Stop Migraine Headaches

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Is there a link between smoking a cigarette and migraines?

There is no clear answer to that question. Currently, there is no conclusive report that tells whether smoking causes migraines or not. There have been studies made on the connection of smoking with chronic headaches but their application migraines is limited.

One study on smoking and chronic cluster headaches produced some interesting results. Patients who have reduced their cigarette consumption by less than half a pack per day reduced their headache frequency by an astonishing 50%. It is important to note that the subjects of the study only reduced their smoking and did not totally eliminate it. What if the patients quit smoking entirely?

In a related study, more than half of the patients experienced total cessation of migraine after quitting smoking entirely and avoiding personally identified food triggers. On the contrary, only 13% of non-smoking subjects became migraine-free after eliminating food triggers.

Many chronic migraine sufferers are very sensitive to strong odors such as food odors, perfume, and yes, cigarette smoke.  There are people who are sensitive only to the scent of cigarette smoke. Then there are those who are allergic to cigar and even pipe smoke.

Migraine sufferers who are sensitive to cigarette smoke also find second hand smoke as migraine triggers. In some cases, smoke alone is the trigger, in others it is smoke plus other triggers. Both sufferers and doctors believe that there is a link between smoking and migraines it just has not been discovered yet. The commonly known effects of smoking are also detrimental to people who are prone to headaches and migraines. Inflammation and irritation of the sinus, high blood pressure and headaches are just some of the effects. There is one thing though about smoking that everyone seem to agree on and that is that it is contraindicated for everyone in every situation and that include migraine sufferers.

• Safe Migraine Treatments For Children Non-Drug Treatment for Child Migraines The last thing most parents want to do is give their child a drug.  Yet, when that child is a migraineur (a person with recurring migraine headaches), as are a reported 10-28% of children under the age of 19, many think they have no choice.......
• Smoking and Migraines: Kick the Butt, Lose the Pain? Could there be a possible link between puffing a cigarette and migraines? The most accurate answer is neither a “yes” nor a “no”, but rather “maybe” to “probably”.  As of now, no scientific research has been conducted to establish their relationship.  However, there are studies available which tackle the connection......
• My Favourite Java Jolt, a Migraine Trigger? For some people, a cup of coffee marks the beginning of the day.  But did you know that it also serves as a migraine trigger for an equal number of people?  One would think, put an end to the caffeine and you put an end to the headaches, right? Wrong.......
• Migraine Headaches - Zap Them Away The facts are twenty-Four million people in the United States alone undergo migraines.  A migraine is usually a pounding or pulsing headache, regularly focused on one-side of the head, and connected with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as particular smells.  Attacks are usually recurring, and can be......
• A Natural Migraine Headache Cure Some Advice Solutions for a natural migraine headache cure. There is no need to say what unbearable suffering can be caused by a migraine. Those who have ever experienced these ‘sick headaches’ as it’s called (because of vomiting and nausea ) know how terrible it is. Excruciating pain can grasp your head,......

• Preventing Migraine Headaches If you were to ask anyone who suffers from migraine headaches what they are looking for, most would tell you they want a way of preventing migraine headaches from occurring rather than a cure for after they start. While there is some disagreement over what causes a migraine, there are......
• Approved Migraine Medicines Currently, since there is no known cause for migraine headaches, there is also no know medication specifically for eliminating the presentation of the headaches. There are many forms of migraine medicines that treat the painful symptoms of these potentially debilitating headaches and dealing with the pain is only one way......
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• Managing Migraines Successfully Those of us that suffer from Migraines know that they can be so severe that they can just about cripple the migraine sufferer. Migraines can and do have a tremendous impact on one's quality of life, but it is now possible to treat migraines in such a way that they......
• Removing smoke odor from things you've bought or want to sell If you're not a smoker, then you probably can detect even very low levels of cigarette smoke pretty quickly. It can be pretty nasty. I grew up with family members that smoked, and when I talked with one woman on my paper route who had quit smoking because of her......

Migraines develop in four stages.  Patients with migraines with aura, also known as classic migraines, are most likely to experience all four stages.  Patients who have common migraines, migraines without aura, will have the same stages, but are not consciously aware of them.  The interval between migraines is sometimes referred to as the fifth stage of a migraine.

Stage One – Prodrome

The prodromal phase usually begins one or two days prior to the actual migraine headache.  Many migraineurs call this the “premonition” phase.  Feelings during this phase are all over the map.  Each migraineur has their own personal prodrome profile.  Some are giddy, happy, and full of energy, far more so than usual.  Others feel a headache start with fatigue, weakness, and irritability.  Anything can herald a migraine and each person has to learn their own prodrome signs if they want to learn to stave off the migraine.

Stage Two – Aura

This phase is skipped by most migraineurs, since most migraineurs suffer from common migraine, migraine without aura.  For those who experience classic migraine with aura, auras can begin anywhere from five minutes to an hour before the headache begins.  Auras are visual effects migraineurs experience.  Objects appear to have bright auras or haloes around them.  Lightning flashes arc over the field of vision until sight is whited out just before the pain begins.

Stage Three -  Headache

This phase lasts anywhere from four to seventy-two hours.  Most common is a one-sided headache with a throbbing or pulsing characteristic.  The headache is frequently accompanied by stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or some combination of the three.

Stage Four – Postdrome

Coming away from a migraine can be as unpleasant as building up to one.  Postdrome is often characterized by tenderness of the head, neck, and stomach.  Weakness and fatigue are also common in this phase.

• Aromatherapy: The Wonders of Natural Relief for Migraine The Wonders of Natural Relief for Migraine Nearly 19 percent of American women will endure at least one migraine headache in 12 months. These painful headaches are often accompanied by vomiting and nausea or visual symptoms such as flashing lights or dark circles in the field of vision. Migraine headaches......
• A Natural Migraine Headache Cure Some Advice Solutions for a natural migraine headache cure. There is no need to say what unbearable suffering can be caused by a migraine. Those who have ever experienced these ‘sick headaches’ as it’s called (because of vomiting and nausea ) know how terrible it is. Excruciating pain can grasp your head,......
• Telltale Signs of Children’s Migraines Parents often think that children just want to skip school when they say they have a pounding headache.  That may be true for some, but for other kids, they are in fact experiencing the onslaught of a migraine.  So what are the telltale signs in children? Headaches The main indicator......
• Children Migraine Busters If parents can shield their children from migraine pain, they would, in a heartbeat.  It is always agonizing for parents to see their kids wrenching in pain.  But take heart, you can do something for them.  Before reading on, an important caveat, ALWAYS consult your doctor before giving your children......
• Safe Migraine Treatments For Children Non-Drug Treatment for Child Migraines The last thing most parents want to do is give their child a drug.  Yet, when that child is a migraineur (a person with recurring migraine headaches), as are a reported 10-28% of children under the age of 19, many think they have no choice.......

• 5 Ways to Relieve Migraine Headaches Naturally! There are many new migraine headache treatments available that can be both safe and effective. Natural treatments for migraine headaches are usually safer and cheaper than traditional pain medications. And in many instances they can relieve pain just as well or even better than prescription or non-prescription drugs. The possibility......
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• Chronic Headache Relief, Florida Clinics Persons who suffer headaches three or more days a week may need to seek help to find chronic headache relief. Florida offers many different clinics for their patients suffering from recurring and persistent pain. One of the first things that need to be done is find out the cause of......
• Alternative Methods for Migraine Relief Severe migraine headaches are often debilitating and cause excruciating pain to people who experience them. Nausea and a high sensitivity to light are also common symptoms. There are some effective drugs available for reducing symptoms as well as preventing migraines from occurring. Some of the popular migraine relief medications do......
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As sure as the sun will rise, so is aging an eventual reality.   People get old, period.  No ifs and buts.  Our bodies will give subtle signs that the clock is indeed ticking.  For migraine sufferers or migraineurs, adding on the years can actually be more advantageous.  Statistics show that only 2-10% of the older generation experience migraines, compared to the 28% for those under 65.  Right off the bat, aging seems to be a natural migraine remedy.

They say life begins at 40.  For migraineurs, migraines reach its height at about the same age.  Past 40, many migraineurs experience reduced episodes of the neurological disorder.  Even better news, for those beyond the age of 55, both the frequency and gravity of the attacks are lessened.

But the magic number seems to be 65.  Approximately two-thirds of migraine sufferers have totally ceased having the episodes by this age.  For the unfortunate few who still have attacks past the age of 65, migraines have considerably improved.  The occurrences have been significantly less acute, not as frequent and briefer in duration.  Moreover, the gastrointestinal problems faced by younger migraineurs are more likely to wane at this point for the elderly.

• Migraines and Growing Old Ageing and Migraines Everyone will eventually age.  Getting older means increasing vulnerability and susceptibility to illness, but it can also be a boon to migraineurs (people who experience migraine headaches).  Only 2-10% of the mature population feels migraines (as opposed to up to 28% of adults under 65), and old......
• Some Ideas About Natural Migraine Headache Treatment If you are a person whose life becomes unbearable because of migraines  often or if this disease stays with you for a long period of time you may be looking for the most suitable and effective way to stop a migraine headache. There are some variants to try for migraine......
• Safe Migraine Treatments For Children Non-Drug Treatment for Child Migraines The last thing most parents want to do is give their child a drug.  Yet, when that child is a migraineur (a person with recurring migraine headaches), as are a reported 10-28% of children under the age of 19, many think they have no choice.......
• Aromatherapy: The Wonders of Natural Relief for Migraine The Wonders of Natural Relief for Migraine Nearly 19 percent of American women will endure at least one migraine headache in 12 months. These painful headaches are often accompanied by vomiting and nausea or visual symptoms such as flashing lights or dark circles in the field of vision. Migraine headaches......
• Migraine Headaches - Zap Them Away The facts are twenty-Four million people in the United States alone undergo migraines.  A migraine is usually a pounding or pulsing headache, regularly focused on one-side of the head, and connected with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as particular smells.  Attacks are usually recurring, and can be......

• Migraine Treatments If you experience migraine headaches and the medications your doctor has prescribed are not successful enough in providing relief from migraines you might want to consider some alternative migraine treatments that some people have found to be effective. If you decide to try some of these treatments it is probably......
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• Preventing Migraine Headaches If you were to ask anyone who suffers from migraine headaches what they are looking for, most would tell you they want a way of preventing migraine headaches from occurring rather than a cure for after they start. While there is some disagreement over what causes a migraine, there are......
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• What Triggers Migraine Headaches Without a doubt, migraine headaches are debilitating. When a headache strikes, migraine sufferers are out of it anywhere from half a day to three days. While the headache is happening, sufferers feel nauseous and may have vomiting and diarrhea. They are extremely sensitive to light and sound. Most migraine headache......

It is common for migraine sufferers to feel alone and misunderstood. The truth is they are not alone. There are many support groups out there where migraine sufferers can fund information, resources and most importantly, understanding and encouragement.

The World Headache Alliance (WHA)

The WHA can be contacted at www.w-h-a.org. This group is an International organization that brings together the collective expertise of 38 headache organization in 26 different countries. Their website is considered as one of the best when it comes to providing the most current information and the latest news about migraines and other forms of headaches.

The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE)

The ACHE can be reached at www.achenet.org. The mission of this organization is to educate patients and health care providers about headaches and other forms of headaches. Their website features plenty of useful information about migraine diagnosis and studies. It also has a section called “Ask the Expert” where physical volunteers are available to answer questions.

The Migraine Action Association (MAA)

The MAA’s online address is www.migraine.org.uk. Established in 1958, the MAA is one of the oldest migraine support and advocacy groups in the world. The site features an exclusive list of local chapters and support groups in the whole UK.

Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs (MAGNUM)

You can find MAGNUM online at www.migraines.org. Because of the quality of information that it provides, MAGNUM is a great resource for people who want to get involved with migraine activism.

The Migraine Trust

The Migraine Trust can be reached at www.migrainetrust.org. This excellent site is devoted to raising awareness of migraine in the workplace. The group’s newsletter is packed with good information.

Headaches and Migraines at About.com

This site, which can be reached at headaches.about.com, offers a wealth of information and links to lots of other good migraine resources.

• Some Ideas About Natural Migraine Headache Treatment If you are a person whose life becomes unbearable because of migraines  often or if this disease stays with you for a long period of time you may be looking for the most suitable and effective way to stop a migraine headache. There are some variants to try for migraine......
• My Favourite Java Jolt, a Migraine Trigger? For some people, a cup of coffee marks the beginning of the day.  But did you know that it also serves as a migraine trigger for an equal number of people?  One would think, put an end to the caffeine and you put an end to the headaches, right? Wrong.......
• Pocket Facts on Understanding Migraine If you’re a migraineur (migraine sufferer), you’ve probably done some research to gain insight on what it is that afflicts you. There’s a plethora of information out there.  Question is, how much of it do you really know?  Below are interesting snippets of data to better understand migraines. Migraineurs in......
• Migraine Treatmemts: Huff and Puff that Migraine Pain Away, Now! Exercise does the body good.  Generally, working out releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.  Not only is exercising a possible natural migraine remedy, it’s also free (that is, if you’re not enrolled in the gym!). But best of all, it will also improve your overall health.  For migraineurs or migraine......
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For some people, a cup of coffee marks the beginning of the day.  But did you know that it also serves as a migraine trigger for an equal number of people?  One would think, put an end to the caffeine and you put an end to the headaches, right? Wrong.

The relationship of coffee and migraine is more complex than meets the eye.  It’s particularly difficult if the migraineur (migraine sufferer) realises that the caffeine is bringing on the migraines.  Putting the brakes on coffee drinking is not the answer.  Heavy caffeine consumers usually suffer from withdrawal headaches if they don’t have their regular daily dose.  Gradual withdrawal is the way to go.

Slowly reducing caffeine consumption will avoid sending your body into a tailspin withdrawal.  Identifying migraine triggers in your diet is an effective natural migraine remedy. Do it little by little until it’s eliminated entirely from your menu.

But why do many pain relievers contain caffeine?  Caffeine has vasoconstrictive properties that help ease the aches in some migraineurs.  During a migraine attack, the arteries of the temple become inflamed or dilated.  One theory contends that the vasoconstriction effect of caffeine reduces the swelling.  On the other hand, some assert that caffeine supplements the main analgesic.  Researches have indicated that combining most analgesics with caffeine makes it more potent for migraine treatment.  However, it didn’t indicate exactly why that was so.

As mentioned earlier, avoiding triggers is a natural way of treating migraines.  How do you do that?  Read the labels!  Caffeine may be in foods and drinks you don’t expect.  Obvious choices are – of course – sodas and coffee, but they’re also in fruit-flavoured sodas, chocolates (with the darker ones containing more caffeine) and readily available analgesics.  Care must be exercised with these over-the-counter pain relievers and other medications as they aren’t always distinctly labelled. Apply the same caution with natural migraine cures.  Doing some research will help go a long way.

• Migraine Headaches - Zap Them Away The facts are twenty-Four million people in the United States alone undergo migraines.  A migraine is usually a pounding or pulsing headache, regularly focused on one-side of the head, and connected with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as particular smells.  Attacks are usually recurring, and can be......
• Migraine Treatmemts: Huff and Puff that Migraine Pain Away, Now! Exercise does the body good.  Generally, working out releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.  Not only is exercising a possible natural migraine remedy, it’s also free (that is, if you’re not enrolled in the gym!). But best of all, it will also improve your overall health.  For migraineurs or migraine......
• The Levadex Factor in Treating Migraines Migraine medications work differently on migraineurs (migraine sufferers).  What may remedy some, may actually be triggers for others.  Fortunately, another ray of hope may shine anew on migraineurs who’re in continuous search for a new migraine cure.  Levadex, an orally inhaled drug formulated to cure migraine, is being developed by......
• Internet Resources for Migraineurs It is common for migraine sufferers to feel alone and misunderstood. The truth is they are not alone. There are many support groups out there where migraine sufferers can fund information, resources and most importantly, understanding and encouragement. The World Headache Alliance (WHA) The WHA can be contacted at www.w-h-a.org.......
• How Can You Stop A Migraine The problem of a permanent migraines nowadays grows more and more common. According to the statistic data more that 50% of people suffer from this terrible headache pain. The reasons for migraines can be different, such as bad blood circulation or even high blood pressure which causes spasms. Sometimes the......

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The slightest indication of an impending migraine makes one pop a pill or concoct a natural migraine cure.  Awareness of how painful the attacks can get brings apprehension due to its incapacitating effects to the working man.  Migraineurs (migraine sufferers) are five times more inclined to experience clinical depression than those who are not.  As such, it is not surprising that depressed individuals are three time more probable to be migraineurs.

The main contention with the relationship of migraine and depression is similar to the chicken or egg scenario, which does come first?  Is one necessarily the effect of the other? There is an interesting common denominator between migraines and depression; they are both neurotransmitter deficiencies of the brain.  A noteworthy sidelight is how insomnia fits into the picture.  Migraine and depression sufferers find difficulty as well in getting some shuteye.  Insomnia is another brain neurotransmitter disorder.

Physicians are of the opinion that while migraine and depression are correlated, each has a different trigger with a similar neurobiology.  For a long time, experts lay the blame on depression on why migraineurs lost the quality of their lives.  But now, the connection seems to be leaning more on the biological mechanism rather than psychology.

A major concern for clinically depressed migraineurs is the drug interaction of the depression and migraine medications.  This is why some prefer natural migraine remedies over prescription drugs.  The FDA acknowledged that danger in July 2006.  Combining triptans used for migraines with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotinin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) used for depression may result in a condition known as serotonin syndrome.  This is a state where the body has excessive serotonin levels exhibited by the following symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hallucinations
• Rapid movement in blood pressure
• Faster heart rate
• Higher body temperature

It is important for depressed migraineurs to discuss their options with a trusted doctor to prevent serotonin syndrome.  Discuss other alternatives, such as natural migraine treatments, to remedy your pains.

• My Favourite Java Jolt, a Migraine Trigger? For some people, a cup of coffee marks the beginning of the day.  But did you know that it also serves as a migraine trigger for an equal number of people?  One would think, put an end to the caffeine and you put an end to the headaches, right? Wrong.......
• Do Your Relatives Suffer From Migraines? What do you know about migraines? Though it is supposed to be a recurring sort of the head ache, medical researches shows that it has a genetic origin. To be exact it is neurological disorder. Everybody knows that migraines can spoil the best sunniest day of the person’s life because......
• Migraine Treatmemts: Huff and Puff that Migraine Pain Away, Now! Exercise does the body good.  Generally, working out releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.  Not only is exercising a possible natural migraine remedy, it’s also free (that is, if you’re not enrolled in the gym!). But best of all, it will also improve your overall health.  For migraineurs or migraine......
• Smoking and Migraines: Kick the Butt, Lose the Pain? Could there be a possible link between puffing a cigarette and migraines? The most accurate answer is neither a “yes” nor a “no”, but rather “maybe” to “probably”.  As of now, no scientific research has been conducted to establish their relationship.  However, there are studies available which tackle the connection......
• Migraines: Fact vs. Fiction With the wealth of migraine information available today, it can get quite difficult to sift through what is and what is not true.  Hopefully, this will help clear some of those clouds over your head.  We certainly don’t want the confusion to add to your migraine pain! Fiction: Migraine is......

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• Migraines and Depression Being in pain so fierce that the only recourse is to hide in a dark, quiet room until it is over several times a year would make anyone sad. Migraineurs, though, are five times more likely to develop clinical depression than people who do not have these debilitating headaches. Conversely,......
• Migraine Headache Information Headaches that last several hours or a few days can be the sign of something more serious, but those suffering for days with a debilitating pain in the head may be interested in finding migraine headache information they can use to lessen the intensity and frequency of the attacks. Doctors......

Transformed migraines (TM) is a migraine condition that starts out as episodic attacks but later resurfaces into more frequent occurrences until it arises daily or almost everyday.

People with TM usually share common attributes, such as:

A history of episodic migraine that can be traced back to their teen years or twenties

Majority are women, where 90% of whom have a record of migraine with aura

Excessive medication intake

Some migraineurs or migraine sufferers may already have a TM but don’t know it yet.  To them, pain is pain and whether it’s TM or not, it’s all muddled up as one forgettable experience.  Here are some characteristics manifested by the transformation process:

Migraine episodes become more recurrent over a period of time (i.e. months or years)

The attacks come with less severe and infrequent sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), sensitivity to light (photophobia) and nausea

After the transformation comes the pain. But what does a full blown TM feel like when it strikes?  If you’ve exhibited some of these characteristics, you just might have it:

Having daily or almost daily headaches that appear to be a mix of migraine and tension-type headaches

The gravity of the pain decreases to mild to moderate

The nausea, phonophobia or photophobia doesn’t necessarily have to accompany the pain felt

Other migraine indicators may linger, such as, gastrointestinal problems, unilateral or one sided pain and exacerbation of the pain caused by other migraine triggers

TM usually manifest a throbbing nature

Finding relief for TM remains to be of a complicated nature and requires a doctor’s attention.  Analgesic medicines should be restricted to avoid Medication Overuse Headache or MOH.  A healthy  lifestyle is recommended.  This includes ample sleep, balanced diet and regular exercise.  People with chronic migraines are typically depressed and anxious.  Work with a therapist to help improve your stress coping skills.  For preventive medication, anti-depressants and anti-convulsants are employed.  The goal of TM management is to transform the headaches back from everyday to intermittent attacks.

• Understanding Basilar Artery Migraines Migraines can be more than just a pain in the head. Basilar migraines, once known as basilar artery migraines or BAMs, are an extremely atypical but potentially lethal variant of the classic migraine with aura. Basilar migraine symptoms are caused by narrowing of the basilar artery, which brings blood to......
• My Favourite Java Jolt, a Migraine Trigger? For some people, a cup of coffee marks the beginning of the day.  But did you know that it also serves as a migraine trigger for an equal number of people?  One would think, put an end to the caffeine and you put an end to the headaches, right? Wrong.......
• Adam Gets Migraines Too Though the Eves of this world far out number the Adams who experience migraines, they are nevertheless a painful reality for the male populace.  The difference is, women are more obsessed about treating what ails them.  This is a simple attempt to shed some light to what men go through......
• Applying Heat or Cold for Migraine comfort Many migraineurs (people who suffer from migraine headaches) reduce the pain of a migraine with the careful application of heat or cold. This type of pain abatement is particularly popular with people trying to reduce or avoid prescription medication use, especially among young people and their families. Below are a......
• Migraine Headaches - Zap Them Away The facts are twenty-Four million people in the United States alone undergo migraines.  A migraine is usually a pounding or pulsing headache, regularly focused on one-side of the head, and connected with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as particular smells.  Attacks are usually recurring, and can be......

• Natural Cures for Migraines No one likes a migraine headache! To say they're extremely painful is an understatement! However, if you dislike the thought of taking medications, experiencing their side effects, or spending the money for them, take a look at some natural migraine treatment options: Treat from the Outside - The power......
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Though the Eves of this world far out number the Adams who experience migraines, they are nevertheless a painful reality for the male populace.  The difference is, women are more obsessed about treating what ails them.  This is a simple attempt to shed some light to what men go through when the migraine attacks.

Migraine happens differently in men.  Women and children commonly feel vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.  Men, on the other hand, endure frontal headaches or the one-sided headaches.  Other symptoms include tears building up in only one eye, congestion of one nostril, “ice-pick pains” or sharp jabs of pain and droopy eyelid.  In fact, men often mistake migraine for sinus infections or allergies due to similar symptoms.  Typical symptoms linked to migraines may or may not be manifested by the adult males.  This just goes to show that migraines in men are women differ significantly.  The men generally tend to shy away from seeking proper medical attention.  For some, averting the doctor’s office is a way of protecting the male ego.  Migraine in men carries a stigma that they are unable to handle pressure and stress.  The Adams out there need to realise that self-medication may aggravate migraines by taking the wrong drugs or worse, by over medicating oneself.   Medication overuse may actually lead to rebound headaches, headaches which are brought about by taking too many medicines too often.

Men should learn to spot migraine symptoms.  Unfamiliarity with the signs may lead them to think they have other headache illnesses, like Paroxysmal hemicranias and cluster headaches.  In a particular study, 88% of the 2,400 participants who inadvertently thought they had sinus headaches were actually confirmed to be experiencing migraines.  Furthermore, 28% conveyed they were feeling migraine auras.  An aura is a warning sign or indicator of an upcoming migraine.  Typical examples would include bright lights engulfing objects, dizziness and numbness.  An aura does not happen in a sinus headache.

To all the men out there, be vigilant when it comes to your health.  Remember, an ounce of prevention, is a pound of cure.

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Migraines afflict people across races, genders and social classes.  In fact, even a prominent celebrity like Janet Jackson suffers from a less popular type of migraine called vestibular migraine.  Here are some facts to take this form of migraine out of the shadows.

The vestibular system is the body’s sensory system responsible for maintaining our balance or equilibrium.

So what is vestibular migraine?

Vestibular migraine is a migraine type where the primary manifestation is not the headache, but rather, dizziness.  Attacks can vary from some minutes to a few hours.  It also has a chronic type where sufferers feel a continuous sense of imbalance.  In many occasions, a migraine headache will precede the vestibular migraine.

What causes this migraine?

It is believed that vestibular migraine is genetic.  However, the true mechanism behind this migraine type is still being studied.  There seems to be a hyperexcitability in the brain that affects the vestibular structures, the structures that help keep our balance.  Hence, the person experiences dizziness.

How common is it?

Thirty million Americans have migraines, with the ratio of 3:1 at the women’s disadvantage.  It may be more prevalent than thought of but is often misdiagnosed as Meniere’s disease, a type of vertigo usually found in the elderly, or a benign positional vertigo, where patients feel momentary episodes of vertigo lasting from a few seconds to some minutes when their head is moved in a particular way.  Positional vertigo results from a disorder in the inner ear and can be treated by the manual manoeuvring of the head.

How is it treated?

Controlled studies haven’t been carried out to find out the best treatment for this migraine type.  However, migraine agents are usually prescribed.  For the recurrent vestibular migraine, daily calcium channel blockers, anti-depressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-epileptic medicines are recommended. For severe episodes, anti-inflammatory or triptan drugs (which constrict blood vessels in the brain), particular muscle relaxants and anti-nausea agents are utilised.

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As women are more afflicted with migraines than men, they will definitely have more apprehensions. Here are some of their frequently asked questions.

Is it a migraine or a sinus headache?

The two are tricky to tell apart as both exhibit similar symptoms like watery eyes, sinus pain and nasal congestion.  Questions to ask are, do I have:  (1) Moderate to severe headache; (2) Nausea and (3) light sensitivity.  If it’s a “yes” to two out of the three questions, then it’s possibly migraine.  Sinus headaches arise from an infection and are usually accompanied by fever and red, yellow or green thick nasal secretions.

Can I take migraine medication while breastfeeding?

It is best to consult your physician. There are medicines that may be passed on to the breast milk and might be injurious to your little one.

Can I drink migraine medicines during pregnancy?

Again, talk to your doctor. Self medication may cause serious damage to the health and development of your baby.  Alternatively, you may try some natural remedies like doing relaxation exercises and using hot or cold packs (depending on your reaction).  Furthermore, most migraines improve or cease in the third month of the pregnancy.

Can menopause worsen my migraine?

The answer is “yes” and “no”.  For some, menopause may diminish nausea and vomiting.  Two-thirds of women conveyed that menopause eased their attacks.  On the flipside, some women get worse migraines during menopause.  Menopausal hormone therapy is prescribed for some women.  Generally, the deterioration of the symptoms will cease when the menopause is done.

Can birth control pills worsen my migraines?

Again, the answer is “yes” and “no”, plus “no effect”.  The pills may decrease the frequency and severity of the attacks.  Conversely, it may aggravate the episodes in others.  However, in some, the pills don’t affect their migraines.  For those who answered “yes”, the worsening may be caused by the lack of hormones in the last seven pills in the pack which trigger the estrogen level to spiral down.

Moreover, positive lifestyle changes involving diet, sleeping habits and the like may help as well.Try these natural migraine treatments before you start to rely on medication

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With the wealth of migraine information available today, it can get quite difficult to sift through what is and what is not true.  Hopefully, this will help clear some of those clouds over your head.  We certainly don’t want the confusion to add to your migraine pain!

Fiction: Migraine is simply an awful headache.

Fact: Migraine is an illness and the headache is merely a symptom. Furthermore, the cause of migraines and headaches is the exact opposite of each other.

As to the source of the pain, migraines arise from the dilation of the blood vessels, whereas in headaches, it is the constriction the sets off the ache.  Furthermore, medications for headaches shouldn’t be used for migraines.  Headache medicines, such as beta-blockers, will enlarge the blood vessels, and as such, aggravate the migraine.  In addition, studies have established that migraines are hereditary.  A person with even just one parent suffering from migraines has a 50% probability of having migraines.  Moreover, migraines are brought on by triggers or things that can set off a migraine.

Fiction:  Migraine is brought about by emotional factors like anxiety and depression.

Fact:  Migraine is a neurological ailment and not a psychological problem.

Migraine occurs when a neurological (not psychological) trigger causes the widening of the blood vessels.  The dilation sets off the nerve endings to release chemical substances or neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitter Serotonin (5-HTT) is the main element responsible in the progress of a migraine.

Fiction:  Migraine is not fatal.

Fact:  Migraine can be deadly and may elicit coma and stroke.

Migraines can produce severe conditions like aneurysms, strokes, coma, permanent loss of sight, acute dental problems and even death.

Fiction:  It is easy to identify and cure migraines.

Fact:  Migraine is often a misdiagnosed and mistreated disease.

Doctors in Neurology feel that migraine is extremely misconstrued and misdiagnosed.  In fact, a startling 60% of women and 70% of men migraine sufferers have never been identified as having the disease!  The medical ignorance and incorrect literature on the subject have, unfortunately, helped in perpetuating these myths.

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Migraine episodes can be summed up in four phases.  However, not all phases are undergone by the migraineur (migraine sufferer).  Take a closer look and know what you have.

Prodrome

This is sometimes referred to as the “pre-headache” and may occur hours or even days prior to a migraine attack.  This may be thought of as the migraineur’s red flag that a migraine is forthcoming.  Thirty to forty percent of migraineurs go through prodrome.

This phase is extremely helpful in giving the migraineur a chance to avert the episode.  Examples of prodrome are food cravings, increase in the regularity of urination, constipation or diarrhoea, tiredness, mood swings and muscle stiffness, particularly in the neck area.

Aura

This is the most recognizable of the phases and generally persists for less than an hour.  The indicators and effects of aura vary greatly.  Auras can either be visual and non-visual. Auras may include flashing lights, spots, blurred vision, partial loss of sight, hypersensitivity to touch and feel, olfactory and/or auditory hallucinations, numbness or the face, hands or feet on the side where the headache is felt, difficulty in speaking, confusion, vertigo, partial paralysis, reduced sensation and loss of hearing.

Headache

This phase is usually the most incapacitating phase of a migraine as it affects not just the head but the whole body.  The headaches commonly persist from one to seventy two hours.  When it endures for more than 72 hours, it is called migrainosus and should be treated by a medical professional.  Other attributes of this phase include headache on one side of the head, sensitivity to sound and light, nausea and vomiting, dehydration or fluid retention (depending on the migraineur’s bodily reactions), nasal congestion or runny nose,  hot flashes and feeling cold, diarrhoea or constipation, confusion, depression and dizziness.

Postdrome

This phase is sometimes termed “post-headache” and quickly follows the headache.  Full recovery of most migraineurs in this phase range from hours to several days.  Some signs of this phase include depression or euphoria, reduced intellect, tiredness and poor comprehension and concentration.

Try a Natural Migraine Relief

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Menstrual migraine is a type of migraine affecting women each month occurring between the second day before the onset of the menstrual period and the end of menstruation.  Approximately 60% of the 21 million American women migraine sufferers are afflicted with menstrual migraine.  It is also reported that this form of migraine is more acute, lasts longer and is more recurrent than other migraines.

Types

There are two kinds of this migraine, Menstrually Related Migraine (MRM) and Pure Menstrual Migraine (PMM).  An MRM is a headache of moderate to severe pain occurring during a menstrual period and even when a woman doesn’t have her menstruation.  PMM on the other hand has the same manifestations but takes place during a woman’s period.

Causes

The specific cause is unknown.  However, a link between hormonal changes at the time of menstruation and migraines appear to be the culprit of the headache.

Symptoms

Menstrual migraines share the same symptoms with the usual migraine.  The sufferer experience one-sided headaches which are often intensified by sensitivity to bright light and loud noise.  The attack may bring nausea and may or may not come with an aura.  An aura is a warning sign for a coming migraine.

Treatment

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) are utilised in the treatment of menstrual migraines.  Examples of commonly prescribed NSAIDs are Relafen, Advil and Motrin, Naprosyn, Orudis and Nalfon.  The NSAID should be taken 2-3 days prior to the menstruation and to carry on till the period ends.  For women with serious menstrual migraines or want to maintain their birth control pills, physicians recommend taking NSAID on the 19^th day of the cycle until the second day of the succeeding cycle.  Other suggested medications given via prescription only are as follows:

• Anti-convulsants like valproate (Depakote)
• Small amounts of ergotamine drugs (Cafergot, Bellegral-S and Migranal)
• Beta-blocker drugs (propranolol)
• Calcium channel blockers like verpamil

These drugs are to be administered 2-3 days before the menstruation and continued for the duration of the menstrual cycle. Natural menstrual migraine treatments are available in the migraine relief ebook

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