Migraine Headaches

Migraine is a severe disorder that affects and interrupts the lives of millions of people. Figures show that twenty five percent of migraine sufferers experience more than four attacks a month and it has consequences for employers, family and friends as well as the sufferer.

One of the best self help measures for sufferers is migraine prevention via education, as it can help you self-diagnose and provide your physician with an intelligent approach to assist him with diagnosis so you get the right migraines treatment. The main drawback is that although there are thousands and thousands of Internet websites for headache, they are erratic and inconsistent. However joining organizations like the American Council for Headache Education and local organizations can play an excellent part in educating yourself about migraine.

Many self help books containing migraine headache info could be described in the same manner, but my advice is to look for those sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology or other such reliable bodies.

Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step to managing migraine, and I have always found it useful to keep a headache diary or calendar to record the severity of my migraine headache pain, and my response to migraine drugs treatment. This includes information such as dosage, time taken and also any non-drug therapies, what you ate at mealtimes, exercise and sleep habits. Honestly recording what you actually do and when you did it will help you doctor treat your more effectually, give you the correct medication for migraines and will help you to identify triggers.

I'm not saying that you should become obsessive and give your headache calendar more attention than necessary but keeping one for a few months before the first visit to a migraine specialist can provide him or her with a great deal of information, and it may be worthwhile maintaining this afterwards. For example I have discovered that sitting at my computer worsened my condition, but when I changed chairs it lessened the stress on my neck and helped me somewhat.

Stopping smoking and starting regular aerobic exercise are valid self-help measures for migraine. Movement encourages the brain to produce more endorphins, which are natural pain fighting hormones, and exercise reduces muscle tension, anxiety, increases energy levels, refreshes and helps you focus. However some migraine sufferers find that this can aggravate and worsen their condition, under these circumstances walking can be beneficial. Remember when you are exercising it is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Helping yourself and cooperating with you physician can also lead to the exploration of natural remedies for migraines, as these are becoming more popular with many being backed by research. Remedies for migraine headaches, which are likely to be offered include relaxation techniques such as hypnosis, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, meditation, guided imagery and breathing exercises.

Other alterative treatment for migraines include:

Acupuncture for migraines
Chiropractic care
Massage
Herbal supplement
Physical therapy
Vitamin (B2) and mineral supplements
Magnesium supplementation
Feverfew
Butterbur
Co-Enzyme Q10
Acupressure
Essential Fatty Acids supplementation
Hydrotherapy
Yoga

Stress does not initially cause migraine headaches but does seem to trigger them if you are a migrane sufferer. Consequently, as stress is closely linked to a migraine headache and because the severity of the condition can disrupt family life causing depression, then you may also be offered behavioral therapies such as psychotherapy and stress management training.

This is by no means a comprehensive manual on migraine prevention but it will hopefully be enough to get you started.

Health and Personal Care Disclaimer

You should not used this information for self diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. When you receive an item carefully read all labels, warnings or directions before use. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown in this email or on our website. Contact your health care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements concerning dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent and disease or health condition.

By: Patrick

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

For the millions of migraine sufferers in the United States alone, any sort of migraine treatment is better than nothing. A migraine can come on with or without any sort of noticeable trigger and stay for hours or days at a time. The unspeakable throbbing in the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and debilitating consequences for daily life lead to interesting perspectives on prevention and treatment.

Traditional migraines can occur with or without an aura, meaning they can have (or not have) any visual disturbances. Such visual disturbances include blind spots, seeing colors, or shades of gray and/or black. An ocular migraine includes those types of visual "hallucinations" but they only occur in one eye.

The changes to vision are not permanent in either situation, but often send most migraine sufferers to medical clinics. Lewis Carroll, of Alice in Wonderland fame, cited migraine hallucinations as primary sources for the creation of the classic children's book. Migraines, with or without an aura, occur because of changes in the brain's blood vessel. Blood vessels swell, causing inflammation, which then constricts the blood vessels even more. The optical changes noticed in traditional migraines are because of the occipital cortex perceiving changes in vision due to blood vessels and inflammation. With an ocular migraine, however, the visual changes occur in the retinal blood vessels, which are inflamed, and causing visual disturbances.

According to migraine experts, the most common triggers for migraine headaches include stress, lack of sleep, and skipping meals. Other triggers include weather or altitude changes, pollution, smells, any sort of sleep problems, and other senses, like lighting. Foods that include aspartame or MSG (monosodium glutamate) also have been identified as triggers to migraines. Another large trigger is smoking, as it constricts already small blood vessels. Migraines tend to effect women more so than men; estrogen increases the chances of migraines, research states. However, it is unclear how estrogen does this. Some women find that decreased levels of estrogen will cause migraines while others say that too much estrogen caused the problem. Many women find that their natural menses cycle will effect when their next migraine will occur.

Experts say that prevention is the easiest way to deal with a migraine. This means identifying your own pattern of migraine headaches and triggers. Some experts prescribe or recommend non-migraine medications daily in order to prevent migraine headaches. Doctors also state there is a distinct "window of opportunity" in which migraines are starting and can be most easily treated, without them running their course. This time frame is limited to the first hour of the headache. However, experts admit most migraine sufferers do not want to bring on the unspeakable and convince themselves that they are only having a tension headache.

Once a migraine has started, several types of medication can be used to treat them. Over the counter medications, such as Tylenol or Advil, have helped some migraines while still others utilize other anti-inflammatory agents to treat migraines. These medications focus on helping the body deal with the pain of a migraine. New medications called triptans provide the treatment of the blood vessels, which essentially helps to stop the migraine at its root cause. Such medications include sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and naratriptan.

However, the triptan classification does not help with ocular migraines and could intensify the vision problems leading to vision loss. However, some migraine sufferers do not feel comfortable always relying on medications to prevent or treat migraines. Doctors suggest, and highly encourage, patients to stay on a consistent schedule for meals and sleeping; disturbances with those daily events could lead to more stress and/or migraines themselves. Others encourage utilizing supplements such as magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10. However, they stress that correct dosages should be maintained for at least three months before its intended effects can be perceived. Doctors suggest 500 mg of magnesium, 400 of riboflavin (B-12), and 150 mg of coenzyme Q10. Other types of herbs have anecdotal evidence of assistance in preventative measures; those include butterbur or feverfew.

Doctors do warn that there are limited enforcement procedures of herbs; one brand could be more potent than another, so doctors suggest caution and using a reputable brand name. Still other migraine sufferers use acupuncture to relieve migraine pressure and Botox, as its primary usage is paralysis of muscles. Studies are being done to support the anecdotal evidence suggested by Botox promoters. Doctors feel that ocular migraine patients could find sunglasses, either simple or prescription, based on which wavelengths they seem to be having difficulties with.

Despite the once widespread belief that migraines were "just another headache" many advances have been made to understand and treat the source of the problem. As always, consult your doctor for your individual case before adjusting your migraine treatment. Adverse side effects should always be communicated with your doctor.

By: Isabel Baldry

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

If you've been suffering from migraine headaches, you may have noticed the symptoms are almost the same for everyone - a painful ache in one spot that becomes worse and spreads over one side of your face - sometimes almost entirely. The nausea and vomiting you feel are also common symptoms of most migraines. So, since these symptoms are so much the same, there's only one type of migraine, right?

Actually, there are quite a few types of migraines, but most people suffer from one of two types, the common migraine or the classic migraine. The difference between these two headaches is that the common migraine does not have an aura and classic migraines do have an aura.

An aura refers to visual symptoms that begin before the classic migraine actually starts. These symptoms may include seeing jagged lines in front of your eyes or actually losing vision for a few minutes, hearing ringing or other noises that aren't actually there, feeling numb or having tingly sensations, or smelling odd odors. This aura can actually be useful, because it can and does serve as a warning that a very painful migraine is on the way. This would at least allow you to take some preventive measures. For people who suffer from a common migraine, there is often no warning. Suddenly, they feel pain in their jaw or eye socket and it rapidly spreads and increases in intensity until they have a full blown migraine.

While few people develop one of the rarer migraines, there are several you may want to know about. These migraines are just as painful as the more common migraine types.

* Exertion Migraines are over more quickly than most types of migraines. You can develop one of these migraines if you overextend yourself while you are exercising and develop dehydration at the same time, if you lift something heavy, if you have a sneezing fit, or even if you bend over.

* Retinal Migraines are migraines that cause you to temporarily lose vision in an eye. You will probably lose vision before the head pain actually begins.

* Hemipleic Migraines have a rather scary symptom. If you suffer from this type of migraine, you'll actually develop temporary paralysis on the side of your body that the migraine is forming on.

* Ophtalmoplegic Migraines are one of the longest lasting types of migraines. This form of the disease begins with pain around the eye and eye problems continue throughout the entire migraine. Visual distortions and blurred vision are common symptoms of this type of migraine.

* Noctural Migraines are fortunately very rare and develop during the night. They are intense enough to wake the migraine sufferer from their sleep.

* Basilar Artery Migraines are usually limited to teen girls or young women. This migraine develops by causing the basilar artery to constrict, which leads to dizziness, poor co-ordination, vomiting and even problems with speach. This migraine type eventually should become the more standard classic migraine, with its accompanying aura.

* Abdominal Migraines are a type of migraine that doesn't actually involve head pain. Instead, this migraine usually causes stomach pain. The normal nausea and vomiting other migraine types cause occurs after the stomach pain starts. This migraine type occurs most commonly in young children.

By: Aaron Walker

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

Migraine is a neurological problem which is characterized by chronic headaches, often accompanied by nausea and sensory changes. Most migraine experts believe that many migraine headaches are triggered by a range of different environmental events including food and beverages, weather, and other factors. Research suggests that migraine triggers vary from person to person. Generally migraine headaches are very painful, one sided and may last from 4-72 hrs. Most common migraine symptoms include increased sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. More than half of migraine sufferers perceive an aura-unusual visual, aromatic or any other type of sensory experience which usually arises before the headache begins.

According to scientific literature there are 4 main categories of migraine studies that follow different process for identifying the migraine trigger. They are as mentioned:

Challenge studies- here, migraine sufferer are deliberately exposed to factors that can act as potential triggers, to see whether the pain occurs or not. Researchers using this highly experimental approach have found very strong evidence for cause-and-effect linkages between triggers and headaches.

However, several experiments using the challenge approach have failed to confirm findings about triggers, most of these studies did not focus specifically on individuals reporting a special susceptibility to the trigger under investigation.

Treatment studies- according to this branch of study, the migraine sufferers are requested to avoid any contact with a particular set of migraine triggers (especially suspect food items) for a period of time, to see if this reduces the rate/frequency of headaches. This gradually helps in identifying the triggers, which if avoided leads to no headache.

‘Treatment studies’ are generally considered to be a mixed bag as some studies report beneficial effects of diet control which eliminates large numbers of foods, whereas other studies say there are no benefits. In general, it is hard to get many people to comply faithfully with food regiments in which many of their favorite foods are “off limits”. For this reason, the treatment study approach has not yielded either a generally effective therapy or robust research results.

In diary studies, patients are asked to maintain a record of the headaches and what were the factors they got exposed to that are on a list of suspected triggers. Some studies have used statistical analysis to examine whether there is a strong cause-and-effect relationship between trigger exposure and later headaches.

Survey studies- in survey studies, patients are asked to give their opinions about what they think and have observed cause their headaches.

In 1995, Silberstein and his colleagues conducted a survey of 500 migraine sufferers and found the following percentages believe their headaches were prompted by various categories of triggers like:

Stress

79.0%

Changes in Weather

44.0%

Before Menstruation

37.2%

Changes in Light

33.8%

Eating certain Foods

30.0%

During Menstruation

26.8%

Fatigue/insomnia/other

6.6%

Other Events (combined)

13.2%

These are some of the methods for identifying the triggers a person might be having before migraine headache and which causes them pain. The results of these studies together make it clear that migraine triggering is a reality. However, the heterogeneity of results strongly suggests that different individuals have different migraine triggers. Thus, to avoid headaches migraine sufferers cannot merely avoid items from common lists of triggers; instead, they will obtain more effective prevention if they determine what is causing their headaches in particular.

By: Migraine Solutions

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache

Migraine headaches are repeated or recurrent headaches, possibly caused by changes in the diameter of the blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches are often classified in two main types — migraine with aura (formerly called classic migraine) and migraine without aura (formerly called common migraine). Most people with migraines do not have any warning before it occurs. However, in cases of "classic" migraine headache, a visual disturbance called an aura happens before the headache starts. Classic migraine is different from "common" migraines (which have no warning sign or aura) or "complicated" migraines (which occur with speech, movement, or other problems in the nervous system).

Auras usually last less than an hour. The headache typically begins less than an hour after the aura ends. About two in 10 people who have migraines experience auras, which are sensory or motor disturbances that precede the actual headache. Most auras consist of visual disturbances, such as a blind spot or a flickering zigzag line or crescent in your field of vision. Another type of aura involves unusual sensations, such as numbness and tingling of the lips, lower face and fingers. A third type affects motor function, causing problems with movement or speech.

Migraine headaches are a common type of chronic headache. Migraine pain can be excruciating and may incapacitate you for hours or even days. Some people do experience a variety of vague symptoms before common migraines - mental fuzziness, mood changes, fatigue, and unusual retention of fluid. Migraines occur in women more than men, most often between the ages of 10 and 46 years. In some cases, they appear to run in families. Migraines without aura strike without the unmistakable warning sign of disturbed vision or sensation.

Still, some people say more subtle symptoms, such as mood changes and loss of appetite, alert them to oncoming migraines. True migraine headaches are not a result of underlying brain tumors or other serious medical problems. The pain of a classic migraine headache is described as an intense throbbing or pounding felt in the forehead/temple, ear/jaw or around the eyes. Classic migraine starts on one side of the head, but may eventually spread to the other side. An attack may last one to two pain-racked days. Influences in a person's life that tend to overload the nervous system are risks. Once identified in your life, you can counteract the negative effects of risks with the positive results of protective activities.

Migraine headaches constantly accommodates changes in hormones, emotions, and thoughts as well as the many chemicals in our food and beverages. Migraines are the most studied of all headaches, and there are various competing theories about what may actually cause them. Hormones seem to influence migraine development. Some women who take oral contraceptives or estrogen experience worsening headaches while others improve.

Similarly, some women have an increasing headache pattern during pregnancy while others have diminished headache intensity. Other women develop migraines for the first time when they are pregnant. Headaches may increase in some women in the days before their menstrual period. Women who do not have migraines may develop migraines as a side effect to using Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP). Many scientists now believe that migraines arise from problems within the central nervous system.

These problems, which tend to run in families, affect the chemical messengers inside your brain — making you more sensitive to the types of triggers that can cause migraines. Many internal and external factors can trigger migraine such as ,Common foods — aged cheese, red wine, caffeine, chocolate, dairy products, pickled foods, lunchmeat, aspartame, MSG, peanuts, lima beans, bananas, raisins. Physical factors — fatigue, hormonal changes, missed meals, decreased sleep, oversleeping, stress

Guide to Headache Migraine Treatment Tips

1.Many medications can reduce the frequency of migraines such as ,Beta-blockers (e.g., propanolol) Anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline) Anti-convulsants (e.g., valproic acid) Calcium-channel blockers These medications are less useful and tolerable to patients with infrequent headaches.

2.Other medications are taken when there is the first sign of an impending migraine attack. In the case of classic migraine, Ergots (e.g., DHE-45) Serotonin agonists / triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) and Isometheptene.

3.Other medications are primarily given to treat the symptoms of migraine. Used alone or in combinations, these drugs can minimize pain, nausea, or emotional distress caused by the migraine.Anti-emetics (e.g., prochlorperazine) Sedatives (e.g., butalbital) Anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen) Acetaminophen Narcotic analgesics (e.g., meperidine)

4.Most patients with migraine can identify certain foods that are closely associated with their migraine headaches. To find out which foods are responsible, avoid all of the above-mentioned foods and then gradually work each food back into the diet.

5.Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle.

6.Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, and other therapies designed to help limit discomfort, may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.

By: Juliet Cohen

Labels: and headache, headache, headache nausea, headache neck, headache pain, headache sinus, headache symptoms, headaches, headaches causes, migraine headache, migraine headaches, sinus headache