The Mechanism of Migraine
What is occurring physiologically as a migraine headache occurs? It turns out the start of a migraine headache is in the brain stem. The brain stem is a 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 going back to the “control center”.
Alternative Treatmnents
Certain non-traditional 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 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 treatment procedure includes employing an ice pack on the back of the neck around the base of the skull. This lessens 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, such as a wet cloth.
Migraine Symptoms
The ensuing is an incomplete listing 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 (largely unilateral)
Migraine attacks frequently 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 primarily one-sided, with concomitant nausea, decrease of appetite and vomiting. Often, light sensitivity accompanies the migraine headache. Contrast this with the typical tension headache, which is distributed over the entire head. In addition, the common headache is not as intense as a migraine headache. Migraine is best described as a throbbing headache, whereas a tension headache merely has a dull, constant ache.
Various Types of Migraines
There are normal migraines and classic migraines. Classic migraines begin with a “aura” that involves changes in visual perception. The auras last 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 possibly feel irritable and restless.
A common migraine doesn't involve an aura. A common migraine starts slower than a classic migraine and the pain may merely be unilateral. However, a common migraine lasts longer than a classic one, and may interfere more extensively with your typical 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 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, avoiding the body from obtaining migraine pain signals.
Migraine Triggers
Specific 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. More triggers include anger and/or stress, not enough sleep, menstruation, and weather changes. Withdrawal from caffeine and ergotamines can as well lead to migraine headaches. The rationale why foods like cheese, chocolates and alcohols can cause migraines is the presence 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 particular stressful lifestyles to relaxation techniques. Migraine headache intensity varies from one individual to the next, and no clear cut remedy presently exists.
A few prescription medications might ease the symptoms of migraines. These include Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Relpax, Midrin, and Migranal. They exert their action by inducing cerebral vasoconstriction.
Migraine Complications
Most symptoms of migraines disappear after a few days. Should 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 light sensitivity in migraines or in addition alternative medicine migraine headache.
