MIGRAINE INFO

In this section, I will discuss the definition, causes, symptoms and signs of a migraine or (M) headache. It seems like on a daily basis, someone new approaches me about a terrible pain located on a particular side of their head. In all the cases of these throbbing headaches all the people suffering with them, spoke of how difficult it was to carry on even basic everyday activities like walking around, and driving a car, to name a few. What questions do you have regarding these headaches? I answer a wide range of questions about these headaches and ways to avoid the triggers, which may initiate the onset of them.

What is the definition of a migraine headache?

A (M) headache is a throbbing or pulsating headache that is often one sided (unilateral) and associated with nausea vomiting; sensitivity to light, sound, smells, sleep disruption, and depression attacks. These headaches are often chronic in nature, which means the sufferer is afflicted with them on a consistent basis. Also, these headaches afflict about 30 million people in the United States. They may occur at any age usually beginning between the ages of 10 and 40 and diminish after age 50. Some people experience several of these headaches a month, while others have only a few of these headaches throughout their lifetime. A staggering 75% of these headache sufferers are women.

What are the causes of these types of headaches?

The actual cause of these headaches is unknown. The actual condition may result from a series of reactions in the central nervous system caused by changes in the body or in the environment. Research indicates that there is often a family history of the disorder, suggesting that these headache sufferers may inherit sensitivity to triggers that produce inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves around the brain, causing pain.

What are the triggers initiating a migraine?

A trigger is any stimulus that initiates a process or reaction. Here is a list of triggers for these headaches:

-Alcohol (red wine)

-Environmental factors (weather, altitude, time zones changes)

-Foods that contain caffeine (coffee, chocolate), monosodium glutamate, nitrates (processed foods, hot dogs, lunch meats)

-Glare

-Hormonal changes in women

-Hunger -Lack of sleep

-Medications (over the counter and prescription)

-Perfume

-Stress

What are the signs and symptoms?

There may be accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Also, hands and feet may feel cold and unusual odors may be intolerable. A traditional throbbing headache often referred to as a (M) with aura, is preceded by a group of specific symptoms called aura, most commonly experienced as a visual disturbance. On the other hand a common throbbing headache or (M) without aura, doesn’t have this specific warning. Other headache patients will experience a prodrome, which is a vague sensation that things just aren’t right that may precede the headache by several hours.

Migraine with auraMost auras are visual and are described as bright shimmering lights around objects or at the edges of the field of vision (called scintillating scotomas) or zigzag lines, wavy images, or hallucinations. Many others experience temporary vision loss.

Nonvisual auras- Include speech, dizziness, vertigo, motor weakness and tingling or numbness of the face, tongue or extremities.

Migraine without aura- This is the most prevalent type and may occur on one or both sides (bilateral) of the head. Tiredness or mood changes may be experienced the day before the headache. Vomiting, sensitivity to light, and nausea often accompany these headaches without aura.

Abdominal migraine- This is most common in children with a family history of (M) symptoms. Symptoms include abdominal pain without a gastrointestinal (May last up to 72 hours), nausea, vomiting, and flushing or paleness. As a result, children who have abdominal often develop typical throbbing headaches as they age.

Status migraine- This is a rare type involving intense pain that usually lasts longer than 72 hours. The patients may require hospitalization.

Ophthalmoplegic migraine- Begins with a headache felt in the eye and is accomplished by vomiting. As the headache progresses, the eyelid droops and nerves responsible for eye movement become paralyzed. The drooping eyelid may persist for days or weeks.

Headache-free migraine- This is characterized by the presence of aura without headache. This occurs in patients with a history of migraine with aura.

Basilar artery migraine- Involves a disturbance of the basilar artery in the brainstem. Symptoms include severe headaches, vertigo, double vision, slurred speech and poor muscle coordination. This occurs mainly in younger individuals.

Carotidynia- This is labeled as the lower-half headache or facial migraine produces deep dull aching and sometimes a piercing pain in the jaw or neck. There is usually tenderness and swelling over the carotid artery in the neck. Episodes of this can occur several times weekly and last a few minutes to hours. This type occurs more commonly in older people.

Location of pain headaches:

· Top of the head- This type of headache is most often related to a deficient liver blood state, but can also relate to a liver yang rising, which is an excess state. The difference is if excess than lying down would aggravate the headache, but if deficient, would get relief from lying down. · Forehead- Headaches here are usually related to the stomach. · Back of the head- Headaches are characterized here are usually due to a kidney deficiency manifesting o the bladder channel. · Whole head- The chronic headaches in this area are due to kidney- essence deficiency. They are not typically scene as migraines.

· Sides of the head- Below are examples:

-Temples. This is typically thought of as due to a disturbance in the gall bladder channel.

-Behind the eyes. This is a frequent location for . This type of headache is often due to a liver blood deficiency.

-Only one side. This relates to the gall bladder channel, and headaches here are either due to liver yang rising or liver fire.

I will update the information on (M) headaches as it is made available.

The information provided herein should not be construed as a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The information is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any other health-care profession and does not enter into a health-care practioner/ patient relationship with its readers. The publisher does not advise or recommend to its readers treatment or action with regard to matters relating to their health or well being other than to suggest that readers consult appropriate health-care professionals in such matters. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication. The information and opinions provided herein are believed to be accurate and sound at the time of this publication based on the best judgment available to the authors. However, readers who rely on information in this publication to replace the advice of health-care professionals, or who fail to consult with health-care professionals assume all risks of such conduct. The publisher isn’t responsible for errors or omissions. The Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated these statements. These products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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