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A migraine can be defined as a sharp and intense headache that can last for as long as 3 days. Over 15% of the adult population suffers from migraines. The condition and the associated symptoms are often hereditary, and often twice as common in females. In addition, around 5 % of young children are prone to suffering from migraines.
Migraines at a glance
There is no complete understanding of the direct causes of migraines. However, the majority of migraines are thought to be a consequence of a genetic predisposition. On average, around 80% of migraine sufferers will have a family history of the condition.
A previous perception was that the aura and the associated headaches were a result of the contraction of blood vessels. This is otherwise known as dilation. Contemporary research however, has suggested that migraine symptoms are the result of changes in activity within neurons (nerve cells in the brain). In addition, a chemical messenger in the brain (serotonin) is also thought to be a contributing factor. Hormonal changes can be a fundamental cause in female sufferers. Migraines can also occur in women during, before or after a period.
A large proportion of migraine headaches are the result of:
- Particular foods
- Alcohol
- Sleep deprivation
- Hormone change or imbalance- e.g. menopause, menstrual cycle.
- Emotional stress, or relaxation after a period of stress
- Irregular eating habits
- Physical activity
- Smoking
- Bright or flashing lights
- Loud noise
- Weather-High pressure conditions or changes in pressure, hot dry winds, changes of season and over exposure to the sun
- Intense aroma and fumes
There are two disparate types of Migraines.
Common Migraine (Migraines without aura)
This is where the headache is liable to occur in a more advanced state, often without warning. Sufferers will experience the more common symptoms (headache, sickness, sensitivity to light, sound and smell).
Typical Migraine (Migraines with aura)
People who experience this degree of migraine often have the ability to sense when they are about to have an attack. This warning is also referred to as an aura.
An aura occurs prior or during a migraine attack and last for as long as 30 minutes. Aura’s are like a warning sign and usually predict the onset of a migraine. They are caused by the deconstruction of blood vessels in the brain, and affect the senses. Common symptoms of an aura can be visual, so if you are experiencing one you may see flashing lights, have distorted vision or see hazy spots. Aural auras can occur too, with light buzzing and ringing sounds making up some of the symptoms and your speech can be affected too.
What are the causes of Migraine?
Migraines are widely reported to consequent from changes in the neurotransmitters and blood vessels in the brain. Although the causes are still subject to wide debate, there are a number of fundamental factors that can be identified as key triggers:
- Stress
- Malnutrition or infrequent meals
- Particular foods, i.e. products containing monosodium glutamate, caffeine, tyramine or alcohol.
- Exhaustion (physical or mental).
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Hormonal factors (e.g. monthly periods, the contraceptive pill, HRT or the menopause).
- Extreme emotions (e.g. anger, grief etc.).
- Physical activity.
An additional factor that can affect people who are unavoidably susceptible is:
- Environmental factors (e.g. noise, bright or flickering lights, strong perfumes, hot stuffy atmosphere, and so on)
For a large proportion of the population, there are a number of causes of migraines. However for around 10% of people prone to attacks, the blame may be laid at the door of a genetic predisposition.
What are the symptoms of a Migraine?
Sufferers of migraines will experience throbbing sensations throughout the head for prolonged periods of time. In addition, they may suffer an acute sensitivity to bright light, sound and movement. The pain can manifest itself in one side of the head, although a pressure-like sensation can be experienced on both sides.
A migraine can last up 72 hours, but can equally reside after a short time. The sufferer is often left susceptible to nausea, diarrhea or exhaustion. Neurological symptoms referred to as 'aura' are often experienced prior and during migraine headaches. These neurological symptoms commonly take the form of visual agitations, that will either begin prior to a migraine, or during. Such agitation may include black spots and flashing lights.
A sufferer may also experience a stiff neck and the inability to speak coherently. Many are also left immobile until the symptoms reside.
Treatment of Migraine
Although there is not a miracle cure, it is possible to control the condition through an extensive range of treatments. However migraines are a complicated condition, in that a suitable treatment for one sufferer may not be suitable for another. It is consequently important to persevere in order to identify the best possible course of action.
The first stage would be to identify exactly what is triggering your attacks. It may be a matter of a slight diet modification or a lifestyle change. Around 60% of sufferers are to apprehensive to consult a medical expert, feeling that the problem is not serious enough regardless of pain. However your doctor is the first port of call. Some of the treatments available are:
Over-the-counter medicines for migraine treatment
Many sufferers will treat attacks with pain killers that are sold over the counter. If taken during the early stages of a migraine they can serve to be effective in dealing with any excessive pain. A number of acute treatments are readily available in a number of disparate forms-including tablets, capsules, powders, suppositories, injections, nasal sprays and inhalers.
In addition, a number of non- drug treatments and self help procedures can also be beneficial:
Relaxation
Ample relaxation can serve as a preventive measure to help deal with the pain and does not require the use of medicines and drugs.
Regular meals/change of diet
Frequent and regular meals will also maintain healthy blood sugar levels (no longer than 3 hours between food during the day and 12 hours overnight). A healthy blood sugar level, and a generally healthier lifestyle will reduce your chances of experiencing migraines.
Electro-therapy
New technology has led to a breakthrough in migraine treatments. Products like the Cefaly are designed to deliver light electric impulses to the nerve cells in the brain. These electric impulses stimulate the nerve cells in a way that offers relief from pain and migraines. The Cefaly can decrease the symptoms of a migraine efficiently and safely, without the use of medications and drugs. For more information on this ground breaking product, click here.
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