The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically as a migraine headache takes place? It appears the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a little bit above the spinal cord, but underneath 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 may 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, avoiding 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, particular foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG can 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 trigger 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 at this moment exists.
Certain prescription medications can ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain alternative 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 increases 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 technique 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 reduced pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, for example 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, decrease 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. Furthermore, the common headache isn't as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is better portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are common migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines begin with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on about 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and possibly a temporary reduction of vision. You could feel a burning or peculiar prickly feeling, and possibly feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine begins more slowly than a classic migraine and the pain may only be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your usual activities.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete listing of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Severe pain in the head
- Numbness
- Problems in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Migraine Complications
The majority of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Providing migraines are left untreated, however, they might induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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