Migraine Relief

Migraine Relief

Migraines refer to severe headaches, often leaving the sufferer immobilized, unable to stand even the slightest bit of light or noise, and in severe pain. In some cases migraine headaches can spread to the neck and shoulders. Generally, suffers feel a pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head which lasts anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Migraine headaches that do not go away without medication or therapy are called status migrainosus. In classic migraines, visual perception can be skewed before an ensuing migraine. It is estimated that over 27 million adults in the United States suffer from migraine headaches.

What Causes Migraines?

Doctors and scientist are still unsure as to what exactly causes a migraine headache. Many studies show a strong link to the expansion or contraction of blood vessels combined with certain chemical secretions (dopamine and serotonin) which may cause inflammation and inevitably a migraine.

Although the root cause of migraines is uncertain, certain triggers have been found to cause migraines in various patients. Although triggers vary, there are some common triggers which are listed below:

•    Foods:  Common food triggers include chocolate, nuts, and alcohol.
•    Smoking: Tobacco smoke has been shown to be a trigger from some migraine sufferers.
•    Hunger: In some cases, missing one meal can bring on the onset of a migraine headache.
•    Stress: As in many illnesses, stress is a major contributing trigger for migraine headaches. Both emotional and physical stress can bring on a migraine.
•    Estrogen-Withdrawal: For women on birth control, going through the placebo part of the birth control cycle (where the pills provide no estrogen) can bring on a migraine headache.

Migraine Symptoms

When you have a bad headache, you may feel like you have a migraine. In fact, there are over 100 different types of headaches and classifications, the most common being tension headaches, chronic daily headaches and non-progressive headaches.  It’s best to see a doctor before you self diagnose yourself with a migraine headache. However, if you are experiencing severe headaches, here are some common migraine symptoms:

•    Pre-migraine symptoms
     o    light headedness
     o    elation
     o    depression
     o    mood swings
     o    muscle tension
     o    odd tastes or smells
     o    scotomas (temporary blind spots)
     o    flashing lights or patterns
     o    blurred vision
     o    auras (faint colors outlining objects)

•    Migraine Symptoms
     o    throbbing or pounding pain on one or both sides of the head
     o    nausea
     o    vomiting
     o    photophobia (light sensitivity
     o    hyperacusis (sound sensitivity)
     o    immobility (due to pain)
     o    blurred visions
     o    hot or cold flashes
     o    fatigue
     o    dizziness
     o    loss of appetite

Migraine Treatments

Treating your migraine headache does not always require medication. Although the pain is intense, preparing for a migraine and then using safe home remedies for your migraine can be as effective as medication. Further, you can do so in your own home. (Anyone who has had to drive to the hospital with a migraine understands the importance of this). Below are some very common migraine and tension headache treatments you can try at home:

•    Cold Compress: Use a cold compress directly on the affected area. If the area becomes more painful, try wrapping the compress in a towel so it is less cold.

•    Neck Support: Try resting while pillows support your neck. Most migraine sufferers prefer to lie down slightly elevated.

•    Decrease Sensory Stimulation: Go to a room by yourself, and do your best to block out sounds and light. Relax.

•    Distress: If there are any events, people or activities around you that are causing stress, do your best to avoid them altogether, calm yourself and distress.

•    Caffeine: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor – so when your blood vessels expand (vasodilation) and causes a headache, caffeine can constrict them back to their regular size.

•    Ferefew: Used for centuries to prevent and treat migraine and other types of headaches, along with arthritis and inflammation.

•    5-HTP: An extract from the seed of the Griffonia Simplicifolia (a plant found in Africa), 5-htp has been used in several studies on migraine and tension headaches. Many of the studies concluded that it had significant results in migraine prevention.

•    Magnesium: Found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains, magnesium has been shown to prevent the frequency of migraines (up to 41% in some studies). Always speak to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.

•    Butterbur: Another common preventative natural remedy, butterbur is used to prevent the frequency of migraines.

•    Chiropractic: Some people find relief by seeing a chiropractor. By aligning the spine and loosening muscle tension, chiropractic help can reduce or eliminate migraine.

•    Acupuncture: Used for thousands of years, acupuncture can be used to help reduce migraine frequency.
Seeing Your Doctor

With migraine headaches, seeing your doctor is very important. Many of the symptoms of migraine including pounding headaches, blurred vision and nausea could be the symptoms of a more serious illness or condition. Many people who have brain tumors suffer from migraine and blurred vision. Always talk to your doctor about your migraines and about any treatments, prescribed, natural or otherwise, that you plan on pursuing.