The Mechanism of Migraine
What is coming about physiologically when 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 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”.
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 leads to 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 usually involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment method includes utilizing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to the base of the skull. This lessens 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, for example a wet cloth.
Migraine Compared to other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are typically one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the typical tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. Moreover, the typical headache is not as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are common migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras persist close to 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and maybe a temporary loss of vision. You might feel a burning or unusual prickly feeling, and perhaps 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 only be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
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
Finally, 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, preventing the body from obtaining migraine pain signals.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Significant pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (mostly unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Migraine Triggers
Specific environmental triggers seem to initiate 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. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well cause migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can lead to migraines is the presence of amines that act on the vascular system by producing 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 avoiding particular stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy at this moment exists.
Certain 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 Complications
A good amount of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Providing migraines are left untreated, however, they could induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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