The Mechanism of Migraine
What is happening physiologically as a migraine headache occurs? It turns out the origin of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a small 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 going back to the “control center”.
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 initiates increased electrical activity in the brain. This raises 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 care method includes utilizing 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 Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete list 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 (mostly unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Migraine Triggers
Certain 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 might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well trigger migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can trigger migraines is the occurrence of amines that act on the vascular system by causing 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 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 may ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Versus 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, reduction of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the conventional tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Moreover, 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.
Different Types of Migraines
There are standard migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last around 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary reduction of vision. You might feel a burning or curious prickly feeling, and maybe feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine begins slower than a classic migraine and the pain may merely be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your usual activities.
Some 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
Lastly, 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, precluding the body from getting migraine pain signals.
Migraine Complications
A good amount 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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