ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by causing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Contrasted with 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, decrease of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the typical tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. In addition, the typical headache isn't as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are regular migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras persist about 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and maybe a temporary reduction of vision. You could feel a burning or strange prickly feeling, and possibly 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 only be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and could interfere more extensively with your usual activities.
Migraine Symptoms
The following is an incomplete listing 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 (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Migraine Complications
Most symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. If migraines are left untreated, yet, 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 peri migraine symptoms or in addition New Research For Migraine Headaches.
