The Mechanism of Migraine
What is taking place physiologically as a migraine headache happens? It seems the start 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 back to the “control center”.
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 typical tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. Furthermore, the typical headache is not as severe as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are regular migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on close to 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and perhaps a temporary reduction of vision. You could feel a burning or strange prickly feeling, and maybe feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine does not 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 Symptoms
The following is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Severe pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulties in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (mostly unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain alternative treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy initiates increased electrical activity in the brain. This steps up 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 treatment procedure includes using 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 diminished pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, such as a wet cloth.
Particular herbal remedies have been utilized. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also should help individuals suffering from migraines:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Magnesium
- Multivitamins/multi-minerals
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B2
Finally, some other 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 receiving 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 are able to induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can additionally cause migraine headaches. The reason why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause 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 precluding particular stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy presently 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.
Migraine Complications
A good amount 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.
If you have an interest in migraine headaches, you may also want to look into migraine headaches and hypertension or in addition Nursing Care Of Migraine Headaches.
