The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically if 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 below 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 Versus other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are typically one-sided, with concomitant nausea, decrease of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast 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 portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are regular migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines begin with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on close to 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary loss of vision. You may 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 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 normal activities.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain unconventional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy moreover has been utilized 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 normally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care method includes employing an ice pack on the back of the neck around 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 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, particular foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG can induce migraine headaches. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, too little 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 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 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 are able to ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by causing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete list of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Serious pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (generally unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
A few herbal remedies have been utilized. 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, avoiding the body from getting migraine pain signals.
Migraine Complications
The majority of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. If migraines are left untreated, however, they may induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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