Todays Health Concerns
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A migraine is a very painful type of headache. The pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. A migraine can last from hours to days. The National Headache Foundation estimates that 28 million Americans suffer from migraines. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men.
Symptoms of Migraines
Causes of Migraines The exact causes of migraines are unknown but they are related to changes in the brain as well as to genetic causes. People who get migraines usually have a parent or close relative that also experiences migraines. They also seem to be affected by the same, or similar "migraine triggers". There are a wide variety of migraine triggers. Some things that can trigger a migraine include the following: Common Migraine Triggers
If you can identify something that triggers your migraines, you can take steps to avoid that particular trigger. If you suffer from migraines, it's a good idea to keep a journal to help you identify any triggers. Treatments for Migraines The best treatment for migraines is prevention. Some people can identify things that trigger their migraines and avoid them, thus preventing a migraine from occuring. For others however, no triggers can be identified. If migraines occur more than two or three times a month and are significantly interfering with normal activities, a preventive medication is usually prescribed. Preventive medications are generally taken on a regular, daily basis. There are also medications that can stop a migraine, if taken at the first sign that one is coming. These are particularly helpful for people who experience warning signs before a migraine, such as auras, tingling or numbness in hands, feet, arms or legs. These medications work to stop the process that causes the pain associated with migraines. They work by constricting the blood vessels and bringing them back to normal. Once a migraine has set in, you need to treat the symptoms. For pain, there are many effective over-the-counter medications such as excedrin, motrin, aspirin, and tylenol. Some work better than others for each individual. If over-the-counter medications don't relieve your migraine pain, your doctor can prescribe something stronger. If you experience nausea and vomiting, your doctor can prescribe medication for that as well. Migraines can be very debilitating and can interfere with your daily activities. If you are suffering from frequent or severe migraines, it's best to see your doctor so he/she can evaluate and treat your migraines. 
Non-Medication Treatments There are other things that you can do to treat or prevent migraines. If you can identify a trigger and avoid it, that's great! Some people find that an ice pack is helpful, others find a hotpack or hot shower works for them. Sitting in a dark quiet room is often helpful. Learning relaxation techniques and using them on a regular basis can help you better deal with stressful events, thus reducing or preventing your migraines. Getting the proper amount of sleep and eating on a regular basis can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Making sure you are getting enough to drink is also important. Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines. Biofeedback is also a great tool. Biofeedback helps people learn to recognize signs in the body, such as muscle tension, that occur during stressful situations that trigger migraines. If the migraine begins slowly, many people can use biofeedback to stop the attack before it becomes full blown. Your doctor can refer you to a biofeedback specialist if this is something you're interested in. Accupunture has been shown to be helpful in treating migraines, as well as a variety of other health problems. Herbal remedies have helps some migraine sufferers. Many herbs are said to help headaches and migraines but Feverfew has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. There are many, many herbal remedies out there so you need to be careful. Remember, herbal supplements and remedies do not have to undergo the same rigorous testing and strict guidelines as medications do. If you do use herbal remedies, please discuss them with your doctor since some herbs do have negative interactions with other medications you may be taking or that your doctor may prescribe in the future for you. |
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