In The Life Of A Migraine

Migraine attacks can interrupt daily life effecting even the simplest tasks such as household chores, interfere with jobs, as well as take away from time spend with family and friends. Any individual who has dealt with the pain of a migraine attack is going to search for a prevention method. However, before prevention or migraine treatment can be discussed one must understand the warning signs and triggers that will cause a migraine in the first place. A migraine is defined as a severe, pulsating headache, often associated with autonomic symptoms and typically unilateral (only affecting one of half of the head), usually lasting from four to seventy two hours. Signs of a migraine can include blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound. For individuals suffering from these severe headaches finding a migraine treatment is very important.

Treatment
There are many different forms of migraine treatment ranging from therapeutic, supplemental, and of course the use of medications (both over the counter and prescription). Individuals seeking a migraine treatment will need to have a proper physician diagnoses to make sure there are no further medical issues and to discuss any medical action needing to take place, however it is also important that migraine sufferers are aware of alternative treatments such as biofeedback, stress management, acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or herbal remedies. Alternative care is used widely within the world of migraine treatment and has been proven very successful in both the prevention or in the very least the lessoning of symptoms of a migraine if one occurs. Knowledge of available treatment options is the key to finding the best possible migraine treatment available for every individual.

Not Treating The Normal Way
Supplemental Therapies have been shown to be helpful in the case of both migraine treatment and prevention. Individuals who are chronic migraine sufferers are always looking for a new and improved migraine treatment or at least an alternative preventative treatment. A few of the most commonly used supplements for migraine treatment are as follows;

• Magnesium Citrate – Migraine sufferers usually have lower levels of magnesium when compared to those who do not have migraines. Studies have shown that the supplemental dosages of magnesium can help with the painful symptoms of migraines, especially those that might be triggered by the hormonal changes that happen with the onset of a monthly cycle in women.
• Vitamin B-2 – Vitamin B2 is an excellent preventative migraine treatment because studies have shown that it can decrease both the frequency and severity of a migraine for some patients. Another benefit of vitamin B2 is that it’s safe to take while pregnant, and it does not cause toxicity. Vitamin B2 (or Riboflavin) can be found in certain foods such as green leafy vegetables, liver, legumes, eggs, milk, cheese, almonds, wheat germ, dairy products, as well as fortified breads and cereals. It can also be taken in supplemental form such as a capsule or tablet. If taken in supplemental form it is best to take vitamin B2 with food as it is more easily absorbed that way.
• 5-hydroxytryptophan – This particular supplement is an amino acid that is made by the body from tryptophan; it is then converted into serotonin which is an important brain chemical. Serotonin can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks by lessening the constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain which can often lead to migraines.

Prescribed Meds Commonly Used
There are multiple migraine treatment medications available. Some medications are used as preventative measures, the most common form of preventative migraine treatment are prophylactic medications. The use of prophylactic medication it is not as effective when taken once a migraine has already developed, but it can be helpful in reducing the reoccurrences of migraine headaches in the future. A few examples of prophylactic medication are beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, tricyclic anti-depressants, anti-serotonin agents as well as anti-convulsants. When it comes to the treatment of migraines prescription medication, while often necessary, should be one of the last treatments tried in helping to relieve migraine symptoms. Prevention is always the key. However, if you can’t prevent them, then you should utilize a migraine treatment but be very cautious as prescription meds can be dangerous.

Tags: chronic condition, difficulty sleeping, head pain, living with migraines, migraine attack, Migraines, severe pain, tender spots