A migraine is a debilitating, one-sided, pulsating headache. A study published in Cephalagia in 2006 involving 92 migraine sufferers - 72 woman and 20 men - found that there was a higher incidence of fibromyalgia among woman. Also noted was the low serotonin link as to why fibromyalgia patients are likely to suffer from migraines. It is believed that both conditions are linked to a hypersensitive central nervous system that overreacts to external stimuli such as pain, light, noise, temperature, perfumes and chemicals. Those sufferers that experience migraines and tensions headaches also suffer from anxiety, sleep disturbance, and with tenderness on the outside of the head.
The two types of migraines: migraine without aura, also known as 'common migraine' and migraine with aura often called 'classical migraine'. Many suffer from both types.
Classical migraines have four stages. Common migraines have three.
Stages of Migraine
Prodome - this starts up to 24 hours before an attack and is often characterized by a change in energy levels or mood, food cravings, excessive yawning, or neck pain.
Aura (in classical migraines only) - is a sensory change such as visual disturbance with blind spots, silvery star bursts, zigzag patterns, or even tunnel vision. This can be frightening especially when you first experience it. Other types of aura include pins and needles, numbness down one side, speech disturbance, clumsiness, and confusion.
Headache - this can last for four hours to three days. It is usually accompanied by at least one other symptom such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, sound or smell, lethargy, fatigue, or stiff aching neck.
Recovery - this can take several days. It is common to feel overly tired lacking energy.
How can I prevent Migraines?
A 'migraine brain' is hypersensitive to changes. These changes, or triggers, can be anything from a drop in blood sugar from missing a meal, to changes in the weather or sleeping patterns of the individual. Other changes include hormonal changes, emotional stress, dehydration, exposure to bright or flickering lights, and excessive exercise. Some people can link their headaches to particular foods such as chocolate, cheeses, or food additives. The best way to reduce migraines is to keep a journal and identify your own triggers.
Is there a cure for Migraines?
There is no actual cure but it is possible to prevent or reduce the number of attacks you have. Keep regular eating, drinking, sleeping, exercise, work, and relaxation patterns the same. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water to help avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and dehydration. Managing stress is important - yoga has been shown to help relieve stress and reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. Many sufferers experience reduced attacks due to taking a calcium magnesium supplement.
The two types of migraines: migraine without aura, also known as 'common migraine' and migraine with aura often called 'classical migraine'. Many suffer from both types.
Classical migraines have four stages. Common migraines have three.
Stages of Migraine
Prodome - this starts up to 24 hours before an attack and is often characterized by a change in energy levels or mood, food cravings, excessive yawning, or neck pain.
Aura (in classical migraines only) - is a sensory change such as visual disturbance with blind spots, silvery star bursts, zigzag patterns, or even tunnel vision. This can be frightening especially when you first experience it. Other types of aura include pins and needles, numbness down one side, speech disturbance, clumsiness, and confusion.
Headache - this can last for four hours to three days. It is usually accompanied by at least one other symptom such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, sound or smell, lethargy, fatigue, or stiff aching neck.
Recovery - this can take several days. It is common to feel overly tired lacking energy.
How can I prevent Migraines?
A 'migraine brain' is hypersensitive to changes. These changes, or triggers, can be anything from a drop in blood sugar from missing a meal, to changes in the weather or sleeping patterns of the individual. Other changes include hormonal changes, emotional stress, dehydration, exposure to bright or flickering lights, and excessive exercise. Some people can link their headaches to particular foods such as chocolate, cheeses, or food additives. The best way to reduce migraines is to keep a journal and identify your own triggers.
Is there a cure for Migraines?
There is no actual cure but it is possible to prevent or reduce the number of attacks you have. Keep regular eating, drinking, sleeping, exercise, work, and relaxation patterns the same. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water to help avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and dehydration. Managing stress is important - yoga has been shown to help relieve stress and reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. Many sufferers experience reduced attacks due to taking a calcium magnesium supplement.
What is the best way to treat an attack?
Once an attack has started, it is advisable to take painkillers as soon as you can as the digestion slows down, making it harder for the body to absorb them. Try taking your medicine of choice alongside a cup of coffee or glass of cola as the caffeine in these drinks improves the effectiveness of the drugs and helps constrict the swollen blood vessels. However, caffeine can be a migraine trigger from some.
If painkillers don't work, you can try triptans. These work by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, which allows the blood vessels to return to normal. These are most effective when taken as soon as the headache has begun.
Depending on the intensity of the attack, it is likely that you will need to rest, preferably in a quiet, darkened room, or wear an eye mask. Hot or cold compresses on the site of pain can also help.
Sign up for an account with Puritan's Pride today and save enormously on quality vitamins.
Once an attack has started, it is advisable to take painkillers as soon as you can as the digestion slows down, making it harder for the body to absorb them. Try taking your medicine of choice alongside a cup of coffee or glass of cola as the caffeine in these drinks improves the effectiveness of the drugs and helps constrict the swollen blood vessels. However, caffeine can be a migraine trigger from some.
If painkillers don't work, you can try triptans. These work by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, which allows the blood vessels to return to normal. These are most effective when taken as soon as the headache has begun.
Depending on the intensity of the attack, it is likely that you will need to rest, preferably in a quiet, darkened room, or wear an eye mask. Hot or cold compresses on the site of pain can also help.
Sign up for an account with Puritan's Pride today and save enormously on quality vitamins.
RSS Feed
