The Mechanism of Migraine
What is coming about physiologically if a migraine headache occurs? It turns out the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a little 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 back to the “control center”.
Migraine Contrasted with 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, decrease of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Compare this with the ordinary tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. Furthermore, the typical headache is not as intense as a migraine headache. Migraine is best portrayed 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 begin with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras persist around 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 curious prickly feeling, and maybe 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 only be unilateral. But then, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your normal activities.
Certain herbal remedies have been used. 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, precluding the body from getting migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Some environmental triggers seem to initiate a migraine attack. These triggers include some 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 might induce migraine headaches. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can in addition cause 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 causing 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 certain stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy at this moment 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 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 (usually unilateral)
Migraine attacks often 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 also has been utilized with success. Magnetic therapy initiates increased electrical activity in the brain. This steps up 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 typically involves either:
- A magnetic pillow pad
- A magnetic head band
- A magnetic eye mask
A natural care method includes employing 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 diminished 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. Providing migraines are left untreated, however, they could induce strokes, aneurysms, permanent vision loss, and even comas.
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