ALL ABOUT MIGRAINES

WHAT ARE MIGRAINES?
Everyone at one time or another has experienced a bad headache. Not all bad headaches are migraines; however, only severe painful headaches usually accompanied by an assortment of other symptoms, most likely would be classified as a migraine. The pain of this neurological disorder is often described as a throbbing, pulsating ache in the head that intensifies in duration with or without outward stimuli that may have helped start the migraine. Most people suffer this chronic pain in the temples, behind the eyes or ears or sometimes top of the head which makes you feel as though your head is about to explode. From around the age of 15 to 55, migraines have afflicted millions of people worldwide and also have been documented as early as 18 months despite the fact that the percentage of victims in this age bracket is extremely low.

Migraines are also known as a vascular headache because the pain is caused by the blood vessels of the brain enlarging and releasing chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries in the brain. The chemicals, discharged from the stretched out nerves, causes inflammation and enhances further enlargement of the brain’s blood vessels, therefore, initiating a migraine.

Migraines can occur any time of the day or night but most often in the morning. Women suffer more than men. The attacks can last a few hours and then linger on for days depending on the type and severity. Some folks encounter these annoying painful headaches one or more times a week or sometimes just once or twice a year, and since migraines are not a threat to a person’s overall health, the use of pain relievers do in general provide some relief and secure a somewhat normal life. On the other hand, migraines can really be disabling.

CAUSES OR TRIGGERS OF MIGRAINE HEADACHES
There are so many different factors associated with migraines, that the exact cause of this illness is very mysterious and unknown. Bright and fluctuating lights, loud music or noises, tension, insomnia, extreme stress, anxiety, severe fatigue, strong odors, weather changes, caffeine, spicy foods, skipping meals, alcohol, aspartame and hormonal changes (usually only in women) are some of the suspected causes of migraines. Please note, hereditary genetic abnormalities have also been linked to migraines.

SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINES
The classic symptom of a migraine headache is the intense and extremely painful ache in the head. Migraines are known to activate the sympathetic nervous system which affect many areas of the body with functions that normally happen naturally and uncontrolled. These symptoms may vary from one person to the next.

For example: increased movement in the intestine, thereby, producing diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Additional sympathetic nervous activity causes the delay of absorption of medications inside and through the small intestine, giving a common reason for the ineffectiveness of the medications provided for the relief of migraines. Further activity causes circulatory problems resulting in cold hands or feet, skin color changes, sensitivity to light or sound and blurred vision. It’s just amazing how much our sympathetic nervous system actually controls.

Some migraines proceed into the aura phase just before the onset of the headache. Vision problems such as bright flashing lights, squiggly lines, dots, blurriness or double vision usually indicate an aura. Difficulty with understanding or speaking coupled with a tingling or numbness of the face is also characteristics of aura. When the headache does come about, the aura disappears.

Supplementary symptoms such as sinus pain or pressure, dizziness, neck pain, cognitive problems of memory or thinking, along with mood swings and a generalized feeling of malaise also describe migraines.

In women, hormonal changes due mostly to puberty, perimenopause or menopause likewise typify the onset of migraines.

MIGRAINE TREATMENT
Relieving the pain of migraines is the absolute priority when having one of these awful headaches. Focusing on the pain itself is the object of pain relievers, prescribed by a physician who understands migraine, or using some of the over the counter remedies from a nearby drugstore.
Changes in life style are highly recommended such as avoiding things or activities that is known to trigger migraines. Light to moderate exercise is also suggested to help maintain movement of the joints and muscles, otherwise the old adage of “if you don’t use it, you lose it” will pertain to you eventually. Acupuncture, relaxation, counseling, monitoring and controlling your body’s response to stress are among the few alternatives in managing or trying to cope with migraines. The best thing is to rest well, eat right, and stay distressed as much as possible and try to enjoy life.

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