The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically while a migraine headache takes place? It seems the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a little 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”.
Migraine Compared to other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are primarily one-sided, with concomitant nausea, reduction of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the conventional tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Moreover, the common headache is not as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several 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 approximately 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 curious prickly feeling, and perhaps 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 merely be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
A few herbal remedies have been used. 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
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, preventing the body from obtaining migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to produce a migraine attack. These triggers include certain foods, stressful lifestyles, and exposure to bright lights or loud sounds. Commonly, certain foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can additionally trigger migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause 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 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 now exists.
A few 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
A few alternative treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy also has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy leads to increased electrical activity in the brain. This steps up 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 normally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment procedure includes utilizing an ice pack on the back of the neck close to 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, such as a wet cloth.
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 (generally unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Migraine Complications
A good amount of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, however, they can induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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