The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically while a migraine headache occurs? It appears the origin 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”.
Certain 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
To conclude, 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, avoiding the body from receiving migraine pain signals.
Migraine Symptoms
The following is an incomplete directory 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 (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain unconventional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been used 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 generally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care procedure includes using 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 Triggers
Certain 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 are able to induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can in addition cause migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can lead to migraines is the occurrence of amines that act on the vascular system by producing 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 precluding some stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy presently exists.
Certain 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 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. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the typical tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Also, the typical headache isn't as intense as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are normal migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last roughly 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 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 typical activities.
Migraine Complications
A good amount of 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.
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