The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically if a migraine headache occurs? It seems 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 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 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 getting migraine pain signals.
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, some 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 additionally lead to migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause migraines is the occurrence of amines that act on the vascular system by triggering 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 techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy presently 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 inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete listing 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 vary from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
A few non-traditional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy moreover has been used with success. Magnetic therapy initiates 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 normally 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 reduces 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 Versus other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are typically one-sided, with concomitant nausea, reduction 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. In addition, the common headache is not as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely has a dull, constant ache.
Different 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 maybe a temporary loss of vision. You may feel a burning or curious prickly feeling, and possibly 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 merely be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Migraine Complications
Many 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.
If you have an interest in migraine headaches, you may also want to look into What B Vitamins Are Good For Migraines or in addition night time migraines.
