The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically while a migraine headache happens? It seems the origin of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a small 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”.
Particular 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
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, preventing the body from getting migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Specific environmental triggers seem to produce 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 might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, too little 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 trigger migraines is the occurrence of amines that act on the vascular system by triggering venal constriction through release of catecholamines.
Migraine Treatments
There is a broad range of treatments for migraines. They vary from medications such as 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 at this moment exists.
A few 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.
Alternative Treatmnents
A few alternative 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 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 employing 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, like a wet cloth.
Migraine Symptoms
The following is an incomplete list of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Intense pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (mostly unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
Migraine Contrasted with other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are generally one-sided, with concomitant nausea, reduction of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the ordinary tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Moreover, the routine headache isn't as intense as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely 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 about 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary reduction of vision. You may 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 merely be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Migraine Complications
The majority 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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