Cause of Migraines

One of the most common symptoms of a migraine is an acute throbbing pain which is normally located on just one side of the head near to the area of the temple. Migraine headaches are also frequently accompanied by other symptoms which include sensitivity to noise and light, queasiness and sometimes vomiting.

Migraine headaches are relatively common and affect about one in ten people in America, or more than 28 million Americans. They are also much more commonly experienced by women rather than men (about 3 times more women suffer from migraine) and can also be sse sometimes in children.

Although migraines are so common and often very painful with attacks lasting anywhere from a few hours to two or three days, only roughly half of all sufferers consult their physician and the remainder choose to suffer in silence.

Migraine headaches had long been thought to be were caused by a of dilation of the blood vessels in the head but, even though there is no general consensus, medical opinion seems to be moving away from this theory in favor of a genetic cause for this condition. It is now believed that migraines results from the interaction of brain chemicals such as serotonin with the nerve cells. At present however the truth of the matter is that we are really not sure what cause migraines.

In fact there are two types of migraine, the first of which is known as ‘classical migraine’, which is characterized by an associated ‘aura’. Here the term ‘aura’ is used to refer to visual light effects that are experienced just prior to the arrival of a headache including such things as flashing lights and bright light spots. In some people a total loss of vision can be experienced for some minutes before the onset of the headache.

The second form of the condition is simply a migraine without the ‘aura’.

Just as we do not know what causes a migraine, we also have very little idea about exactly what triggers an attack, although there are a number of factors that do seem likely to trigger an attack. For example, too much sleep appears to be one factor and so does missing meals or eating certain foods like cheese.

Hormonal factors are also thought to influence the onset of attacks and their severity and one piece of evidence for this is the increased incidence of migraines in women. In part this is thought to be because of the effect of estrogen on the blood vessels and some studies have noted that there is a link between contraceptive pills (which contains estrogen) and migraines.

However, just to confuse matters studies have also shown that everyday activities like walking up stairs can trigger a migraine attack, as can exposure to loud noises, cold and heat, flashing lights and even stress.

Happily, there are several migraine medications available, although no one treatment is really effective in all cases. Over-the-counter medications are however seldom effective and, if you are unlucky enough to suffer from migraine headaches, you are best advised to ask your doctor for help in finding an answer which works for you.

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Immediate Migraine And Headache Relief

A search for  migraine and headache relief  can be a hard process if you don’t have much information about them. However, there are quite a few different forms of migraine and headache relief out there that you can use. Whether you prefer medicinal migraine and headache relief or natural forms of migraine and headache relief, there are a lot of options that you can try, and choose the one that works best for you.

Forms of Migraine and Headache Relief

Understanding the basics about what a headache actually is, and a migraine headache in particular is the first step towards your migraine and headache relief. A migraine headache is normally caused by hormonal fluctuations which make blood vessels in the head and neck contract and then dilate.

It is basically this dilation that causes the actual headache, and the first phase may last anywhere from minutes to days. When the blood vessels actually dilate the headache pain starts, that is, instead of going from a contracted state back to normal. Other processes also happen at the same time, and this combination of different factors is what can actually cause the interplay of hormones leading to contracted and then over-dilated blood vessels.

It is important to understand that different methods may or may not work for different people, and so what works well for one person may not work at all for you. Consulting a physician is the best way to determine what would be the most appropriate method for you to go with in regards to the treatment of your headaches.

However, there are a few different things that you can do to deliver yourself immediate relief. Note, that these are only temporary relieves, so ultimately you still need to see your doctor so that you both can work out something more long-term.

The methods providing immediate but short-term relief include having a bath or shower; lying down and resting in a dark room; avoiding bright and flashing lights; putting something cold on the back of your neck or your forehead; having a drink of water or natural juice; pressing on two pressure points at the back of your neck; avoiding sources of stress in your life; and taking vitamin supplements.

By: joseph_s

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Migraine – Headache From Hell

Migraine means "half cranium" in French. This malady is so named because it is a severe headache that usually affects only one side of the head. It often begins in puberty and disappears after 50. The condition runs in families and affects more women than men.

Changes in the blood vessels of the neck are believed to cause an attack. So will high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), an allergic reaction to certain drugs or foods, glandular abnormalities and emotional stress and anxiety.

‘Although much about headaches still isn’t understood, some researchers think migraines may be caused by functional changes in the trigeminal nerve system, a major pain pathway in your nervous system, and by imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which plays a regulatory role for pain messages going through this pathway,’ explained the Mayo Clinic.

‘During a headache, serotonin levels drop. Researchers believe this causes the trigeminal nerve to release substances called neuropeptides, which travel to your brain’s outer covering (meninges). There they cause blood vessels to become dilated and inflamed. The result is headache pain,’ it added.

Some patients experience sensory warning signs or auras prior or during an attack. These include flashes of light in the center of the field of vision or a flickering sensation in one eye. The patient may experience feelings of apprehension, irritability and restlessness before the headache begins. Others signs and symptoms are nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Extremes in temperature, cigarette smoke, perfume, glaring lights and hormones may trigger an attack. If there is one trait migraine sufferers share, it is their being neurotic perfectionists. To remedy this, plan your activities so you won’t be overworked and learn to relax once in a while.

‘Certain foods appear to trigger headaches in some people. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine; aged cheeses; chocolate; fermented, pickled or marinated foods; aspartame; overuse of caffeine; monosodium glutamate – a key ingredient in some Asian foods; certain seasonings; and many canned and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting also can trigger migraines,’ revealed the Mayo Clinic.

A migraine attack may occur daily, once a month or once a year. Untreated, it may last from four to 72 hours. While there’s no cure for migraine, medications can reduce the frequency of migraine and stop the pain.

‘Choosing a strategy to manage your migraines depends on the frequency and severity of your headaches, the degree of disability your headaches cause, and your other medical conditions. You may be a candidate for preventive therapy if you have two or more debilitating attacks a month, if you use pain-relieving medications more than twice a week, if pain-relieving medications aren’t helping, or if your migraine signs and symptoms include a prolonged aura or numbness and impaired movement on one side of your body,’ concluded the Mayo Clinic.

To help you rest during an attack, take Sedamine – the supplement that will help you sleep naturally.

By: Sharon Bell

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.HealthLinesNews.com. Visit sedamine.com/ for details on Sedamine.

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