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Additional factors of migraines include changes
or deficiencies in brain chemistry. Drops in Serotonin may cause the trigeminal nerve to release its pain producing
substances called neuropeptides.
Also, low levels of Magnesium may play a role in migraines. Research shows that right before and during a migraine,
magnesium levels drop- causing nerve cells in the brain to mis-fire. There are many other triggers that may stimulate
your migraine.
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Migraine Triggers
- Stress often plays a role in headaches of all types but especially with migraines
- Physical activity
- Weather changes, seasonal changes, changes in altitude or barometric pressure.
- Sensory stimuli such as bright lights and sun glare
- Strong or unusual smells
- Food sensitivities or allergies (e.g.; cheeses and other dairy, chocolate, fermented foods, pickled foods, wine,
(sulfites) and nuts (for more info please go to the Low Tyramine Diet)
- Hormone imbalances including relative changes in estrogen and progesterone levels especially associated
with the menstrual cycle
- Sodium
- Caffeine (too much/little)
- Exposure to pesticides
- Hereditary factors
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How is Migraine Headache diagnosed?
Diagnosing pain, including that caused by headache and migraines, can be difficult. Most often your doctor will
take a detailed History of your symptoms and then do a physical exam. He or she may also include an EEG, CT or
MRI. These tests are often not conclusive because a migraine's effects are very difficult to detect, but help to
rule-out other possible causes of pain. Many times migraines are best diagnosed by your History and then through
medication trial and error.
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Treatments for Migraine Headaches:
- Headache
Diary: A Headache Diary is used to record
information related to your daily activities along with the occurrence of a migraine and other symptoms. This allows
you and your health practitioner to see if there is an overall pattern or habit that may be triggering your migraine.
[See details at top right on this page.]
- Stress reduction, including meditation, yoga and tai chi has been shown to be helpful
in reducing migraine headaches.
- Get adequate Sleep but don't sleep too much! Studies show that too little sleep or too much sleep can cause a
migraine! It's also important to regulate your sleeping and waking pattern. That means, try to get to sleep and
wake up around the same time each day.
- Behavioral Treatments including bio-feedback or hypno-therapy are useful for this type
of pain.
- Massage : Getting a massage in between Migraine headaches is an excellent way to reduce stress and relax
tight, achy muscles. However, AVOID getting a massage during a migraine. It probably won't help and may make your
headache worse.
- Herbs and Supplements: There are many herbs and supplements that are useful for either preventing
or treating Migraine Headaches.
Click here
to learn more about the Benefits of Herbs and Supplements for treating Migraine Headaches.
- Ice therapy: Cold packs, are a fast and effective way to prevent and reduce the pain of a Migraine Headache.
The application of ice causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict (or get smaller). Constricting the blood
vessels has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that stops the pounding sensation common in vascular headaches like
migraines.
Ice therapy works especially well in the first two stages of the migraine- before the pain has become intense.
- Migraine Mechanism: explanation
of the stages of a Migraine
- Acupuncture: Recent studies show that Acupuncture is an effective way to treat Migraine Headaches. Getting regular
acupuncture treatments between migraines relaxes the muscles of the upper body, neck and head, restores circulation
to brain and reduces stress. Acupuncture can also be used during a Migraine headache but is most effective during
the first stages- before the pain has become intense.
- Migraine Mechanism: explanation
of the stages of a Migraine
- To learn more about the benefits of Acupuncture click here.
- Chiropractic adjustments: A chiropractic adjustment is often a very effective way to reduce
muscle tension and restore normal circulation. This is best done in between Migraine attacks.
- Exercise: Migraines, unfortunately, are often made worse by exercise. Generally, it is recommended that you
avoid exercise during a Migraine. However, light to moderate exercise in between headaches is a great way to improve
circulation to the brain as well as to relax the muscles of the head, neck and upper back and of course to reduce
stress! Exercises like walking, biking and swimming, or even hiking out-doors in nature are excellent choices.
*When exercising outdoors try to avoid full sun exposure. Sun glare is a common trigger for Migraines. Where a
hat and a good pair of sunglasses that wrap around the eyes or stick to shaded or tree lined areas. Your best times
to exercise outdoors are in the mornings or late afternoons and evenings when the sun is low in the sky.
- Diet Modification: Many foods are known Migraine Triggers. Chocolate, cheeses, nuts
and red wine are the most common culprits. For a list of other offending foods see Low Tyramine Headache Diet.
- Hormone balancing: Regulating Estrogen and Progesterone can be very helpful in preventing
chronic migraines. Talk to your health care provider for advice on regulating your hormones.
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