The Mechanism of Migraine
What is coming about physiologically as a migraine headache takes place? 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”.
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
Lastly, 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, avoiding the body from receiving migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Certain environmental triggers seem to produce 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 might induce migraine headaches. Additional triggers include anger and/or stress, too little sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well lead to 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 causing 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 techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy currently exists.
Certain 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 Compared to other Headaches
What is the difference between a migraine and a regular headache? Migraine headaches are for the most part one-sided, with concomitant nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the conventional tension headache, which is distributed over the whole head. Also, the common headache is not as extensive as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache only has a dull, constant ache.
Several Types of Migraines
There are standard migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines start with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras go on around 10-30 minutes and are associated with flashing lights and/or colors, and possibly a temporary reduction of vision. You may feel a burning or peculiar prickly feeling, and maybe 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. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and might interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain non-traditional treatments have proven effective. These include chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and biofeedback therapy. Magnetic therapy in addition has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy leads to 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 generally involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care 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 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 ensuing is an incomplete directory of migraine symptoms:
- Auras (light spots)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Serious pain in the head
- Numbness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Throbbing or pulsing headache (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently recur, and the symptoms will differ from person to person.
Migraine Complications
A large amount of symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Providing migraines are left untreated, yet, they could 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 a seizures or in addition essential fatty acids for migraines.
