The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically as a migraine headache happens? It appears 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 returning to the “control center”.
Particular 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
Finally, 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 obtaining migraine pain signals.
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. Frequently, 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 intense as a migraine headache. Migraine is better described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are normal 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 may feel a burning or peculiar prickly feeling, and perhaps feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine starts more slowly than a classic migraine and the pain may merely be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to initiate a migraine attack. These triggers include certain 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 can induce migraine headaches. Other triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also lead to 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 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 precluding some stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy currently exists.
Specific 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 Symptoms
The following is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Intense pain in the head
- Numbness
- Problems in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
A few unconventional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy moreover has been used 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 using 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 less pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, for example a wet cloth.
Migraine Complications
A good amount of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should migraines are left untreated, yet, they can induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
If you have an interest in migraine headaches, you may also want to look into migraine headaches associations or in addition foods that help fight migraines.
