Migraine

Description

A migraine is a type of headache that is typically characterized by intense, pulsing pain on one side of the head. Migraines may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sound. Migraines can last for several hours or even days and can be debilitating for those who experience them. They are believed to be caused by changes in brain activity and may be triggered by a variety of factors including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods or drinks, and lack of sleep. Migraines seem to affect more women than men (especially premenopausal women); It is thought that migraines may affect 20-30% of the population.

Migraines may progress through four stages:
1. Prodrome
2. Aura
3. Attack
4. Post-drome
(NOTE: Not everyone who has migraines will go through all four stages).

Symptoms

A severe throbbing headache which is often located around or behind an eye spreading to one or both sides of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a sensitivity to light and sound. Vision disturbances may occur which include seeing flickering or bright lights. The headache may last from hours to 1-3 days

Some or all of the following symptoms may be experienced during the four stages prior to or during a migraine attack.

1. Prodrome stage:
In the prodrome phase usually one or two days before a migraine the following signs and symptoms may occur: constipation, mood swings, from depression to euphoria, neck stiffness, Increased urination or fluid retention, food cravings, and frequent yawning

2. Aura stage:
An aura might occur before or during the migraine itself. Auras are usually visual in nature but can also include other disturbances. Aura symptoms usually begin gradually, then build up over several minutes. Auras-related symptoms can last up to 60 minutes and can include: seeing various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light, and vision loss.

3. Attack:
A severe throbbing headache that is often located around or behind an eye spreading to one or both sides of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a sensitivity to light and sound

4. Post-drome
After a migraine attack, a person may feel drained, confused, and lethargic sometimes for up to a day.

Treatments

1. Avoiding and managing potential migraine triggers:
a. Hormone changes during menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and through the use of birth control pills may contribute to migraines. Using a natural progesterone cream may assist women migraine sufferers.
b. Stress management. Stress releases chemicals in the brain that can cause blood vessels to dilate or constrict which might lead to a migraine.
c. Diet, some foods, drinks, and additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), may be responsible.
d. Changes in weather. Storm fronts, barometric pressure, strong winds, or changes in altitude can all trigger a migraine.
e. Bright light, loud noises, and strong smells can trigger a migraine via the senses.
f. Avoid medications such as Vasodilators (which widen the blood vessels), which may trigger them, and aspirin.
g. Strenuous physical activity, (moderate exercise is indicated)
h. Changes to sleep patterns might trigger migraines.

2. Pain management and supplementation.

3. Rest in a darkened quiet room.

4. Caffeine is often used in migraine treatment cocktails.

5. Acupuncture or acupressure may assist

Nutrients and supplements:

1. Migraine formula – for migraines and tension headaches.

2. Buffered Vitamin C – immune boosting, aids in producing adrenal and anti-stress hormones.

3. Vitamin B Complex – is required for a healthy nervous system.

4. Vitamin B6 – required for normal brain function.

5. Magnesium – helps to transmit nerve impulses throughout the body.

Causes

1. While the cause of migraines is unknown it is thought to involve vasodilation and vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the brain with subsequent congestion of the surrounding tissues. There may also be abnormal nerve activity involved.

2. Migraines seem to follow a hereditary pattern. If one parent has a history of these headaches, the child has a 50% chance of getting them. If both parents have them, the risk increases to 75%.

3. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, and epilepsy increase migraine risk.

There can be many triggers for a migraine attack such as:
Allergies, stress, hormonal changes, constipation, liver problems, low blood sugar, lack of sleep, flashing lights

Underlying Emotions

Personal boundary issues, not being able to say no, leading to anger and resentment. You may feel overwhelmed by having too much to do. Avoidance issues. You often feel that problems are magnified and seem larger than they are.

Diet

1. A high protein and low simple carbohydrate diet is indicated.
Include the following in your diet, almonds, watercress, parsley, fennel, fresh pineapple, cherries, and garlic.

2. To keep blood sugar levels stable (wide variations may trigger an attack) ensure that you eat small healthy snacks between meals if required.

3. Avoid the following:
a. Avocados, bananas, cabbage, dairy products, raspberries, canned fish, hard cheese, aged meat, chocolate, plums, fried and fatty foods, bread, and grains
b. Nightshades (eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes)
c. Alcohol
d. Avoid missing meals as this may trigger a migraine.
e. Possible food allergies

Remedies