Migraine Causes And Treatments

Defining Migraines

A relatively common complaint it affects about one in six people. Medically the problems split into two categories.

1. Migraines with a warning or aura.

2. Common migraines with no warning.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from migraines and children can suffer from abdominal migraines with nausea and vomiting.

Medical Approach To Migraines

There is no complete cure for migraines and the cause is uncertain. However doctors believe that when a spasm of blood vessels impairs the supply of blood it can cause the migraine when the blood vessels dilate back and the blood rushes back into the brain.

Essentially the medical approach splits into two areas, prevention and treatment.

Treatment Of Migraines

Although there is no complete cure, the symptoms can be eased.

Painkillers-Usually the first treatment for migraines and better if taken before the full onset of the pain so that the chemicals can be absorbed into the body before the full attack.
Soluble painkillers are absorbed quicker than pills so offer a better solution.

Triptan Medicines-These work by narrowing the blood vessels leading to the brain. They are available as nasal sprays, tablets or injections.

Anti-inflammatory Medicines-like Ibuprofen can work with migraines.

Anti-sickness Medicine-If the migraine brings strong nausea then anti-sickness tablets are one possibility. Again the quicker they are taken the better.

Combination Medicines-These combine painkillers and anti-sickness chemicals.

Long term medication can also be used as prevention.

Beta-blockers-Traditionally used for angina or high blood pressure they can reduce the occurrence of migraine even though the mechanism is unknown.

Amitriptyline-Traditionally used as an antidepressant it can also help prevent migraines.

Anticonvulsants-Traditionally used to prevent seizures and help with epilepsy it can also help with migraines.

New Research

There is a new technique being trialled at the Cleveland Clinic in the USA. A small gadget is surgically inserted above the nose and alongside the nerves which carry the pain signals. In addition a small electrical generator is inserted below the skin on the chest. These two devices are connected by a wire under the skin. The hope is that by applying a small electrical current to the nerves, when a headache is approaching, the nerves will be deadened and the pain signals cut off.

Prevention  of Migraines

It is critical to understand what triggers your own migraine. You need to recognize the sign of approaching problems. It is a good idea to keep a diary of times, activities and food eaten.

Common Causes

1. chocolate
2. red wine
3. cheese
4. lack of sleep
5. hormone changes associated with menstrual cycle.
6. orange juice
7. smoking
8. soy sauce
9. changes in the weather
10. bright lights/sun glare
11. unusual smells

Conclusion

If you suffer from migraines then you are not alone. This is a common medical condition with no known complete cure. Understanding what triggers the attack is the best approach and there are medications which you can take on an ongoing basis. If you need medication when an attack occurs, the sooner you can sense the risk and take the medicine the better.

In our next article on migraines, we will look at non-drug cures as well as re-examining the options open to sufferers.

Article written by Mike Holly who lives and works in the North of England. Mike has recently been staying in holiday cottage in Carcassonne.