Migraines are complex conditions, and many tests and procedures have been executed to find out more about the causes and treatments. Due to the fact that up to 80% of migraines have been confirmed to be passed down through genetics, most migraine sufferers will be able to identify a family member who has suffered from very similar effects
It was previously believed that the headaches associated with migraines were a consequence of the contraction of blood vessels. This is otherwise known as dilation. Recent findings however, have shown that migraine symptoms are the result of a transformation of neuron activity (nerve cells in the brain). In extension, a chemical messenger in the brain (serotonin) is also believed to play a factor. Hormonal changes also play an integral role for female sufferers. A vast number of migraine headaches are the result of:
- Alcohol abuse
- Sleep problems
- Hormonal defects or a genetic imbalance.
- Emotional traumas
- Unhealthy eating
- Physical activity
- Tobacco
- Bright or flashing lights
- Excessive noise levels
- Weather-High pressure conditions or changes in pressure, hot dry winds, changes of season and over exposure to the sun
- Intense aroma and fumes
There are in fact two disparate strains of Migraine.
Common migraine (Migraines without aura)
This particular headache frequently occurs at a faster rate and often without warning. During such attacks you may experience more common symptoms (headache, sickness, sensitivity to light, sound and smell).
Typical Migraine (Migraines with aura)
1 in 10 migraine sufferers claim to experience aura with migraines. People who endure this degree of migraine are often able to sense any imminent attack, but what is an aura?
What is Aura?
An aura are the symptoms that occur simultaneously prior to a migraine attack, and sometimes during one. An aura has an adverse effect upon the senses and before a migraine attack takes place, one will experience a series of different actions. From visual impairments such as bright flashing spots of light, dim light, darks spots in the vision or fuzzy vision to hearing and smell alterations, all the senses may be affected to during the onset of an aura.
What are the causes of Migraine?
Migraines are frequently the result of alternations in the neurotransmitters, and blood vessels in the brain. Although the causes are often the subject of wide debate, there are a number of critical issues that can be identified as key triggers. They are:
- Stress
- Lack of nutrition or irregular meals
- Specific food types, i.e. products containing monosodium glutamate, caffeine, tyramine or alcohol.
- Fatigue (physical or mental).
- Lack of regular sleep pattern
- Hormonal issues (e.g. monthly periods, the contraceptive pill, HRT or the menopause).
- Extreme emotions (e.g. anger, grief etc.).
- Physical activity.
What are the symptoms of a Migraine?
A migraine sufferer will experience a throbbing feeling in the head, much like a headache just more intense. As well as this, they may be impeded by adverse reactions to bright light, loud noise and quick movement. The pain may be present at one point in the head, although pressure may be felt on each side.
Migraines may last for 72 hours in one stretch. However, the pain may stop after only a few hours. Nausea may also be experienced, with diarrhea or even fatigue. The neurons are often affected. These neurological symptoms will very often incorporate visual interferences, such as black spots and flashing lights.
A migraine may also be accompanied by a stiff neck and slurred speech.
Treatment of Migraine
Migraine attacks cannot be stopped completely and there is no completely effective cure. A number of treatments are available for purchase. It must however be noted that everybody will require a different course of treatment. As a consequence of this, you may be required to research different products. Here are a few alternative treatment options that may work for you.
Over-the-counter medicines for migraine treatment
Migraine sufferers are able to utilise a number of products sold over the counter. If the treatments are administered early enough, the pain may cease. Any treatment must be started as soon as possible (due to gastric stasis that can reside in the stomach stopping the absorption from taking place in the blood stream), as if one waits to long the medication may not be digested into the system.
A number of standard treatments are on the market including tablets, capsules, powders, suppositories, injections, nasal sprays and inhalers.
Relaxation
For those not interested in medication treatments, non-drug alternatives like relaxation can help. More relaxation can act as prevention for pain, or can help to subside the pain.
Regular meals/change of diet
Healthy meals consumed on a daily basis will allow for the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels, and by changing your lifestyle to be healthier, you could effectively reduce the number of migraines you get.
Electro-therapy
New editions in the development of treatments have lead to new breakthroughs such as innovative products like that Cefaly. This product has been developed in order to deliver light electric impulses directly to the nerve cells inside the brain. Such impulses will in turn invigorate nerve cells to provide pain relief. This kind of ground breaking treatment is completely effective and ceasing the symptoms of a migraine, without the use of drugs or surgery. For more information on the Cefaly click here.
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