The Mechanism of Migraine
What is happening physiologically if a migraine headache takes place? It turns out the origin 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”.
Migraine Compared to other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are generally one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Frequently, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the typical tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Furthermore, the common headache is not as intense 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 normal 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 loss 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 starts 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 usual activities.
A few herbal remedies have been used. These include feverfew, chamomile, valerian, white willow and skullcap. These following supplements also might 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 Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Serious pain in the head
- Numbness
- Problems in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks often recur, and the symptoms will vary from person to person.
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 leads to increased electrical activity in the brain. This raises 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 generally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural treatment technique 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 diminished pressure in the head. Make sure there is a barrier between the ice pack and the skin, for example a wet cloth.
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, a few foods such as red wine, cheese, chocolate, meats cured with nitrates, and MSG are able to induce migraine headaches. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can also lead to 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 such as the triptans (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) to consuming healthful foodstuffs, to avoiding certain stressful lifestyles to relaxation approaches. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy at this moment exists.
Specific prescription medications are able to ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by causing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Complications
Many symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Providing migraines are left untreated, yet, they might induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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