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The purpose of this section is to explain what Migraine is and how
to prevent and treat it by showing what causes them and how you can use non-medicinal purposes to reduce pain. Migraines are
not regular headaches. Migraine is a biological, neurological disorder that is always present, though sufferers only periodically
have attacks. Migraine is not only a disorder that causes pain; it can increase the risk of aneurysm, permanent or temporary
blindness, dental problems, and stroke, as well as being debilitating during an attack. Most experts believe that during a
migraine, blood vessels on the surface of the brain constrict then expand. This causes the area around the vessels to become
inflamed and irritate the nerve endings. Some medical professionals also believe there may be some swelling of the meninges
involved, because migraine symptoms so closely parallel the symptoms of the disease meningitis, an infectious inflammation
of the meninges.
There are two types of migraines, and although the aura symptoms are different, they are both migraines
and both equally serious. Aura is sensations or symptoms that precede the onset of certain disorders, such as migraines. The
first type of migraine is the classic migraine. Classic migraines usually begin with warning signs such as flashing lights
or color. Vision may also blur or sufferers may feel as though they are looking through a tunnel. One side of the body may
feel prickly, hot, or weak. With classic migraines, aura usually begins fifteen to thirty minutes before the headache phase
begins. The second type is the common migraine and the aura phase usually begins one to three days before the headache phase.
Common migraine aura makes sufferers feel tired, depressed, restless, or talkative. They may experience more than one symptom.
The symptoms of migraines vary from person to person and sometimes, from one attack to the next.
There are three stages
to migraine symptoms, the aura, the headache phase, and the post-headache phase. The aura symptoms are different for classic
and common migraines. Only an estimated twenty percent of migraines have aura symptoms. The headache phase symptoms include
pain in one or both sides of the head, and the pain may switch sides one or more times during an attack. There is often pain
in the neck and shoulders as well. Sufferers may experience thumping or throbbing in the head or pain or pressure in the face,
eye area, or sinuses. They may experience temporary numbness on the affected side, inability to think clearly or perform normal
activities, confusion, lack of coordination, or loss of concentration. Other symptoms include dehydration; thirst; sensitivity
to light, noise, and/or smell; cold sensation or chills; and pins and needles. Post headache symptoms are usually fatigue,
feeling washed-out, poor concentration, feeling lethargic, or full of energy and revitalized. The latter is a rare post-headache
symptom.
Migraine attacks have many different causes and triggers. Some migraines can by caused by an insufficiency
of the neurotransmitter serotonin. When serotonin levels are too low, it makes migraineurs particularly vulnerable to attacks.
Another deficiency that can cause migraine attacks is low levels of monoamine oxidase, which is believed to be the reason
why foods containing amines are among the most common migraine triggers. It is also suggested that another cause may be abnormal
overactivity of the trigeminal nerve that runs between the brain and the face, which then releases chemicals that increase
tension and the sensitivity of nerve receptors.
There are four categories of migraine triggers: physical, psychological,
food, and environmental. Some physical triggers are over exertion or exhaustion, lack of food, hunger, and change in sleep
patterns or routines. Eyestrain, neck or head injury, toothache, pain in the sinuses, sexual arousal, and hormonal changes
are also common physical triggers. Psychological triggers may include emotional upsets, anxiety, stress, shock, depression,
and excitement. Due to increased stress, migraineurs tend to experience more migraines on and around holidays. Food triggers
are very common and varied. These triggers are usually pinpointed by an elimination diet. Food triggers include alcohol, artificial
sweeteners, refined sugar, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, nuts, citrus, fruit, cured meats, and smoked or pickled foods. Other
triggers are foods containing nitrite or nitrate, monosodium glutamate, and amines. Most environmental triggers fall under
three sub-categories: light, smells, and weather. Light triggers include bright or glaring light and sunlight; flickering,
strobe, and laser lights; reflections, vivid visual effects; and VDU or TV screens. Smell triggers are smoke, cigarette smoke,
strong smells, perfume, and cleaning products. Some weather triggers include high humidity, atmospheric pressure changes,
rapid temperature fluctuations, climate changes, and exposure to extreme heat or cold. Another environmental trigger is loud,
constant, or pulsating noise.
There are several ways to prevent or reduce migraines. One of these ways is to have
a certain diet, often referred to as the Migraine Diet. The most important thing is hydration. Even mild dehydration can cause
or worsen migraines. It is recommended that you drink a small glass of water every fifteen minutes or so. Drinking more water
daily can reduce frequency of migraines. It is especially important to get adequate water when exercising. Another key point
is to keep your blood sugar steady and consistent. Migraineurs often have a condition that manifests the symptoms of hypoglycemia,
though their blood sugar tests normal. Some specialized tests have indicated that the blood sugar spikes (a sharp rise followed
by a sharp decline) may last only a few minutes, and so, can be missed by an ordinary test. However, the result could be a
very painful migraine and all or most of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is suggested that migraineurs eat every
three to four hours without fail or eat five to six small meals per day. Reducing or eliminating refined sugars from your
diet may reduce hypoglycemic symptoms and help to reduce migraines. Many migraine sufferers benefit from taking chromium picolinate,
which regulates the blood supply of sugar and is present in most natural sugar. The last two components that the migraine
sufferers diet should contain are protein and the right kind of fat. Protein releases energy in to your body slowly and slows
the release of sugars. A diet high in lean protein also helps to maintain serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels can lead
to cravings for high carbohydrate foods, which cause the blood sugar levels to increase very rapidly.
There are certain
supplements that migraineurs can take to help prevent or reduce migraines. The first one is 5-HTP, which improves your bodys
ability to manufacture serotonin, which regulates sleep and digestive cycles. A B-Vitamin complex is very helpful as well.
The B3 vitamin in particular is often recommended for migraineurs. EFA complex (or Essential Fatty Acids), flaxseed, and primrose
oil are natural anti-inflammatories and therefore, are very beneficial for migraine sufferers. Magnesium helps to regulate
muscle tone and the transmission of nerve impulses. A doctor should always be consulted before taking supplements as they
may have adverse reactions with certain medications.
Several steps may be taken ahead of time to lessen the impact
when a migraine attack does strike. The first is to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends, and avoid naps and
oversleeping. The second is to reduce stress. Some ways to reduce stress are to take breaks, relax, and go on vacations. The
third step is to exercise with care. Over exertion and exhaustion are migraine triggers. Exercise also causes dehydration
and hunger.
When a sufferer does have a migraine attack, it helps to know what can eliminate the migraine or reduce
the pain. The first thing to do at the onset of a migraine is to take all prescription medications exactly as directed by
the doctor. The earlier medication is taken, the more effective it can be. Many doctors will prescribe a separate medication
for nausea if needed. This should be taken as soon as nausea starts, to prevent vomiting, which is a major cause of dehydration
during a migraine attack. Another way to curb migraines is to eat or drink certain foods or beverages. The first thing to
do is drink a small glass of water. This may not be an option if the sufferer is very nauseous. Drinking natural juice, especially
tomato juice, helps lessen pain and/or nausea in many cases. The last thing is to eat a small amount of food or have a nutritious
drink if the migraineur has not eaten in a while. This will help to even out blood sugar levels and may help with nausea.
Some doctors also have a list of foods which help certain people with migraine pain. Caffeine is a common migraine trigger
but can also help to take away migraine pain. Some foods have side effects such as withdrawal or rebound headaches, so care
must always be taken when using this method of pain relief.
Finally, if the migraine sufferer does not wish to take
prescription medications or does not receive complete relief, there are several ways to reduce migraine pain. Taking a bath
or shower helps muscles to relax and reduces stress. Most doctors recommend lying down in a dark, quiet room to rest. When
using this method, sufferers should sleep or rest and may listen to music, but hey should not read. Putting something cold
on the back of the neck such as a cold, wet cloth often helps as well. Sufferers may also want to apply a cold compress to
the head or splash cold water on the face. Another way to reduce pain is to alternate hot and cold clothes where the pain
is. Relaxing the muscles often helps immensely, and gently leaning the head from left to right stretches out neck muscles
and relaxes them. Massaging the back of the head, face, neck, shoulders, and back also helps to relax muscles. Migraineurs
may need to cancel activities during an attack to reduce stress. In addition, always avoid exercise during an attack. Exercising
during a migraine increases stress, causes exhaustion and dehydration, and often greatly worsens migraine pain and symptoms.
In conclusion, I would like to state that although Migraine is a serious condition, which should not be taken lightly;
it is still possible for migraineurs to live a productive and successful life. Armed with knowledge on how to prevent and
reduce migraines, sufferers do not have to live in fear of attacks. Many sufferers have gone on to have successful families
and careers. Many famous sports players, actors, and singers have suffered or continue to suffer from migraines. In addition,
with new therapy, medication, and research every year, migraine sufferers have a bright future.
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