A migraine headache can incapacitate its victims, rendering them unable to perform the most simple of activities for hours or even days. Severe migraines affect millions of people every year; their side effects reading like a who’s who of illness – nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. The repercussions can be disastrous – affecting work and home life as the migraine sufferer loses precious hours to pain and debilitation. It’s no wonder that the quest to find a migraine cure is paramount in the life of a migraine sufferer.
The components of a migraine include the inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. This inflammation affects the central nervous system and often the digestive system causing the bevy of side effects typical of migraines. Often, the identifying of specific triggers particular to each sufferer can be tantamount to a migraine cure, as the avoidance of the triggers prevents further episodes. But in order to isolate the triggers for each person and discover a migraine cure, it is necessary to understand the most common causes of migraines.
Research has shown that there are a number of common causes of migraine including lack of sleep, excessive caffeine, red wine consumption, exposure to smoke, high levels of stress, hormone fluctuations, and particular foods such as those that contain additives and preservatives. Sometimes the minimizing or avoidance of these triggers acts as a migraine cure.
In other cases, over-the-counter or prescription drugs act as a migraine cure, nipping pain in the bud and allowing the migraine sufferer to move on with their day. However, it is not often that over-the-counter medication can completely alleviate the pain of a migraine. Prescription medication has a better chance of acting as a migraine cure but in order to be effective it must be carefully administered by a doctor.
But for those who wish to find a more natural migraine cure, the implementation of a natural lifestyle may be just as effective as medication. In addition to a natural diet, the avoidance of alcohol and caffeine, a consistent exercise program, and commitment to adequate sleep, many migraine sufferers find relief through the use of such therapies such as chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, and acupuncture.
For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine cure visit our ezGuide 2 Migraine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
The Different Types of Migraine
Migraines are usually referred to as headaches when in fact the two are different. Most people can have headaches from time to time but how would you know if you are already suffering from migraine? Here are some simple diagnoses, if you have a combination of these symptoms, you should see a physician for your treatment:
•Weakness causing you to stop from daily activities.
•Blurred visions
•Dizziness
•Sensitivity to odors, light or noise
•Abdominal pains: an upset stomach followed by vomiting or nausea
•Appetite loss
•Fever, although rare
•Aura characterized by flashing lights or dots, jagged or wavy lines and blind spots
•A feeling of being very cold or warm
•Paleness
•Throbbing or pounding pains which can be moderate to severe. The pain can affect the entire head or pains can shift from one head part to another.
•Fatigue
According to statistics, in Canada alone, approximately 200,000 children and 3,000,000 adults are suffering from migraines. The intensity, symptoms and frequency differ from a person to another. 28 million Americans are diagnosed of having migraines every year. Women comprise the 70% of migraine sufferers; they are two to three times more probable to develop migraines.
Migraine should be taken seriously because the reoccurrence of pains can paralyze a victim.
The attack usually lasts for a few hours or days but the afflictions typically hits unexpectedly. To have a better understanding of migraines, you have to know its different types.
Two of the most familiar types of migraine are classic and common. The standard symptom for both types is sensitivity to light; both can have equal intensity of attack. What then are the differences between the two?
Classic migraine has an aura or visual symptoms which arise 10 to 30 minutes prior to an attack. The symptoms can include sights of zigzag lines or flashing lights. Aura can be characterized by hearing and seeing strange things. It can affect the senses of touch, taste or smell.
A person suffering from classic migraine can lose vision temporarily. There is weakness of leg or arm, confusion, speech difficulty or tingling of hands or face. Classic migraine is more common among women than men.
On the other hand, common migraine occurs without an aura; but the person suffers from the symptoms vomiting and nausea.
In addition to the common and classic types of migraine, other forms of migraine are:
• Hemiplegic migraine which can cause temporary one sided paralysis and sometimes loss of balance and dizziness (vertigo). The symptoms occur 10 to 90 minutes before the actual attack.
• Ophthalmoplegic migraine which can be felt around the eyes. This can involve disturbances in the vision; an example is having double vision and tired eyes.
• Benign exertional headache is characterized by a brief headache which is caused by bending, running, coughing or lifting. The headache rarely lasts for a long time but usually begins prior to the start of any activities.
• Menstrual migraine is more predictable and usually occurs during menstrual periods.
• Basilar Artery migraine is a pain connected to the main artery of the brain. The pre migraine symptoms can include double vision, poor muscle coordination or dizziness. This kind of migraine is common among young adult women and adolescents and is usually associated with menstrual cycle.
• Status migrainosus is exemplified by long lasting and intense headaches and nausea. The attack can last for 72 hours or longer. Behavioral symptoms such as depression and anxiety often follow the distress. It is very rare and extreme and usually requires hospitalization; some drugs can also trigger this kind of migraine.
• Headache free migraine is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and other visual problems. Patients suffer from all the said symptoms except headaches.
• Another form of migraine is the abdominal migraine which is typical among children. The pain is severe in the midline abdomen and can last from 1 to 72 hours.
There are different migraines brought about by certain activities or tensions in life. While the differences are not that extremes, certain medications should properly be given to avoid further illnesses. Consulting a physician is always a good move to know the health problem and to acquire the necessary treatments for you.
For more information go to: http://www.byebyemigraine.com http://www.a-1hypnosis.com or http://www.myalpha-power.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
•Weakness causing you to stop from daily activities.
•Blurred visions
•Dizziness
•Sensitivity to odors, light or noise
•Abdominal pains: an upset stomach followed by vomiting or nausea
•Appetite loss
•Fever, although rare
•Aura characterized by flashing lights or dots, jagged or wavy lines and blind spots
•A feeling of being very cold or warm
•Paleness
•Throbbing or pounding pains which can be moderate to severe. The pain can affect the entire head or pains can shift from one head part to another.
•Fatigue
According to statistics, in Canada alone, approximately 200,000 children and 3,000,000 adults are suffering from migraines. The intensity, symptoms and frequency differ from a person to another. 28 million Americans are diagnosed of having migraines every year. Women comprise the 70% of migraine sufferers; they are two to three times more probable to develop migraines.
Migraine should be taken seriously because the reoccurrence of pains can paralyze a victim.
The attack usually lasts for a few hours or days but the afflictions typically hits unexpectedly. To have a better understanding of migraines, you have to know its different types.
Two of the most familiar types of migraine are classic and common. The standard symptom for both types is sensitivity to light; both can have equal intensity of attack. What then are the differences between the two?
Classic migraine has an aura or visual symptoms which arise 10 to 30 minutes prior to an attack. The symptoms can include sights of zigzag lines or flashing lights. Aura can be characterized by hearing and seeing strange things. It can affect the senses of touch, taste or smell.
A person suffering from classic migraine can lose vision temporarily. There is weakness of leg or arm, confusion, speech difficulty or tingling of hands or face. Classic migraine is more common among women than men.
On the other hand, common migraine occurs without an aura; but the person suffers from the symptoms vomiting and nausea.
In addition to the common and classic types of migraine, other forms of migraine are:
• Hemiplegic migraine which can cause temporary one sided paralysis and sometimes loss of balance and dizziness (vertigo). The symptoms occur 10 to 90 minutes before the actual attack.
• Ophthalmoplegic migraine which can be felt around the eyes. This can involve disturbances in the vision; an example is having double vision and tired eyes.
• Benign exertional headache is characterized by a brief headache which is caused by bending, running, coughing or lifting. The headache rarely lasts for a long time but usually begins prior to the start of any activities.
• Menstrual migraine is more predictable and usually occurs during menstrual periods.
• Basilar Artery migraine is a pain connected to the main artery of the brain. The pre migraine symptoms can include double vision, poor muscle coordination or dizziness. This kind of migraine is common among young adult women and adolescents and is usually associated with menstrual cycle.
• Status migrainosus is exemplified by long lasting and intense headaches and nausea. The attack can last for 72 hours or longer. Behavioral symptoms such as depression and anxiety often follow the distress. It is very rare and extreme and usually requires hospitalization; some drugs can also trigger this kind of migraine.
• Headache free migraine is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and other visual problems. Patients suffer from all the said symptoms except headaches.
• Another form of migraine is the abdominal migraine which is typical among children. The pain is severe in the midline abdomen and can last from 1 to 72 hours.
There are different migraines brought about by certain activities or tensions in life. While the differences are not that extremes, certain medications should properly be given to avoid further illnesses. Consulting a physician is always a good move to know the health problem and to acquire the necessary treatments for you.
For more information go to: http://www.byebyemigraine.com http://www.a-1hypnosis.com or http://www.myalpha-power.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
Best Migraine Prevention Medicines
Migraine headaches are a destructive part of life for nearly 11 out of 100 people. During migraine episodes, they can barely function. They curtail daily activities, and all of life seems distorted. Between episodes, they may feel anxious about the next one, and wish for some form of migraine prevention.
Although guaranteed migraine prevention seems to be more a promise than a reality as of the writing of this article, you do have options for treating symptoms, and, better yet, options for possible migraine prevention.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Although migraines seem to run in families, migraine prevention does not always run in the same course. For some migraineurs, prevention is as simple as changing a few habits. For others, migraine prevention seems to require strong medication.
What are the best migraine prevention medicines for you? The ultimate answer must be decided by you and your physician. We offer here a number of medicines for consideration.
Common Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
This is the first line of migraine prevention – beginning at the minimal strength, minimal dosage to see if it will be a solution. Among these migraine prevention medicines are the following.
1. Aspirin in a regimen dose, i.e., tiny 81 mg tablets, commonly called “baby aspirin”. For migraine prevention, these would be taken daily, just as they are to reduce risks of heart disease.
2. Ibuprofen such as Motrin, Nuprin, or Advil may be taken occasionally. Your physician will advise as to how often you should take ibuprofen for migraine prevention. People with active stomach ulcers or sensitive stomachs will not want to use ibuprofen, since it has aspirin-like effects. If you take ibuprofen, take it with food to minimize the effect. You should also be aware that ibuprofen has a blood thinning effect that can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medicines and diuretics.
3. Naproxen may be effective for you, under its more common name, Aleve. This medicine may reduce the number of your migraines, but is not likely to give total migraine prevention.
4. A fourth OTC pain reliever you may want to try at the first sign of a migraine is Excedrin Migraine.
Ask your doctor before taking any of these regularly for migraine prevention.
Common Prescription Medicines
If OTC medicines fail to provide the degree of migraine prevention you seek, you may want to try a prescription medicine. Prescription strength pain relievers have been found to reduce the number of migraine episodes for more than half of all migraineurs. A few of the many prescription medicines available to you are listed here.
1. Ponstel, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Naprelan, and Topamax. Topamax claims to be the U.S. #1 prescribed brand for migraine prevention. Prescription strength Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Naprelan) thins the blood, so your physician may not choose this as a fit for you if you are taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants. Naproxen can have adverse gastrointestinal side effects also, so you should not use it if you have an active ulcer or sensitive stomach. Most doctors believe it is better to use medicines of this type continuously over a period of time to build up the effectiveness and provide ongoing migraine prevention rather than just pain relief.
2. Another class of prescription medicines that may give migraine prevention is Beta-blockers. These drugs, more often used to reduce high blood pressure, are sometimes helpful in cutting down on the number of migraine episodes. Of those that may give effective migraine prevention are inderal, Lopressor, metoprolol, nadolol, and timolol.
3. Physicians are gradually learning that antidepressants also provide migraine prevention for some patients. It is believed that this is due to the medicines’ effects on serotonin, the brain’s chemical messenger that influences migraine.
Which Size Is Right for You?
There are many other medicines, both prescription and non-prescription that are thought to provide a measure of migraine prevention. Like shopping for a new pair of dress shoes, you may have to try several before you find the one or two that work for you. Be sure to do your migraine prevention “shopping” with a health care provider, as he or she will know the possible side effects or interactions with medication you are already taking.
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about the prevention of migraine headaches at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com/ You won’t want to miss Anna’s flip-side insights and perspectives on the best migraine prevention without medicines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Although guaranteed migraine prevention seems to be more a promise than a reality as of the writing of this article, you do have options for treating symptoms, and, better yet, options for possible migraine prevention.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Although migraines seem to run in families, migraine prevention does not always run in the same course. For some migraineurs, prevention is as simple as changing a few habits. For others, migraine prevention seems to require strong medication.
What are the best migraine prevention medicines for you? The ultimate answer must be decided by you and your physician. We offer here a number of medicines for consideration.
Common Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
This is the first line of migraine prevention – beginning at the minimal strength, minimal dosage to see if it will be a solution. Among these migraine prevention medicines are the following.
1. Aspirin in a regimen dose, i.e., tiny 81 mg tablets, commonly called “baby aspirin”. For migraine prevention, these would be taken daily, just as they are to reduce risks of heart disease.
2. Ibuprofen such as Motrin, Nuprin, or Advil may be taken occasionally. Your physician will advise as to how often you should take ibuprofen for migraine prevention. People with active stomach ulcers or sensitive stomachs will not want to use ibuprofen, since it has aspirin-like effects. If you take ibuprofen, take it with food to minimize the effect. You should also be aware that ibuprofen has a blood thinning effect that can reduce the effectiveness of some blood pressure medicines and diuretics.
3. Naproxen may be effective for you, under its more common name, Aleve. This medicine may reduce the number of your migraines, but is not likely to give total migraine prevention.
4. A fourth OTC pain reliever you may want to try at the first sign of a migraine is Excedrin Migraine.
Ask your doctor before taking any of these regularly for migraine prevention.
Common Prescription Medicines
If OTC medicines fail to provide the degree of migraine prevention you seek, you may want to try a prescription medicine. Prescription strength pain relievers have been found to reduce the number of migraine episodes for more than half of all migraineurs. A few of the many prescription medicines available to you are listed here.
1. Ponstel, Anaprox, Naprosyn, Naprelan, and Topamax. Topamax claims to be the U.S. #1 prescribed brand for migraine prevention. Prescription strength Naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Naprelan) thins the blood, so your physician may not choose this as a fit for you if you are taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants. Naproxen can have adverse gastrointestinal side effects also, so you should not use it if you have an active ulcer or sensitive stomach. Most doctors believe it is better to use medicines of this type continuously over a period of time to build up the effectiveness and provide ongoing migraine prevention rather than just pain relief.
2. Another class of prescription medicines that may give migraine prevention is Beta-blockers. These drugs, more often used to reduce high blood pressure, are sometimes helpful in cutting down on the number of migraine episodes. Of those that may give effective migraine prevention are inderal, Lopressor, metoprolol, nadolol, and timolol.
3. Physicians are gradually learning that antidepressants also provide migraine prevention for some patients. It is believed that this is due to the medicines’ effects on serotonin, the brain’s chemical messenger that influences migraine.
Which Size Is Right for You?
There are many other medicines, both prescription and non-prescription that are thought to provide a measure of migraine prevention. Like shopping for a new pair of dress shoes, you may have to try several before you find the one or two that work for you. Be sure to do your migraine prevention “shopping” with a health care provider, as he or she will know the possible side effects or interactions with medication you are already taking.
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about the prevention of migraine headaches at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com/ You won’t want to miss Anna’s flip-side insights and perspectives on the best migraine prevention without medicines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
What Are The Causes Of Migraines?
If you can just figure out what is triggering that migraine, you should be able to stop it before it starts, right? Unfortunately, migraines aren't caused by any one thing, so it can be hard to pinpoint the trigger for your particular case. Migraines have different classes, symptoms and durations. Even if you do find the cause, you may not be able to stop your migraines, since many people who suffer from this painful neurological disease have relatives that also are prone to migraines, which leads researchers to believe that it can be inherited.
Despite the indications that many migraines are hereditary, doctors aren't sure of the cause. It could be an electrical or chemical brain malfunction, but it could also simply be a hereditary condition.
No matter what causes a migraine, sufferers will begin to realize that certain things will cause them to develop an attack. These things, called triggers, will not all cause migraines in each individual, but one or more of them will probably trigger your migraines. Discovering the different triggers for your migraines is one of the most important things you can find out. After all, knowing which type of migraine you are prone to is not very helpful if you don't know why it is happening. Triggers are divided into several groups.
* Physical triggers are things related to your body, such as lack of sleep, over-exertion, being hungry for a long period of time, toothaches, hormone swings, or sinus pain.
* Psychological triggers are emotional stressors, such as shock, depression, anxiety and excitement.
* Environmental triggers are things in the outside world, such as smells, noises, strobe lights, bright sunlight, or weather changes.
* Food triggers are often caffeinated. The most common food triggers are chocolate, cocoa, coffee, Msg, alcohol, tanins, sweeteners and dairy products.
While there is no one single way a migraine can be triggered, if you can find out what triggers your migraines, you can often lessen the number of attacks you have. You may still have attacks for other reasons if you develop new things you are sensitive to, but having fewer attacks is a wonderful thing so why not make a start on that today?
Sick of that pounding migraine headache that doesn't give you any peace? Wouldn't like you like to know what causes your migraines? Once you know that you can take action to prevent them in the future. Educate yourself today at: http://www.migrainehelper.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
Despite the indications that many migraines are hereditary, doctors aren't sure of the cause. It could be an electrical or chemical brain malfunction, but it could also simply be a hereditary condition.
No matter what causes a migraine, sufferers will begin to realize that certain things will cause them to develop an attack. These things, called triggers, will not all cause migraines in each individual, but one or more of them will probably trigger your migraines. Discovering the different triggers for your migraines is one of the most important things you can find out. After all, knowing which type of migraine you are prone to is not very helpful if you don't know why it is happening. Triggers are divided into several groups.
* Physical triggers are things related to your body, such as lack of sleep, over-exertion, being hungry for a long period of time, toothaches, hormone swings, or sinus pain.
* Psychological triggers are emotional stressors, such as shock, depression, anxiety and excitement.
* Environmental triggers are things in the outside world, such as smells, noises, strobe lights, bright sunlight, or weather changes.
* Food triggers are often caffeinated. The most common food triggers are chocolate, cocoa, coffee, Msg, alcohol, tanins, sweeteners and dairy products.
While there is no one single way a migraine can be triggered, if you can find out what triggers your migraines, you can often lessen the number of attacks you have. You may still have attacks for other reasons if you develop new things you are sensitive to, but having fewer attacks is a wonderful thing so why not make a start on that today?
Sick of that pounding migraine headache that doesn't give you any peace? Wouldn't like you like to know what causes your migraines? Once you know that you can take action to prevent them in the future. Educate yourself today at: http://www.migrainehelper.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
Migraine Headaches
Migraines, the chronic, recurrent and often debilitating attacks of pain in the head or neck affect millions of people. These unilateral headaches usually attack a sufferer with various warning signs. 40-60% of migraine sufferers experience sleepiness, depression, fatigue and irritability, some patients report cravings for salty or sweet foods and yawning or euphoria. An interesting warning sign in 20% of migraine suffering patients report a type of aura that precedes an attack. This aura is sometimes manifested by fortification spectra, commonly known as flashing, brightly colored lights in a zigzag pattern, typically beginning in the center of the patient’s visual field and spreading outward. A blind spot in the patient’s visual field, or a scotoma (a hole in vision) can also occur prior to a migraine. A sensation of pins and needles in the arm, hand, mouth or nose or auditory hallucinations and aberrant senses of smell and taste can also preclude a migraine.
A migraine sufferer may suffer from a lack of energy and sensitivity to light and sound for 24 hours after an attack. Migraines also cause patients to experience vertigo, double vision, nausea, vomiting, paralysis and fainting in extreme cases.
When a migraine attack occurs, the temporal artery, the artery outside the skull just below the skin of the temple, enlarges. This enlargement stretches the nerves that spiral around the artery, releasing chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. The artery continues to enlarge during the duration of the headache, thereby intensifying the pain.
Migraine headaches can be treated with medications that counteract the cause of the enlargement of the temporal artery. These medications do not relieve the pain but are directed at the dilation and narrowing of the arteries, thus reducing the pain the patient experiences. Triptans constrict the blood vessels by attaching themselves to serotonin receptors on the nerves and blood vessels, reducing inflammation and stopping the headache. Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, Naratriptan, Almotriptan, frovatriptan are available in oral form for the patient to take. When a patient notices the symptoms of the migraine early, using a triptan can severly lessen the attack of the pain. Within 2 hours of taking the triptan, a patient is 80% likely to abort the headache.
Triptans do have side effects including heart attacks, strokes, drowsiness, fatigue, tingling of the skin, facial flushing and dizziness. The possibility of such severe side effects such as heart attack or strokes is caused by the narrowing of the arteries that the triptan induces, also narrowing the arteries in the heart which could increase the risk of heart attack. Ergots are another medication that, like triptans, abort the onset of a migraine headache. Ergotamine preparations (Ergomar, Wigraine and Cafergot) and dihydroergotamine preparations (Migranal, DHE-45) are common medications among ergots.
These are not as safe as triptans because ergots tend to constrict the vessels in the heart and other body parts more than triptans. Midrin is another option in the treatment and abortion of migraine and tension headaches. This compination of blood vessel constrictor (isometheptene), pain reliever (acetominophen) and a mild sedative (dichloralphenazone) is most helpful if taken early during a headache. It also causes potent blood vessel constriction and is dangerous for patients with high blood pressure and liver disease.
Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on health and visit our associated site articles for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell
A migraine sufferer may suffer from a lack of energy and sensitivity to light and sound for 24 hours after an attack. Migraines also cause patients to experience vertigo, double vision, nausea, vomiting, paralysis and fainting in extreme cases.
When a migraine attack occurs, the temporal artery, the artery outside the skull just below the skin of the temple, enlarges. This enlargement stretches the nerves that spiral around the artery, releasing chemicals that cause pain and inflammation. The artery continues to enlarge during the duration of the headache, thereby intensifying the pain.
Migraine headaches can be treated with medications that counteract the cause of the enlargement of the temporal artery. These medications do not relieve the pain but are directed at the dilation and narrowing of the arteries, thus reducing the pain the patient experiences. Triptans constrict the blood vessels by attaching themselves to serotonin receptors on the nerves and blood vessels, reducing inflammation and stopping the headache. Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, Naratriptan, Almotriptan, frovatriptan are available in oral form for the patient to take. When a patient notices the symptoms of the migraine early, using a triptan can severly lessen the attack of the pain. Within 2 hours of taking the triptan, a patient is 80% likely to abort the headache.
Triptans do have side effects including heart attacks, strokes, drowsiness, fatigue, tingling of the skin, facial flushing and dizziness. The possibility of such severe side effects such as heart attack or strokes is caused by the narrowing of the arteries that the triptan induces, also narrowing the arteries in the heart which could increase the risk of heart attack. Ergots are another medication that, like triptans, abort the onset of a migraine headache. Ergotamine preparations (Ergomar, Wigraine and Cafergot) and dihydroergotamine preparations (Migranal, DHE-45) are common medications among ergots.
These are not as safe as triptans because ergots tend to constrict the vessels in the heart and other body parts more than triptans. Midrin is another option in the treatment and abortion of migraine and tension headaches. This compination of blood vessel constrictor (isometheptene), pain reliever (acetominophen) and a mild sedative (dichloralphenazone) is most helpful if taken early during a headache. It also causes potent blood vessel constriction and is dangerous for patients with high blood pressure and liver disease.
Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on health and visit our associated site articles for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell
Best Migraine Prevention - Medicines or Natural Remedies
The dictionary tells us that the word "migraine" is a Middle French word, modified from the Latin word "hemicrania", meaning a pain in one half or "hemi" of the head. To the person who suffers migraine, the pain may seem bigger than that, however. In fact, the current definition of migraine includes not only recurring, excruciating headache, but also nausea and possible vomiting. The dictionary fails to include the many ways in which the aura of migraine affects the body. It fails to describe the visual disturbances, the sounds and smells that are not there.
Migraine prevention is important to migraineurs because the pain and other symptoms disrupt life almost completely.
Migraine Prevention Medicines
We discussed in a previous article entitled "Best Migraine Prevention Medicines" the fact that many medicines, prescription and non-prescription, are claimed to have migraine prevention properties. Some seem to work for some people, while others are more likely to provide migraine prevention for others.
There is some controversy, however, as to whether one should even try a migraine prevention medicine.
As of this article's writing (early 2007), the FDA has approved four drugs for migraine prevention: propranolol, timolol, topiramate, and divalproex sodium. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, is also prescribed for migraine prevention. Botox has been used successfully, but is not highly recommended.
The down side of using migraine prevention medicines is the fact that all of them require the patient to take adequate doses of the medicine for a length of time to determine the effectiveness. This can cause a building adverse effect before the sufferer even knows if migraine prevention is being provided. Physicians often must experiment, finding the smallest dose that will work without unwanted side effects.
Side Effects of Migraine Prevention Medicines
Merely as an example, consider the side effects of Topamax. The makers of Topamax offer on their website "Important Safety Information about Topamax" under which heading they admit that serious risks are associated with the medicine. Risks such as these are given:
* Lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood: This increases blood acidity. In severe reactions, the patient might experience irregular heartbeat or changes in their ability to remain alert. This side effect, if not treated, could eventually increase the risk of developing kidney stones or bone disease.
* Hyperventilation, i.e. deep, rapid breathing with a feeling of not being able to catch your breath.
* Fatigue.
* Increased eye pressure. Such pressure can lead to glaucoma and blindness.
The warnings continue, ending with "more common side effects" such as tingling in your arms and legs, losing your appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in your taste that may lead to weight loss or increase.
Natural Migraine Prevention
Many believe the option of migraine prevention medicines is too risky, the side effects too numerous. For those individuals, there are natural migraine prevention options.
1. Migraine Triggers
One very natural method of migraine prevention is a migraine trigger diary. Make it important by purchasing a small blank book specifically for the purpose. It will cost less than a prescription, and will help you remember to use it. Place the book in a location where you will see it when you are not busy. Then faithfully record your daily meals, activities, weather, etc. When a migraine episode hits, look back and note what you were doing or eating just prior to its onset. Were you stressed by something? Was the weather different? As you see a pattern develop, try to eliminate those things from your life and see if it aids in migraine prevention.
2. Biofeedback
A second natural migraine prevention method is biofeedback. In biofeedback, special equipment is used to monitor physical tension in the migraineur. The goal is to teach the patient to control stress-related physical processes which may cause migraine. As the patient learns to recognize the physical tension without equipment, he can stop a rising migraine episode, or at least reduce the effects. Children seem to have a better response to biofeedback migraine prevention than do adults, probably because they are open to new methods and learn them quickly.
3. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are also being used effectively for migraine prevention. Butterbur and feverfew seem particularly helpful.
Butterbur is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Butterbur extracts are used to treat migraines. Several studies indicate that butterbur is good for migraine prevention. In the largest of these studies, 245 migraineurs took either butterbur extract or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur was more effective than the placebo for migraine prevention. While 75 milligrams twice a day worked, 50 milligrams twice a day did not. Butterbur's side effects were mild, and included mild digestive complaints – mostly burping. Possible other side effects that were not experienced in the study include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women, children, and people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur. Please ask your physician before using this herb.
Feverfew, the second herbal remedy, has been used in Europe for centuries for migraine. In England, it was especially popular in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional migraine prevention drugs. Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for migraine prevention. One examined the use of a feverfew extract as opposed to a placebo in 170 migraineurs. Those who took feverfew showed a significant decrease in migraine frequency as compared to those who took the placebo. Frequency of migraines decreased by 1.9 migraines per month in the group that took feverfew. In the group taking a placebo, migraine frequency decreased only by 1.3 migraines per month.
The Choice Is Yours
The choice between migraine prevention through prescription medications and migraine prevention through natural remedies is yours to make. Migraine is a very personal experience, and the migraine prevention method that works for one will not necessarily work for all. Before you make the choice, get as much information as you can, and take your time.
Disclaimer: The author is not a trained professional, and provides the foregoing information for educational purposes only. It is recommended that you seek professional advice from your personal physician.
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a "migraine family" and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about migraine prevention at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com You won’t want to miss Anna’s perspective on how to ambush your migraine before it takes hold.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Migraine prevention is important to migraineurs because the pain and other symptoms disrupt life almost completely.
Migraine Prevention Medicines
We discussed in a previous article entitled "Best Migraine Prevention Medicines" the fact that many medicines, prescription and non-prescription, are claimed to have migraine prevention properties. Some seem to work for some people, while others are more likely to provide migraine prevention for others.
There is some controversy, however, as to whether one should even try a migraine prevention medicine.
As of this article's writing (early 2007), the FDA has approved four drugs for migraine prevention: propranolol, timolol, topiramate, and divalproex sodium. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, is also prescribed for migraine prevention. Botox has been used successfully, but is not highly recommended.
The down side of using migraine prevention medicines is the fact that all of them require the patient to take adequate doses of the medicine for a length of time to determine the effectiveness. This can cause a building adverse effect before the sufferer even knows if migraine prevention is being provided. Physicians often must experiment, finding the smallest dose that will work without unwanted side effects.
Side Effects of Migraine Prevention Medicines
Merely as an example, consider the side effects of Topamax. The makers of Topamax offer on their website "Important Safety Information about Topamax" under which heading they admit that serious risks are associated with the medicine. Risks such as these are given:
* Lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood: This increases blood acidity. In severe reactions, the patient might experience irregular heartbeat or changes in their ability to remain alert. This side effect, if not treated, could eventually increase the risk of developing kidney stones or bone disease.
* Hyperventilation, i.e. deep, rapid breathing with a feeling of not being able to catch your breath.
* Fatigue.
* Increased eye pressure. Such pressure can lead to glaucoma and blindness.
The warnings continue, ending with "more common side effects" such as tingling in your arms and legs, losing your appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in your taste that may lead to weight loss or increase.
Natural Migraine Prevention
Many believe the option of migraine prevention medicines is too risky, the side effects too numerous. For those individuals, there are natural migraine prevention options.
1. Migraine Triggers
One very natural method of migraine prevention is a migraine trigger diary. Make it important by purchasing a small blank book specifically for the purpose. It will cost less than a prescription, and will help you remember to use it. Place the book in a location where you will see it when you are not busy. Then faithfully record your daily meals, activities, weather, etc. When a migraine episode hits, look back and note what you were doing or eating just prior to its onset. Were you stressed by something? Was the weather different? As you see a pattern develop, try to eliminate those things from your life and see if it aids in migraine prevention.
2. Biofeedback
A second natural migraine prevention method is biofeedback. In biofeedback, special equipment is used to monitor physical tension in the migraineur. The goal is to teach the patient to control stress-related physical processes which may cause migraine. As the patient learns to recognize the physical tension without equipment, he can stop a rising migraine episode, or at least reduce the effects. Children seem to have a better response to biofeedback migraine prevention than do adults, probably because they are open to new methods and learn them quickly.
3. Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are also being used effectively for migraine prevention. Butterbur and feverfew seem particularly helpful.
Butterbur is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Butterbur extracts are used to treat migraines. Several studies indicate that butterbur is good for migraine prevention. In the largest of these studies, 245 migraineurs took either butterbur extract or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur was more effective than the placebo for migraine prevention. While 75 milligrams twice a day worked, 50 milligrams twice a day did not. Butterbur's side effects were mild, and included mild digestive complaints – mostly burping. Possible other side effects that were not experienced in the study include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Pregnant or nursing women, children, and people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur. Please ask your physician before using this herb.
Feverfew, the second herbal remedy, has been used in Europe for centuries for migraine. In England, it was especially popular in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional migraine prevention drugs. Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for migraine prevention. One examined the use of a feverfew extract as opposed to a placebo in 170 migraineurs. Those who took feverfew showed a significant decrease in migraine frequency as compared to those who took the placebo. Frequency of migraines decreased by 1.9 migraines per month in the group that took feverfew. In the group taking a placebo, migraine frequency decreased only by 1.3 migraines per month.
The Choice Is Yours
The choice between migraine prevention through prescription medications and migraine prevention through natural remedies is yours to make. Migraine is a very personal experience, and the migraine prevention method that works for one will not necessarily work for all. Before you make the choice, get as much information as you can, and take your time.
Disclaimer: The author is not a trained professional, and provides the foregoing information for educational purposes only. It is recommended that you seek professional advice from your personal physician.
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a "migraine family" and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about migraine prevention at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com You won’t want to miss Anna’s perspective on how to ambush your migraine before it takes hold.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Possible Natural Cures For Migraines
If you suffer from migraine headaches and are hesitant about taking prescription medicines, there is some good news. There are natural ways to relieve your migraines without the side effects of prescription drugs. There are natural herbs that are effective in reliving migraines and other natural treatments that we will discuss in this article. But first let's take a look at the natural herbs and supplements.
The herb feverfew has been used in Europe for centuries. It is used to treat migraines, arthritis and fever. If you are currently taking medicine for blood thinning such as coumadin or aspirin you should not take feverfew because it will increase your bleeding time. It is especially important not to take feverfew a few weeks prior to and after surgery. It has also not been studied on pregnant women or nursing mothers, so it's best not to take it during these times.
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in your foods and in your body. It is thought that a low magnesium level can contribute to the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes a headache. Some studies have shown that taking a magnesium supplement daily reduced the frequency and duration of migraines.
The herb butterbur has been used to relieve migraines, stomach cramps, cough, allergies and asthma. An extract from the plant is used because the raw herb in a natural state can be toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Another supplement that may help prevent migraines is high doses of riboflavin or Vitamin B-2. There has been a theory that this vitamin may help correct tiny deficiencies found in brain cells.
Acupuncture may be worth a try for a migraine cure. This method uses tiny, thin needles that are inserted just into the skin at certain points on your body to help relieve migraine pain. The insertion of the needles stimulate the release of endorphins into your body. Endorphins are known as the body's natural pain killer and they also produce a sense of well-being. More and more Americans are turning to acupuncture as an alternative form of treatment.
Another method is called biofeedback. In this method electrodes are placed on your skin and you are hooked up to a machine that monitors your heart rate, skin temperature, brain waves and muscle tension. Your are then taken through a series of relaxation techniques until you learn to control these physical responses.
Massage is a great way to reduce stress. However, it's effect on migraines have not been studied. But if you think that your migraines are caused from stress and muscle tension in your back and neck, a weekly massage may be very beneficial to you.
As you can see, there are several alternative treatments for migraine pain. The most important thing that you need to do is to make your doctor aware of any treatment or supplement you may be taking. Although vitamins and herbal supplements are over the counter medicines, they can still have a dangerous interaction with some prescription medicines. Do your research, try different methods and before you know it you may have a natural cure for your migraine pain.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
The herb feverfew has been used in Europe for centuries. It is used to treat migraines, arthritis and fever. If you are currently taking medicine for blood thinning such as coumadin or aspirin you should not take feverfew because it will increase your bleeding time. It is especially important not to take feverfew a few weeks prior to and after surgery. It has also not been studied on pregnant women or nursing mothers, so it's best not to take it during these times.
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in your foods and in your body. It is thought that a low magnesium level can contribute to the chemical imbalance in your brain that causes a headache. Some studies have shown that taking a magnesium supplement daily reduced the frequency and duration of migraines.
The herb butterbur has been used to relieve migraines, stomach cramps, cough, allergies and asthma. An extract from the plant is used because the raw herb in a natural state can be toxic to the liver and kidneys.
Another supplement that may help prevent migraines is high doses of riboflavin or Vitamin B-2. There has been a theory that this vitamin may help correct tiny deficiencies found in brain cells.
Acupuncture may be worth a try for a migraine cure. This method uses tiny, thin needles that are inserted just into the skin at certain points on your body to help relieve migraine pain. The insertion of the needles stimulate the release of endorphins into your body. Endorphins are known as the body's natural pain killer and they also produce a sense of well-being. More and more Americans are turning to acupuncture as an alternative form of treatment.
Another method is called biofeedback. In this method electrodes are placed on your skin and you are hooked up to a machine that monitors your heart rate, skin temperature, brain waves and muscle tension. Your are then taken through a series of relaxation techniques until you learn to control these physical responses.
Massage is a great way to reduce stress. However, it's effect on migraines have not been studied. But if you think that your migraines are caused from stress and muscle tension in your back and neck, a weekly massage may be very beneficial to you.
As you can see, there are several alternative treatments for migraine pain. The most important thing that you need to do is to make your doctor aware of any treatment or supplement you may be taking. Although vitamins and herbal supplements are over the counter medicines, they can still have a dangerous interaction with some prescription medicines. Do your research, try different methods and before you know it you may have a natural cure for your migraine pain.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
How To Get Rid Of A Migraine
If you are a migraine headache sufferer you know how important it is to get pain relief fast. A migraine can be so severe that it can put a stop to your whole day. Many people who have migraines may have two or more each month. This article will examine a few ways to get rid of a migraine headache.
If you experience auras with your migraines then you have a warning system in place. It you start to notice bright flashes of light, dark spots in your field of vision or zigzag lines in your vision field, then you are about to develop a migraine. Take an over the counter NSAIDS right away. These drugs such as, Advil and Motrin can help with mild pain from migraines. It is probably a good idea to lie down in a dark, quiet, room also. A cool cloth applied to the forehead may be of some comfort.
If your migraines are severe, you need to see your doctor. He will prescribe prescription strength migraine medicine for you such as,Imitrex. This was the first drug that was developed specifically to treat migraines. Imitrex acts like serotonin and binds itself to the serotonin receptors in the brain. This cause the blood vessels to constrict, therefore relieving the pressure on the brain and the migraine pain.
Since Imitrex was developed a few other drugs have been created also. They work in similar ways to Imitrex but have fewer side effects and will cause fewer rebound headaches.
Since nausea is a common complication that occurs with a migraine, your doctor may prescribe an anti-emetic medication such as Reglan, Compazine or Phenergan. These medicines do not decrease the pain from a migraine, but they can stop the nausea and vomiting associated with it. Some of these drugs do have the ability to make you relaxed and very sleepy. Being more relaxed can help your pain medicine work better and possibly shorten the duration of your migraine.
The best thing you can do for your migraines is to find out what causes them. Keep a diary and try to pinpoint certain triggers that may set off a migraine headache. Some people are overly sensitive to certain perfumes or flowers. Others may develop a migraine after eating certain foods.
Your other option is to talk to your doctor about preventive medicines for migraine headaches. Studies have found that certain cardiovascular drugs and certain antidepressant medications have been highly effective in the prevention of migraines. New studies are being done all the time. Who knows, maybe eventually they will find a cure for your migraine headaches. But for now all you can do is try to prevent them or if you feel one coming on, try to treat it as quickly as possible.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
If you experience auras with your migraines then you have a warning system in place. It you start to notice bright flashes of light, dark spots in your field of vision or zigzag lines in your vision field, then you are about to develop a migraine. Take an over the counter NSAIDS right away. These drugs such as, Advil and Motrin can help with mild pain from migraines. It is probably a good idea to lie down in a dark, quiet, room also. A cool cloth applied to the forehead may be of some comfort.
If your migraines are severe, you need to see your doctor. He will prescribe prescription strength migraine medicine for you such as,Imitrex. This was the first drug that was developed specifically to treat migraines. Imitrex acts like serotonin and binds itself to the serotonin receptors in the brain. This cause the blood vessels to constrict, therefore relieving the pressure on the brain and the migraine pain.
Since Imitrex was developed a few other drugs have been created also. They work in similar ways to Imitrex but have fewer side effects and will cause fewer rebound headaches.
Since nausea is a common complication that occurs with a migraine, your doctor may prescribe an anti-emetic medication such as Reglan, Compazine or Phenergan. These medicines do not decrease the pain from a migraine, but they can stop the nausea and vomiting associated with it. Some of these drugs do have the ability to make you relaxed and very sleepy. Being more relaxed can help your pain medicine work better and possibly shorten the duration of your migraine.
The best thing you can do for your migraines is to find out what causes them. Keep a diary and try to pinpoint certain triggers that may set off a migraine headache. Some people are overly sensitive to certain perfumes or flowers. Others may develop a migraine after eating certain foods.
Your other option is to talk to your doctor about preventive medicines for migraine headaches. Studies have found that certain cardiovascular drugs and certain antidepressant medications have been highly effective in the prevention of migraines. New studies are being done all the time. Who knows, maybe eventually they will find a cure for your migraine headaches. But for now all you can do is try to prevent them or if you feel one coming on, try to treat it as quickly as possible.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
What Causes Migraine Headaches?
A migraine is a severe headache that is recurring. You may experience migraines monthly or once or twice a year. Migraines can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to lights and sounds, nausea and vomiting. A severe migraine will be disabling to most people. Migraines have long been a sort of medical mystery. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of migraines, but over the years have constructed a few theories. This article is going to look at the possible causes of migraine headaches.
A lot of researchers think that migraines are caused by an imbalance in the complex systems of nerves in the brain and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain responsible for pain perception and emotions.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that researchers have studied. It has been proven that when you have a headache, your levels of serotonin drops. This in turn will cause the trigeminal nerve in your brain to release neuro peptides. These chemicals will cause the blood vessels on the outside covering of your brain to swell and the resulting pressure will produce a headache. This is the assumed mechanism of how a headache develops, but what causes this to happen.
Your headaches may be the result of certain triggers. The triggers that can produce a migraine are:
- Certain foods can trigger a migraine in a lot of people. Common food triggers are alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, aged cheeses, monosodium glutamate and other canned or processed foods.
- Sometimes skipping a meal can bring on a migraine also.
- Intense physical activity, including sex, can trigger a migraine. Too much sleep or too little sleep can also be a trigger.
- Stress is a big factor in triggering migraines. If you have worked hard all week and are starting to relax on the weekend, it may be ruined by a weekend migraine headache.
- Any type of change in your environment such as, the weather, temperature, barometric pressure and even a change in the time zone, can trigger a migraine.
- Some people are overly sensitive to all types of sensory stimulus such as, bright lights and certain smells. Certain perfumes or flowers have been known to trigger migraine pain.
- Women who are going through hormonal changes will be more at risk for developing a migraine. Researchers aren't sure why the fluctuations of hormones will trigger a migraine, but the incidences of migraines seem to increase right before or during a woman's period.
- Certain medications have been know to trigger migraine headaches.
If you are having frequent migraine headaches, try to pinpoint the trigger for them. Try keeping a journal of everything that you eat or do that's out of the ordinary each day. When you have a migraine read back through your journal and try to identify a possible trigger. If you haven't started treatment for migraines, see your doctor. He can prescribe medicine that will decrease the migraines or make them less intense. Don't suffer in pain anymore, find the cause of your migraine headaches.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
A lot of researchers think that migraines are caused by an imbalance in the complex systems of nerves in the brain and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain responsible for pain perception and emotions.
Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that researchers have studied. It has been proven that when you have a headache, your levels of serotonin drops. This in turn will cause the trigeminal nerve in your brain to release neuro peptides. These chemicals will cause the blood vessels on the outside covering of your brain to swell and the resulting pressure will produce a headache. This is the assumed mechanism of how a headache develops, but what causes this to happen.
Your headaches may be the result of certain triggers. The triggers that can produce a migraine are:
- Certain foods can trigger a migraine in a lot of people. Common food triggers are alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, aged cheeses, monosodium glutamate and other canned or processed foods.
- Sometimes skipping a meal can bring on a migraine also.
- Intense physical activity, including sex, can trigger a migraine. Too much sleep or too little sleep can also be a trigger.
- Stress is a big factor in triggering migraines. If you have worked hard all week and are starting to relax on the weekend, it may be ruined by a weekend migraine headache.
- Any type of change in your environment such as, the weather, temperature, barometric pressure and even a change in the time zone, can trigger a migraine.
- Some people are overly sensitive to all types of sensory stimulus such as, bright lights and certain smells. Certain perfumes or flowers have been known to trigger migraine pain.
- Women who are going through hormonal changes will be more at risk for developing a migraine. Researchers aren't sure why the fluctuations of hormones will trigger a migraine, but the incidences of migraines seem to increase right before or during a woman's period.
- Certain medications have been know to trigger migraine headaches.
If you are having frequent migraine headaches, try to pinpoint the trigger for them. Try keeping a journal of everything that you eat or do that's out of the ordinary each day. When you have a migraine read back through your journal and try to identify a possible trigger. If you haven't started treatment for migraines, see your doctor. He can prescribe medicine that will decrease the migraines or make them less intense. Don't suffer in pain anymore, find the cause of your migraine headaches.
For more migraine headache information please see the complete guide to migraine headaches. Jeff also suggests http://www.FreeArticles.com for reading more than 40 free migraine headache articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JD_Wilson
Natural Cures for Migraine Headaches
If you suffer from migraine headaches, you know all about the excruciating pain. They used to be called "sick headaches" because of the nausea and vomiting that are often associated with these kinds of severe headaches. This really unbearable pain can last for up to three days with little relief from taking plain aspirin or even stronger over-the-counter medicines. As a migraine sufferer you know that it gives warning before it strikes. You may experience blurry vision or see black spots or lines before your eyes.
Usually the headaches will be on one side of the head and often centered around one eye. Noise and light seem to be intolerable, and eating might be impossible. People sometimes will just go to bed with a migraine to try and lessen the pain. When the headache finally wears off, usually one to two days later, the sufferer will be pretty weak and shaken. After feeling normal again the person will usually feel alert and fine, until the next migraine strike occurs.
To understand about how to cure and lessen migraine pain, you first need to learn about what causes these terrific headaches. It has been said that migraines are associated with people who are perfectionists and drive themselves relentlessly in order to succeed. They will do this until they are totally exhausted, but they also feel triumphant from their work in the process. This is when many of the migraines will start up. Sometimes it just takes excitement, or even fright, to trigger the migraine.
A person with this type of high drive personality should be aware of what happens to their body when they push themselves beyond their physical capabilities. Before this person finally lets go to exhaustion, the migraine will already be starting to attack. The blood vessels start to shrink in the head, which doesn't let the blood circulate normally and leads to visual abnormalities. Then, when the person finally does let go of his exhaustion, the blood pressure rises. The blood vessels then start to dilate and the walls of the vessels swell. Then the brain produces and releases a stress enzyme. Soon the migraine headache starts with its unusually harsh throbbing and pain. Some time after, the digestive system starts to become upset. The migraine is full-fledged at this point.
There are several approaches to relieve a migraine, but the best one is to prevent it altogether. The high drive personality of a migraine sufferer is usually mostly to blame. This person should slow down in his stressful business and/or personal life. But when a migraine attack is inevitable, the person should not give into it by going to bed or abruptly slowing down his activities. If he or she gives into the headache slowly and not quickly, it will keep the blood vessels from over relaxing and therefore causing the first ebb and flow of the migraine. Fresh air, coffee, a massage and a heat lamp applied on the back of the neck can help to restore circulation and relieve the pain.
The nutritional approach can also help the sufferer. He or she should be eating a high vitamin, high mineral and high protein diet. Additional supplements should also be taken. The sufferer should check with his or her doctor before using any of these natural remedies for their migraine headache relief. Remember that migraines can be caused by lots of stress and also nutritional deficiencies. The sufferer needs to relax and start taking it easy (or easier!) and of course needs to eat a nutritional diet along with supplements. Prevention is the key for curing migraines!
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Migraine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Usually the headaches will be on one side of the head and often centered around one eye. Noise and light seem to be intolerable, and eating might be impossible. People sometimes will just go to bed with a migraine to try and lessen the pain. When the headache finally wears off, usually one to two days later, the sufferer will be pretty weak and shaken. After feeling normal again the person will usually feel alert and fine, until the next migraine strike occurs.
To understand about how to cure and lessen migraine pain, you first need to learn about what causes these terrific headaches. It has been said that migraines are associated with people who are perfectionists and drive themselves relentlessly in order to succeed. They will do this until they are totally exhausted, but they also feel triumphant from their work in the process. This is when many of the migraines will start up. Sometimes it just takes excitement, or even fright, to trigger the migraine.
A person with this type of high drive personality should be aware of what happens to their body when they push themselves beyond their physical capabilities. Before this person finally lets go to exhaustion, the migraine will already be starting to attack. The blood vessels start to shrink in the head, which doesn't let the blood circulate normally and leads to visual abnormalities. Then, when the person finally does let go of his exhaustion, the blood pressure rises. The blood vessels then start to dilate and the walls of the vessels swell. Then the brain produces and releases a stress enzyme. Soon the migraine headache starts with its unusually harsh throbbing and pain. Some time after, the digestive system starts to become upset. The migraine is full-fledged at this point.
There are several approaches to relieve a migraine, but the best one is to prevent it altogether. The high drive personality of a migraine sufferer is usually mostly to blame. This person should slow down in his stressful business and/or personal life. But when a migraine attack is inevitable, the person should not give into it by going to bed or abruptly slowing down his activities. If he or she gives into the headache slowly and not quickly, it will keep the blood vessels from over relaxing and therefore causing the first ebb and flow of the migraine. Fresh air, coffee, a massage and a heat lamp applied on the back of the neck can help to restore circulation and relieve the pain.
The nutritional approach can also help the sufferer. He or she should be eating a high vitamin, high mineral and high protein diet. Additional supplements should also be taken. The sufferer should check with his or her doctor before using any of these natural remedies for their migraine headache relief. Remember that migraines can be caused by lots of stress and also nutritional deficiencies. The sufferer needs to relax and start taking it easy (or easier!) and of course needs to eat a nutritional diet along with supplements. Prevention is the key for curing migraines!
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Migraine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Migraine Triggers and Treatments
Migraine headache seems common, but what exactly is it? Migraine headaches are much different from a regular headache or a headache caused by tension. They are usually felt on the side of the head and the pain can range from mild to severe. Although not well known, the migraine headache is part of a larger condition known as migraine. A migraine attack usually has the symptom of a headache, but can include many others. An attack can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Many people suffer from migraines. In fact, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine attacks; that's 12 percent of the entire population. Migraines do not discriminate by age; however, they appear most frequently among 20 to 40 year olds. Both men and women suffer from migraines, however in the United States women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men do.
Many researchers believe that some people are more likely to be affected by migraines, if it runs in their family. Although some people are predisposed to attacks, there are many known triggers that can bring them on. Everyone's experiences with migraines differ, however they share many of the same symptoms. Common symptoms of a migraine attack are severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and odor. Some people can experience a visual disturbance also known as an aura. An aura can affect all the senses, but usually appears visually as flashes of light, what looks like heat waves passing across your field of vision, or zigzag patterns that move across your eyesight. Other symptoms of a migraine attack include loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, sensations of being hot or cold and sometimes although rarely a fever can occur. Migraine attacks occur often to the sufferer, usually once a month.
Researchers believe that migraine sufferers are ultra sensitive to migraine triggers. Triggers can include different foods, hormonal factors, or the environment. Triggers vary from sufferer to sufferer, however, there are some triggers that are more common than others are. Some common triggers are chocolate, MSG, fatty foods, skipped meals, lack of sleep, menstruation, stress, depression, weather changes, motion, strong odors, histamines, or even anti-asthma medications. It is important to be aware of your triggers so you can avoid them. Although avoiding triggers can decrease the frequency of migraines, rarely does it eradicate them altogether.
Treatment for migraines will vary, although it should be tailored to you as everyone's experience with migraines differ. There are different medications a doctor can prescribe. Some medications are preventative, which will be taken regularly to decrease the number of attacks that start. Other medications can be prescribed for when a migraine has already begun, in order to reduce the pain, although these rarely work completely. However, the nearer to the beginning of the attack that you take the medication the more effective it will be killing the pain. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor thoroughly to find out what is best for you.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Migraine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Many people suffer from migraines. In fact, approximately 28 million Americans suffer from migraine attacks; that's 12 percent of the entire population. Migraines do not discriminate by age; however, they appear most frequently among 20 to 40 year olds. Both men and women suffer from migraines, however in the United States women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men do.
Many researchers believe that some people are more likely to be affected by migraines, if it runs in their family. Although some people are predisposed to attacks, there are many known triggers that can bring them on. Everyone's experiences with migraines differ, however they share many of the same symptoms. Common symptoms of a migraine attack are severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and odor. Some people can experience a visual disturbance also known as an aura. An aura can affect all the senses, but usually appears visually as flashes of light, what looks like heat waves passing across your field of vision, or zigzag patterns that move across your eyesight. Other symptoms of a migraine attack include loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, sensations of being hot or cold and sometimes although rarely a fever can occur. Migraine attacks occur often to the sufferer, usually once a month.
Researchers believe that migraine sufferers are ultra sensitive to migraine triggers. Triggers can include different foods, hormonal factors, or the environment. Triggers vary from sufferer to sufferer, however, there are some triggers that are more common than others are. Some common triggers are chocolate, MSG, fatty foods, skipped meals, lack of sleep, menstruation, stress, depression, weather changes, motion, strong odors, histamines, or even anti-asthma medications. It is important to be aware of your triggers so you can avoid them. Although avoiding triggers can decrease the frequency of migraines, rarely does it eradicate them altogether.
Treatment for migraines will vary, although it should be tailored to you as everyone's experience with migraines differ. There are different medications a doctor can prescribe. Some medications are preventative, which will be taken regularly to decrease the number of attacks that start. Other medications can be prescribed for when a migraine has already begun, in order to reduce the pain, although these rarely work completely. However, the nearer to the beginning of the attack that you take the medication the more effective it will be killing the pain. Be sure to discuss your options with your doctor thoroughly to find out what is best for you.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Migraine
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
What Are Migraines?
If someone has ever mentioned having a migraine and you responded with a comment about it just being a headache, then you've been fortunate enough to never have suffered from a migraine - otherwise you'd never make that comment in the first place. A migraine does more than cause a bit of pain in your temples or that spot over the bridge of your nose where you get a sinus headache. This nervous system disease saps your strength, causes nausea and even makes the sufferer unable to see properly.
If you're thinking that migraines aren't very common, these statistics may surprise you:
* In developed areas, migraines are as much as 300 to 500 percent more common than in third world and Asian countries.
* More than 500,000,000 (five hundred million) people have migraines every year.
Since millions of people worldwide suffer from migraines each year, this disease is actually fairly serious. A migraine is not just a little headache - they cause people to lose work time, miss out on family events and generally enjoy life less than people who don't get them.
So what exactly are migraine headaches and where do they come from?
There are actually two types of migraines. If you've been suffering from migraines and have a common migraine, it hits without warning. If you have a classic migraine, you do get some warning that it is coming, but the warning isn't a nice one and is almost as bad as the headache itself. Anywhere from ten to thirty minutes before the actual headache hits, people who suffer from classic migraines will have something called an aura. Auras can include many symptoms, but visual difficulties, such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines and temporary loss of vision, are the most common warning signs. Other aura symptoms are difficulty with speech, feeling confused, tingling in the face or hands and weakness in arms or legs.
Migraine sufferers don't always feel pain on both sides of their heads. This is because these headaches are unilateral, or on one side. Most people develop a headache around one eye or one side of their jaw and neck. As the migraine persists, it will envelope the rest of that side of the head. During a bad migraine, noise or light can worsen the pain and the sufferer may vomit from the pain they experience.
Another term for a migraine is vascular headache. This means that the headache happens because the blood vessels around and inside your skull change their shape and size. This is what actually causes the migraine pain and what makes it so difficult to treat at times.
Children rarely suffer from migraines. Teen boys develop migraines earlier than girls who will eventually suffer from this disease. However, in later years, women will be more likely to develop migraines than men. The good news is that, for many people, episodes of this nervous system disease eventually becomes less intense and less frequent. The bad news is that migraines can last for quite some time. There have been cases where these headaches lasted for as long as two weeks, although a range of a few hours to two days is more common. Some people have migraines several times a week, while others only have two or three episodes a year.
Finally, although more than one person has feared that the terrible pain of a migraine is because of a brain tumor, migraines are not caused by an underlying disease. They are very painful and dehabilitating while they are happening, but they aren't fatal at all.
There are ways to deal with, cope and even treat your migraine headache and you can find more information, from a fellow, migraine sufferer by following the resource section at the bottom of this article.
Got another throbbing migraine and just sick and tired of the pain? Find out more about the cause for migraine headaches now. Learn how to combat and defeat your migraine headaches one and for all at http://www.migrainehelper.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
If you're thinking that migraines aren't very common, these statistics may surprise you:
* In developed areas, migraines are as much as 300 to 500 percent more common than in third world and Asian countries.
* More than 500,000,000 (five hundred million) people have migraines every year.
Since millions of people worldwide suffer from migraines each year, this disease is actually fairly serious. A migraine is not just a little headache - they cause people to lose work time, miss out on family events and generally enjoy life less than people who don't get them.
So what exactly are migraine headaches and where do they come from?
There are actually two types of migraines. If you've been suffering from migraines and have a common migraine, it hits without warning. If you have a classic migraine, you do get some warning that it is coming, but the warning isn't a nice one and is almost as bad as the headache itself. Anywhere from ten to thirty minutes before the actual headache hits, people who suffer from classic migraines will have something called an aura. Auras can include many symptoms, but visual difficulties, such as flashing lights, zig-zag lines and temporary loss of vision, are the most common warning signs. Other aura symptoms are difficulty with speech, feeling confused, tingling in the face or hands and weakness in arms or legs.
Migraine sufferers don't always feel pain on both sides of their heads. This is because these headaches are unilateral, or on one side. Most people develop a headache around one eye or one side of their jaw and neck. As the migraine persists, it will envelope the rest of that side of the head. During a bad migraine, noise or light can worsen the pain and the sufferer may vomit from the pain they experience.
Another term for a migraine is vascular headache. This means that the headache happens because the blood vessels around and inside your skull change their shape and size. This is what actually causes the migraine pain and what makes it so difficult to treat at times.
Children rarely suffer from migraines. Teen boys develop migraines earlier than girls who will eventually suffer from this disease. However, in later years, women will be more likely to develop migraines than men. The good news is that, for many people, episodes of this nervous system disease eventually becomes less intense and less frequent. The bad news is that migraines can last for quite some time. There have been cases where these headaches lasted for as long as two weeks, although a range of a few hours to two days is more common. Some people have migraines several times a week, while others only have two or three episodes a year.
Finally, although more than one person has feared that the terrible pain of a migraine is because of a brain tumor, migraines are not caused by an underlying disease. They are very painful and dehabilitating while they are happening, but they aren't fatal at all.
There are ways to deal with, cope and even treat your migraine headache and you can find more information, from a fellow, migraine sufferer by following the resource section at the bottom of this article.
Got another throbbing migraine and just sick and tired of the pain? Find out more about the cause for migraine headaches now. Learn how to combat and defeat your migraine headaches one and for all at http://www.migrainehelper.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
Pain - 7 Ways To Head Off A Migraine
Twenty-Eight million Americans' experience pain from migraine headaches and a great many have no clue as to what to do about it. That means about one person in every four household's experiences throbbing head pain. usually one side of the head, sometimes accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and/or sound. Some people may experience an "aura" before the migraine hits, characterized by flashes of light, zigzag lines, blind spots and numbness or tingling in the arm and face.
Migraine pain can last from 4 to 72 hours, knocking a person out of commission. But much can be done to minimize attacks and ease the symptoms.
This article contains advice from Seymour Diamond, M.D. director and founder of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, who states that pain may be triggered by certain foods, stress, and a drop in barometric pressure or fluctuating hormones. But migraine triggers vary from person to person and what causes a migraine one month may not the next. That's why Dr. Diamond has patients keep a diary that notes when headaches occurred and what brought them on.
In about one third of pain sufferers, certain kinds of foods set off a migraine. Potential triggers include ripened cheeses such as cheddar, Stilton, Brie, Emmentaler and Camembert; pickled or dried meats; and some vegetables, including broad, Lima, Fava beans and Snow Peas.
Pain Sufferers should also consider avoiding citrus fruits, figs, raisins, avocados, red plums, papayas, and bananas, plus skip all cheeses, chocolate, bread made with sourdough, excess caffeine or red wine an foods containing mono-sodium glutamate.
If you can't change a situation that's causing stress, at least "put it in perspective," states Dr. Diamond. To control stress, do deep breathing, learn yoga, or rat chi, or consider biofeedback.
Playing video games can trigger a migraine pain attack, as can spending long hours at the computer. Remember to always wear sunglasses when you are outdoors, and place an antiglare screen on your video monitor.
At the Diamond Headache Clinic, doctors counsel against oversleeping and meal skipping. "If you want to sleep in on a Saturday at least get up and eat something," says Dr. Diamond, "Then go back to bed."
The American Migraine Study II found that only 48% of people whose symptoms met the definition of a migraine had been diagnosed by a doctor.
So, work with your doctor on a therapy plan that's right for you. Some medications help keep migraine from occurring; others short-circuit the pain. Make sure you go through a process of elimination of all elements affecting your life-style and investigate your biological needs to filter out those things that work and those that don't when it comes to dealing with Migraine pain.
Click here: Headache Pain Relief Information, and Products for headache and Migraine pain
Ray Attebery is the Managing Director for Daily Health Updates, a breaking health news national service for TV and Radio broadcast stations in the United States, and also President for The Centre for Pain Relief in New York City.
Click here for...
The Centre for Pain Relief
Pain Relief Solutions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Attebery
Migraine pain can last from 4 to 72 hours, knocking a person out of commission. But much can be done to minimize attacks and ease the symptoms.
This article contains advice from Seymour Diamond, M.D. director and founder of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, who states that pain may be triggered by certain foods, stress, and a drop in barometric pressure or fluctuating hormones. But migraine triggers vary from person to person and what causes a migraine one month may not the next. That's why Dr. Diamond has patients keep a diary that notes when headaches occurred and what brought them on.
In about one third of pain sufferers, certain kinds of foods set off a migraine. Potential triggers include ripened cheeses such as cheddar, Stilton, Brie, Emmentaler and Camembert; pickled or dried meats; and some vegetables, including broad, Lima, Fava beans and Snow Peas.
Pain Sufferers should also consider avoiding citrus fruits, figs, raisins, avocados, red plums, papayas, and bananas, plus skip all cheeses, chocolate, bread made with sourdough, excess caffeine or red wine an foods containing mono-sodium glutamate.
If you can't change a situation that's causing stress, at least "put it in perspective," states Dr. Diamond. To control stress, do deep breathing, learn yoga, or rat chi, or consider biofeedback.
Playing video games can trigger a migraine pain attack, as can spending long hours at the computer. Remember to always wear sunglasses when you are outdoors, and place an antiglare screen on your video monitor.
At the Diamond Headache Clinic, doctors counsel against oversleeping and meal skipping. "If you want to sleep in on a Saturday at least get up and eat something," says Dr. Diamond, "Then go back to bed."
The American Migraine Study II found that only 48% of people whose symptoms met the definition of a migraine had been diagnosed by a doctor.
So, work with your doctor on a therapy plan that's right for you. Some medications help keep migraine from occurring; others short-circuit the pain. Make sure you go through a process of elimination of all elements affecting your life-style and investigate your biological needs to filter out those things that work and those that don't when it comes to dealing with Migraine pain.
Click here: Headache Pain Relief Information, and Products for headache and Migraine pain
Ray Attebery is the Managing Director for Daily Health Updates, a breaking health news national service for TV and Radio broadcast stations in the United States, and also President for The Centre for Pain Relief in New York City.
Click here for...
The Centre for Pain Relief
Pain Relief Solutions
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raymond_Attebery
Natural Migraine Relief Using Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
Many people in our modern society rely on pills for every ache and pain they encounter. Some say this is due to the widespread use of illegal drugs that began in the 1960's. Whether or not that is so, it is true that pharmaceutical companies are making great amounts of money through the sale of prescription drugs. Many of those drugs are being used for migraine relief.
Natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs is, to some, a better route. These migraineurs would rather not put chemicals into their bodies unless absolutely necessary. Just as they want no chemicals added to the soil or the air around them, they want to rely on natural migraine relief.
What to Try
If you choose natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, you will want to consider the following possibilities.
1. Vitamin B2: Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is said to produce dramatic migraine relief. In a 3-month study of 55 people with migraine headaches, it was found that riboflavin can make a significant difference in the number of migraines you have and the length of each attack. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a daily dose of about 400 mg. of vitamin B2 over a period of 2 months or more gave remarkable migraine relief. Most of those who participated in this study saw the number of their migraines decrease by about 50 percent. The total number of days they suffered migraine also went down by 50 percent. While a larger study is needed, these results are encouraging to those who want natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs alone.
2. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): 5-HTP (a natural supplement) is not found in appreciable amounts in food. This supplement is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, the scientific name of which is Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement 5-HTP works, at least in part, by raising serotonin levels. Since the body uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP might raise serotonin levels. In a 6-month trial of 124 people, a daily dose of 600 mg. of 5-HTP proved just as effective as the standard migraine relief drug, methysergide. The most impressive benefits were decreases in the intensity of migraine, and decreases in how long the migraine lasted. Since earlier studies proved that methysergide was better than a placebo for migraine headaches, this scientific study gives meaningful evidence that 5-HTP is also effective. Those who are seeking natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs may want to try this supplement.
3. Magnesium: In the realm of minerals, magnesium is a promising natural for migraine relief. Magnesium occurs naturally in many of our foods: fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables. The effectiveness of magnesium for migraine relief has been the subject of several studies. In one study, 81 people with migraine headaches received either a daily dose of 600 mg. of magnesium or a placebo. At the end of the 9-week study, those taking magnesium daily found they had nearly 50 percent fewer headaches. The placebo group had a reduction of just under 16 percent. Similar studies indicate that magnesium reduces not only the frequency of migraine headaches, but also the seriousness of the attacks. More studies are needed, but magnesium is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms. You may want to try this mineral for migraine relief.
4. Butterbur: Migraine relief in children is often effected with this herb. As reported in a 2005 issue of “Headache” regarding migraine, butterbur gives migraine relief. Of several studies done, the largest involved 245 people. Over a period of 4 months, these migraineurs took either a placebo or a twice-daily 50-75 mg. dose of butterbur extract. At the end of the study, it was found that the larger dose of butterbur gave greater migraine relief than the placebo. Side effects were mild, making this an option to consider for natural migraine relief.
5. Feverfew: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is one herb that has provided natural migraine relief for many centuries, or so people have believed. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets’ release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances. The scientific community has run several studies to evaluate feverfew's effectiveness in giving migraine relief. One study involving 170 people offered either a placebo or a feverfew extract for migraine relief. Those who took feverfew were found to have significantly fewer migraine headaches per month than those taking the placebo. The frequency with feverfew decreased by 1.9 migraines; with the placebo by 1.3 migraines. It is important for you to know that not every study indicates that feverfew is effective. Results are mixed.
CAUTION: Before relying on natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. These natural remedies are not for everyone. Feverfew, for example, may interact with blood-thinning medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs).
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about migraine relief at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com You won’t want to miss Anna’s article on how to get migraine relief through migraine pressure points.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
Natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs is, to some, a better route. These migraineurs would rather not put chemicals into their bodies unless absolutely necessary. Just as they want no chemicals added to the soil or the air around them, they want to rely on natural migraine relief.
What to Try
If you choose natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, you will want to consider the following possibilities.
1. Vitamin B2: Also known as riboflavin, vitamin B2 is said to produce dramatic migraine relief. In a 3-month study of 55 people with migraine headaches, it was found that riboflavin can make a significant difference in the number of migraines you have and the length of each attack. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a daily dose of about 400 mg. of vitamin B2 over a period of 2 months or more gave remarkable migraine relief. Most of those who participated in this study saw the number of their migraines decrease by about 50 percent. The total number of days they suffered migraine also went down by 50 percent. While a larger study is needed, these results are encouraging to those who want natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs alone.
2. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan): 5-HTP (a natural supplement) is not found in appreciable amounts in food. This supplement is manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, the scientific name of which is Griffonia simplicifolia. The supplement 5-HTP works, at least in part, by raising serotonin levels. Since the body uses 5-HTP to make serotonin, it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP might raise serotonin levels. In a 6-month trial of 124 people, a daily dose of 600 mg. of 5-HTP proved just as effective as the standard migraine relief drug, methysergide. The most impressive benefits were decreases in the intensity of migraine, and decreases in how long the migraine lasted. Since earlier studies proved that methysergide was better than a placebo for migraine headaches, this scientific study gives meaningful evidence that 5-HTP is also effective. Those who are seeking natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs may want to try this supplement.
3. Magnesium: In the realm of minerals, magnesium is a promising natural for migraine relief. Magnesium occurs naturally in many of our foods: fish, nuts, seeds, soybeans, whole grains, and vegetables. The effectiveness of magnesium for migraine relief has been the subject of several studies. In one study, 81 people with migraine headaches received either a daily dose of 600 mg. of magnesium or a placebo. At the end of the 9-week study, those taking magnesium daily found they had nearly 50 percent fewer headaches. The placebo group had a reduction of just under 16 percent. Similar studies indicate that magnesium reduces not only the frequency of migraine headaches, but also the seriousness of the attacks. More studies are needed, but magnesium is thought to help prevent blood vessel spasms. You may want to try this mineral for migraine relief.
4. Butterbur: Migraine relief in children is often effected with this herb. As reported in a 2005 issue of “Headache” regarding migraine, butterbur gives migraine relief. Of several studies done, the largest involved 245 people. Over a period of 4 months, these migraineurs took either a placebo or a twice-daily 50-75 mg. dose of butterbur extract. At the end of the study, it was found that the larger dose of butterbur gave greater migraine relief than the placebo. Side effects were mild, making this an option to consider for natural migraine relief.
5. Feverfew: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is one herb that has provided natural migraine relief for many centuries, or so people have believed. Feverfew relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It treats migraine by inhibiting the platelets’ release of blood vessel-dilating substances. It also inhibits the production of inflammatory substances. The scientific community has run several studies to evaluate feverfew's effectiveness in giving migraine relief. One study involving 170 people offered either a placebo or a feverfew extract for migraine relief. Those who took feverfew were found to have significantly fewer migraine headaches per month than those taking the placebo. The frequency with feverfew decreased by 1.9 migraines; with the placebo by 1.3 migraines. It is important for you to know that not every study indicates that feverfew is effective. Results are mixed.
CAUTION: Before relying on natural migraine relief using vitamins, minerals, and herbs, seek the advice of a qualified health care provider. These natural remedies are not for everyone. Feverfew, for example, may interact with blood-thinning medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs).
©2007, Anna Hart. Member of a “migraine family” and sympathizer with all migraineurs, Anna invites you to read more of her articles about migraine relief at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com You won’t want to miss Anna’s article on how to get migraine relief through migraine pressure points.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart
There Are Many Options of Migraine Medicine
Every year millions of Americans suffer from crippling migraine headaches. A migraine is more than just a bad headache; it is an intense, debilitating, headache that makes it difficult for the sufferer to function and engage in normal, everyday activities. When a migraine strikes the first thing its victim wants to do is find the fastest road to relief, and that is usually possible only with the help of migraine medicine.
Over-the-counter medication is the first line of defense against the incapacitating pain of a migraine headache. There are many varieties of over-the-counter pain relief available, but the one that works best for you might only be determined through trial and error. Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen – best known as Motrin, Bayer, Excedrin and Tylenol, and Aleve respectively (although all are available under generic names) - are the primary and best known options in the market of migraine medicine. However, as any migraine sufferer knows, sometimes those medications are simply too little, too late, to provide any real relief from a painful migraine.
There is another option: try to get the migraine before it gets you, and preventative migraine medicine is designed to do exactly that. Preventative migraine medicine is taken every day, and it is probably not the best option for someone who suffers from intermittent or sporadic migraine headaches. If, on the other hand, you suffer from frequent – more than twice a month - and debilitating migraine headaches, then a daily prevention regime might be the most logical option for you. A daily regimen can not only stop the migraines from occurring, it will lessen the amount of painkillers you are ingesting. That is important to consider because high dosages of pain killers, even of the over-the-counter variety, can have adverse side effects on your body.
Just like over-the-counter options, a daily prescription migraine medicine may require some trial and error by you and your physician in order to find the right medication and dosage for your situation. You may be required to chart the frequency and severity of your headaches in order to assist the physician in finding the most effective migraine medicine. It is important to remain patient and positive during the process, as it can take weeks or even months before the ideal medication and dosage is discovered. After six to twelve months of successful headache control, your physician may think it is in your best interest to taper the dosage of the medication with an eye toward eventually freeing you from the burden of daily medication, as well as the painful condition of migraine headaches.
If you suffer from migraine headaches then you owe it to yourself to fully investigate the options that are available to you. Migraine medicine exists in many forms, and it can help those who suffer the rare - but still painful – headache, as well as those who suffer frequently. But not all migraine medicine is created equal, and if you are struggling to control your condition then consult your physician in order to develop a migraine medicine strategy that works for you.
For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine medicine visit our ezGuide 2 Migraine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Over-the-counter medication is the first line of defense against the incapacitating pain of a migraine headache. There are many varieties of over-the-counter pain relief available, but the one that works best for you might only be determined through trial and error. Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, and naproxen – best known as Motrin, Bayer, Excedrin and Tylenol, and Aleve respectively (although all are available under generic names) - are the primary and best known options in the market of migraine medicine. However, as any migraine sufferer knows, sometimes those medications are simply too little, too late, to provide any real relief from a painful migraine.
There is another option: try to get the migraine before it gets you, and preventative migraine medicine is designed to do exactly that. Preventative migraine medicine is taken every day, and it is probably not the best option for someone who suffers from intermittent or sporadic migraine headaches. If, on the other hand, you suffer from frequent – more than twice a month - and debilitating migraine headaches, then a daily prevention regime might be the most logical option for you. A daily regimen can not only stop the migraines from occurring, it will lessen the amount of painkillers you are ingesting. That is important to consider because high dosages of pain killers, even of the over-the-counter variety, can have adverse side effects on your body.
Just like over-the-counter options, a daily prescription migraine medicine may require some trial and error by you and your physician in order to find the right medication and dosage for your situation. You may be required to chart the frequency and severity of your headaches in order to assist the physician in finding the most effective migraine medicine. It is important to remain patient and positive during the process, as it can take weeks or even months before the ideal medication and dosage is discovered. After six to twelve months of successful headache control, your physician may think it is in your best interest to taper the dosage of the medication with an eye toward eventually freeing you from the burden of daily medication, as well as the painful condition of migraine headaches.
If you suffer from migraine headaches then you owe it to yourself to fully investigate the options that are available to you. Migraine medicine exists in many forms, and it can help those who suffer the rare - but still painful – headache, as well as those who suffer frequently. But not all migraine medicine is created equal, and if you are struggling to control your condition then consult your physician in order to develop a migraine medicine strategy that works for you.
For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine medicine visit our ezGuide 2 Migraine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Headaches- Not all Migraine Phases Are The Same
Many people suffer from migraines, a specific type of headaches that requires treatment. However, are all symptoms and phases of migraines the same? No.
Symptoms of migraine differ from patient to patient, but phases are always practically the same. Prior to the migraine headache being felt, the sufferer will go through a ‘prodomal phase’.
In this interval, the migraine sufferer feels no headache, but may feel that they are in a different state of mind than they were before. They could feel overly ecstatic or may be depressed. Although it’s fairly hard to establish exactly what goes on in a prodomal phase, noticing shifts in behavior can be a significant part of understanding when a migraine attack is coming on. The prodomal phase can last from a period of hours to a number of days before the headache hits.
Following the prodomal phase, there is a short time during which other phenomena take place right before a headache takes hold. Called the aura phase, those having feelings of subtle visual hallucinations can anticipate a migraine occurring very soon. Colors can be slightly distorted, or vision might be blurry.
Some patients also experience feelings that parts of their body had ‘fallen asleep’, with sensations across the body that are similar to the pins and needles feeling that one gets when there is a lack of circulation in the feet.
The actual headache phase comes next. Migraine headaches are known to occur in only half of the head, as opposed to the more common tension headaches in which the entire head is affected. Migraine onsets are typically gradual with the peak pain not happening for a few hours. This phase may be accompanied by blurred vision as well; diarrhea and stuffiness of the nasal cavity may also occur.
After the headache phase reaches its end, the postdrome phase takes over. In this phase, the you’re left feeling tired and irritable, with a lack of concentration.
Exactly what each patient experience in each of these phases will vary, but a migraine will go through all these phases every time an attack happens.
To read about migraine medications, visit http://www.medopedia.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Boulay
Symptoms of migraine differ from patient to patient, but phases are always practically the same. Prior to the migraine headache being felt, the sufferer will go through a ‘prodomal phase’.
In this interval, the migraine sufferer feels no headache, but may feel that they are in a different state of mind than they were before. They could feel overly ecstatic or may be depressed. Although it’s fairly hard to establish exactly what goes on in a prodomal phase, noticing shifts in behavior can be a significant part of understanding when a migraine attack is coming on. The prodomal phase can last from a period of hours to a number of days before the headache hits.
Following the prodomal phase, there is a short time during which other phenomena take place right before a headache takes hold. Called the aura phase, those having feelings of subtle visual hallucinations can anticipate a migraine occurring very soon. Colors can be slightly distorted, or vision might be blurry.
Some patients also experience feelings that parts of their body had ‘fallen asleep’, with sensations across the body that are similar to the pins and needles feeling that one gets when there is a lack of circulation in the feet.
The actual headache phase comes next. Migraine headaches are known to occur in only half of the head, as opposed to the more common tension headaches in which the entire head is affected. Migraine onsets are typically gradual with the peak pain not happening for a few hours. This phase may be accompanied by blurred vision as well; diarrhea and stuffiness of the nasal cavity may also occur.
After the headache phase reaches its end, the postdrome phase takes over. In this phase, the you’re left feeling tired and irritable, with a lack of concentration.
Exactly what each patient experience in each of these phases will vary, but a migraine will go through all these phases every time an attack happens.
To read about migraine medications, visit http://www.medopedia.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Boulay
What Are The Different Types Of Migraines?
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.
* Hemiplegic 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 speech. 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.
So as you can see although most people simply refer to a migraine headache there are many, many different types of migraine itself. That being said most people tend to suffer from either the classic or common migraine.
You can learn more about migraines and what you can do to treat them, naturally and otherwise, by following the links at the end of this article.
There's just one type of migraine headache right? No there are actually many different types of migraine headaches. Discover more about what causes migraines and what you can do about them at MigraineHelper dot com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
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.
* Hemiplegic 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 speech. 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.
So as you can see although most people simply refer to a migraine headache there are many, many different types of migraine itself. That being said most people tend to suffer from either the classic or common migraine.
You can learn more about migraines and what you can do to treat them, naturally and otherwise, by following the links at the end of this article.
There's just one type of migraine headache right? No there are actually many different types of migraine headaches. Discover more about what causes migraines and what you can do about them at MigraineHelper dot com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche
Implementing A Migraine Diet To Find Relief
Migraine sufferers will tell you that there is no pain like that of a migraine headache. An episode can mean hours or even days of incapacitation and symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, noise, and smell. The triggers of a migraine may be different for each person but their suffering is the same, as is their desire to find effective treatment that will alleviate – or even prevent – migraines. Because of the prevalence of these debilitating headaches, ongoing research focuses on finding those lifestyle changes that will give relief to migraine sufferers; one such lifestyle change is the implementation of the migraine diet.
There are a number of different causes of migraine headaches; some of the more common causes include exposure to smoke, excessive caffeine, red wine consumption, high levels of stress, hormone fluctuations, inadequate sleep, and particular foods such as those that contain additives or preservatives. There has been a growing body of evidence that suggests that a migraine diet focused on the eating of whole, natural foods and the elimination of highly processed foods can effectively diminish, and sometimes eliminate, migraine headaches.
In addition to caffeine and red wine – both serious offenders when it comes to migraine headaches – there is also research that shows that chemical additives found in a variety of foods greatly add to the possibility of migraine headaches. Some other standouts include dairy foods, nut products, chocolate, processed meats, and alcohol.
Not every food product will trigger a migraine headache. But until a migraine sufferer can pinpoint their particular causes, it is best to practice a migraine diet that effectively eliminates those foods associated with migraines. In the meantime, a migraine sufferer would do well to keep a migraine journal that documents the frequency and details surrounding their episodes. If there is a noticeable pattern of foods that trigger a migraine headache then a personalized migraine diet can be constructed for that particular sufferer.
There are a variety of treatments available today to bring relief to those who suffer from migraine headaches. A migraine diet can be a first step in the ongoing battle against migraine headaches.
For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine diet visit our ezGuide 2 Migraine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
There are a number of different causes of migraine headaches; some of the more common causes include exposure to smoke, excessive caffeine, red wine consumption, high levels of stress, hormone fluctuations, inadequate sleep, and particular foods such as those that contain additives or preservatives. There has been a growing body of evidence that suggests that a migraine diet focused on the eating of whole, natural foods and the elimination of highly processed foods can effectively diminish, and sometimes eliminate, migraine headaches.
In addition to caffeine and red wine – both serious offenders when it comes to migraine headaches – there is also research that shows that chemical additives found in a variety of foods greatly add to the possibility of migraine headaches. Some other standouts include dairy foods, nut products, chocolate, processed meats, and alcohol.
Not every food product will trigger a migraine headache. But until a migraine sufferer can pinpoint their particular causes, it is best to practice a migraine diet that effectively eliminates those foods associated with migraines. In the meantime, a migraine sufferer would do well to keep a migraine journal that documents the frequency and details surrounding their episodes. If there is a noticeable pattern of foods that trigger a migraine headache then a personalized migraine diet can be constructed for that particular sufferer.
There are a variety of treatments available today to bring relief to those who suffer from migraine headaches. A migraine diet can be a first step in the ongoing battle against migraine headaches.
For easy to understand, in depth information about migraine diet visit our ezGuide 2 Migraine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery
Migraine Symptoms
Migraine has several symptoms. These symptoms can include auras (light spots), nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound and light, numbness, severe pain in the head, and difficulty in speech. Migraine attacks often last anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours, and can last for several days, or even weeks.
Usually the most common symptom for migraine is a throbbing or pulsating headache which is often one-sided (unilateral) and associated with feelings of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sleep disruption. Migraine attacks often are recurrent in nature, and they tend to become less severe with age. Migraines are usually identified in children, and this is perhaps the best time to take precautionary measures.
Research reveals that migraines are induced by various controllable and uncontrollable triggers. The uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns and menstrual cycles, while the controllable triggers include bright light and alcohol.
Symptoms of migraine vary from individual to individual, so it’s pertinent for individuals to try and understand their symptoms over a period of time. If identified, the right symptoms can help the doctor work out a suitable line of treatment.
If the symptoms of migraine are not adequately identified, it can induce serious physical conditions like strokes, permanent visual loss, aneurysms, severe dental problems, coma, and sometimes, even death. Usually a migraine sufferer has to experience social ostracism, disruption in personal relationships, and prejudices in the workplace, driven by ignorance about the disease. Sometimes a sufferer is mistaken for an alcoholic or a drug addict.
Thus, it becomes imperative for individuals affected with migraines to seek prompt medical advice. Early detection will not only save the individual from being socially alienated, but also reduce the anxiety and suffering of the family members.
Migraine provides detailed information on Migraines, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Treatments, Migraine Symptoms and more. Migraine is affiliated with Frequent Headaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Usually the most common symptom for migraine is a throbbing or pulsating headache which is often one-sided (unilateral) and associated with feelings of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sleep disruption. Migraine attacks often are recurrent in nature, and they tend to become less severe with age. Migraines are usually identified in children, and this is perhaps the best time to take precautionary measures.
Research reveals that migraines are induced by various controllable and uncontrollable triggers. The uncontrollable triggers include weather patterns and menstrual cycles, while the controllable triggers include bright light and alcohol.
Symptoms of migraine vary from individual to individual, so it’s pertinent for individuals to try and understand their symptoms over a period of time. If identified, the right symptoms can help the doctor work out a suitable line of treatment.
If the symptoms of migraine are not adequately identified, it can induce serious physical conditions like strokes, permanent visual loss, aneurysms, severe dental problems, coma, and sometimes, even death. Usually a migraine sufferer has to experience social ostracism, disruption in personal relationships, and prejudices in the workplace, driven by ignorance about the disease. Sometimes a sufferer is mistaken for an alcoholic or a drug addict.
Thus, it becomes imperative for individuals affected with migraines to seek prompt medical advice. Early detection will not only save the individual from being socially alienated, but also reduce the anxiety and suffering of the family members.
Migraine provides detailed information on Migraines, Migraine Headaches, Migraine Treatments, Migraine Symptoms and more. Migraine is affiliated with Frequent Headaches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
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