Migraine headache natural treatments are usually harmless, as opposed to drugs, which usually have side effects (though note that natural
treatments are not always harmless). Therefore, depending on cost
and convenience, it can make sense to continue a natural
treatment even if you're not sure whether it's doing any good.
It often makes sense to apply several natural treatments at the
same time. If one treatment reduces the number of headaches or
the amount of pain, then several treatments used at once may
completely or almost completely eliminate them.
Different things work for different people. Some of the
treatments mentioned here may actually increase headache pain for
some people. In fact, many treatments which help in the aura
phase make the headache worse if used in the pain phase, and
vice versa. (Many drugs, including caffeine, work like this.)
Some treatments may have no effect on some people. You may
decide to try several things and choose the ones that help you.
Migraine headache natural treatments:
- Have a bath or shower.
- Lie down to rest in a dark room.
- Avoid bright or flashing light.
- Put something cold on the back of your neck, such as a cold, wet cloth; or alternate hot and cold cloths where the pain is.
- Put a cold compress on your forehead and your feet in a container of warm water.
- Have a drink of water or natural juice, especially tomato juice.
- Have some food, or a nutritious drink, if you haven't eaten for a while.
- Massage your own face, head, neck and shoulders, or get someone else to do those and your back. Relax your muscles.
- Press on two pressure points at the back of the neck. These points are about two inches apart, just below the base of the skull. Press for a minute or two. This releases endorphins that help against pain.
- Massage or press on the fleshy area between thumb and forefinger.
- Gently lean the head to left or right to stretch the neck muscles. Massage and relax any tense muscles.
- Avoid sources of stress. Cancel activities so there's less to worry about.
- Avoid exercise during a headache if it makes throbbing pain in the head and neck worse. On the other hand, generally exercise improves health, and it may help you relax during a headache.
- Take some niacin (a form of vitamin B3). Taking enough niacin to cause a flush (blood rushing to the skin) can provide relief from headache pain, but this much niacin can also have side effects (flush, nausea, heartburn, liver damage, etc.) Niacinamide doesn't have such bad side effects, but isn't as much use against migraines, either. Smaller, safer amounts of niacin are also helpful. Niacin can trigger a migraine, though.
- Take some vitamin C, vitamin B6, choline, tryptophan and niacin and/or magnesium.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Central Nervous System (CNS) disorder
One theory of the cause of migraine headache is a central nervous system (CNS) disorder. The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. In migraine, various stimuli may cause a series of neurologic and biochemical events which affect the brain's vascular system.
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. Disorders of this system are many, varied and frequently severe, affecting a large portion of the population. These debilitating disorders include diseases such as epilepsy and migraine; degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease; and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. In addition, chronic pain is a neurological response to disease or injury; or it may have no readily apparent cause. Regardless of the cause, it can have devastating effects on those suffering from it.
The complexity and pervasiveness of the CNS in every aspect of people's lives make it a challenging and potentially very rewarding area for research. Treatments for CNS disorders vary in effectiveness, but there are many conditions for which there are few safe and effective drugs. It has been estimated that nearly $36 billion is spent annually on prescription CNS drug sales. Many of these drugs merely treat the symptoms and do not provide cures. Work in this area is thus particularly important. NPS is engaged in research that addresses treatments for CNS disorders in a number of different areas. Some of these CNS diseases and disorders are described below.
Migraine headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of headache. These headaches can last from several hours to several days and can be disabling for the people who suffer from them. Migraine affects 26 million people in the U.S. and can strike anyone at any age, but most often affects young women.
Research has established the role played in migraine by serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical that is found throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, the platelets, and the brain. Changes in serotonin can result in the dilation of cerebral blood vessels and the local release of inflammatory substances. Some of the current drugs for treating migraine are serotonin agonists.
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. Disorders of this system are many, varied and frequently severe, affecting a large portion of the population. These debilitating disorders include diseases such as epilepsy and migraine; degenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease; and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. In addition, chronic pain is a neurological response to disease or injury; or it may have no readily apparent cause. Regardless of the cause, it can have devastating effects on those suffering from it.
The complexity and pervasiveness of the CNS in every aspect of people's lives make it a challenging and potentially very rewarding area for research. Treatments for CNS disorders vary in effectiveness, but there are many conditions for which there are few safe and effective drugs. It has been estimated that nearly $36 billion is spent annually on prescription CNS drug sales. Many of these drugs merely treat the symptoms and do not provide cures. Work in this area is thus particularly important. NPS is engaged in research that addresses treatments for CNS disorders in a number of different areas. Some of these CNS diseases and disorders are described below.
Migraine headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of headache. These headaches can last from several hours to several days and can be disabling for the people who suffer from them. Migraine affects 26 million people in the U.S. and can strike anyone at any age, but most often affects young women.
Research has established the role played in migraine by serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical that is found throughout the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, the platelets, and the brain. Changes in serotonin can result in the dilation of cerebral blood vessels and the local release of inflammatory substances. Some of the current drugs for treating migraine are serotonin agonists.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Migraine headache symptoms
Typical migraine headache symptoms
Prior to a migraine, sufferers often notice warning signals that an episode is on the way. About 40% of sufferers notice certain cravings or lethargy a day or two in advance. They are then able to take action to try to head off the attack. Other sufferers experience sensory symptoms – known as the ‘aura’ - usually in the hour preceding the headache.
The aura
- Visual disturbances – wavy lines, flashing lights, blind spots (scotoma)
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Slurred or muddled speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
The headache phase
- Thumping or throbbing headache
- Pain on one side (may swap sides)
- Pain in the sinuses or neck
- Dehydration, thirst
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia), noise (phonophobia) and smell (osmophobia)
- Cold sensation
- Pins and needles
- Temporary numbness on the affected side
- Inability to think clearly or perform normal activities
- Loss of concentration
- Lack of co-ordination
Post headache
- A feeling of being ‘washed-out’
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Either lethargic or full of energy and revitalised
At present there is no medical test or examination that can detect migraine. However your doctor is able to use a series of questions (see our symptoms checklist) to determine whether or not your suffer from this condition. You can then plan the best way to treat and manage your migraines.
Prior to a migraine, sufferers often notice warning signals that an episode is on the way. About 40% of sufferers notice certain cravings or lethargy a day or two in advance. They are then able to take action to try to head off the attack. Other sufferers experience sensory symptoms – known as the ‘aura’ - usually in the hour preceding the headache.
The aura
- Visual disturbances – wavy lines, flashing lights, blind spots (scotoma)
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Slurred or muddled speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
The headache phase
- Thumping or throbbing headache
- Pain on one side (may swap sides)
- Pain in the sinuses or neck
- Dehydration, thirst
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia), noise (phonophobia) and smell (osmophobia)
- Cold sensation
- Pins and needles
- Temporary numbness on the affected side
- Inability to think clearly or perform normal activities
- Loss of concentration
- Lack of co-ordination
Post headache
- A feeling of being ‘washed-out’
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Either lethargic or full of energy and revitalised
At present there is no medical test or examination that can detect migraine. However your doctor is able to use a series of questions (see our symptoms checklist) to determine whether or not your suffer from this condition. You can then plan the best way to treat and manage your migraines.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tension headache is not migrain headache
Many people confuse tension headache symptoms for migraine headache. The problem is that many symptoms overlap, and many people with migraine get frequent tension headaches as well.
About 90% of the headaches that strike are tension headaches. Tension headaches are also called muscle contraction headaches. Most of your skull is covered with a layer of muscle. When this muscle contracts abnormally, it can decrease the blood flow in your head. One of the tension headache symptoms can be tenderness around your head.
The situation get more serious if you have frequent tension headaches; that is, you get them every month, maybe as often as every other day. You may even have chronic tension headaches - 15 days a month or more. When you consider that the symptoms may last more than one day, you can understand that these headaches can be more than just a minor annoyance!
Tension headaches often feel like a band of pressure around your head. Your head may feel like its being held in a vice. If you have a really bad tension headache, you may even experience nausea. Tension headache pain is usually on both sides of the head, though it may be on one side like migraine. Tension headache rarely throbs like a migraine would – it's a steady pain.
Tension headache may be caused by poor posture, or by the way you cope with the pressures and strains in your life. It may be caused by eye strain, fatigue, colds and other sinus problems, and abuse of cigarettes, alcohol or caffeine.
Obviously to get rid of tension headache symptoms, the first thing to do is get rid of the things in your life that seem to cause them. Treat your body right, eat well and get a decent amount of exercise.
When it comes to coping with stress, there are a number of things you can do. It may simply be that your body is trained to tense up when you're dealing with stress. Things like biofeedback or relaxation training can help you in that. Counseling may also help you recognize things that you're doing that may be self-defeating.
Taking time to relax and listen to some nice music is one of the best things you can. Light a candle, get in a room by yourself and enjoy even 20-30 minutes of peace.
Drugs should not be your first solution when it comes to tension headache, but if you have an ongoing problem you may want to discuss further treatment with your doctor. Many of the headache home remedies on this website are appropriate for both migraine and tension headache symptoms. A few tension headaches are one thing, but if you're dealing with constant headaches or a migraine/tension headache combination, see your doctor. Why suffer? :)
If you get migraines as well, keep a record of the drugs that you take. It's very possible that too many drugs are actually causing your headaches. If you're taking painkillers when you get a headache, try to make sure you have at least a day or two between pills.
About 90% of the headaches that strike are tension headaches. Tension headaches are also called muscle contraction headaches. Most of your skull is covered with a layer of muscle. When this muscle contracts abnormally, it can decrease the blood flow in your head. One of the tension headache symptoms can be tenderness around your head.
The situation get more serious if you have frequent tension headaches; that is, you get them every month, maybe as often as every other day. You may even have chronic tension headaches - 15 days a month or more. When you consider that the symptoms may last more than one day, you can understand that these headaches can be more than just a minor annoyance!
Tension headaches often feel like a band of pressure around your head. Your head may feel like its being held in a vice. If you have a really bad tension headache, you may even experience nausea. Tension headache pain is usually on both sides of the head, though it may be on one side like migraine. Tension headache rarely throbs like a migraine would – it's a steady pain.
Tension headache may be caused by poor posture, or by the way you cope with the pressures and strains in your life. It may be caused by eye strain, fatigue, colds and other sinus problems, and abuse of cigarettes, alcohol or caffeine.
Obviously to get rid of tension headache symptoms, the first thing to do is get rid of the things in your life that seem to cause them. Treat your body right, eat well and get a decent amount of exercise.
When it comes to coping with stress, there are a number of things you can do. It may simply be that your body is trained to tense up when you're dealing with stress. Things like biofeedback or relaxation training can help you in that. Counseling may also help you recognize things that you're doing that may be self-defeating.
Taking time to relax and listen to some nice music is one of the best things you can. Light a candle, get in a room by yourself and enjoy even 20-30 minutes of peace.
Drugs should not be your first solution when it comes to tension headache, but if you have an ongoing problem you may want to discuss further treatment with your doctor. Many of the headache home remedies on this website are appropriate for both migraine and tension headache symptoms. A few tension headaches are one thing, but if you're dealing with constant headaches or a migraine/tension headache combination, see your doctor. Why suffer? :)
If you get migraines as well, keep a record of the drugs that you take. It's very possible that too many drugs are actually causing your headaches. If you're taking painkillers when you get a headache, try to make sure you have at least a day or two between pills.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Botox for Migraine Headache
Migraine headache treatment.
There is new method to prevent migraine headache. A common procedure that reduces wrinkles may also help prevent frequent headaches. Researchers found that giving a series of injections with Botox, already used by millions concerned about looking their best, could cut the incidence of severe migraines by more than half. Those who used Botox also had less need for over-the-counter pain medications when they did suffer a headache.
The results, which were presented at the American Headache Society meeting last week, have been criticized by some migraine experts. "There is no proof that Botox works." said Michael Welch, MD, a neurologist with the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago.
He complained that the new results were based on a review of a previous trial that failed to show Botox could help prevent migraines overall. Still, the latest news is bound to add to the strange fortunes of botulism toxin A, a purified food poison that has now become a runaway cosmetic hit as the main ingredient in Botox. The anti-wrinkle treatment was first approved for use against eye muscle disorders, and it has since been found to relieve everything from nerve problems to excess underarm sweat. The toxin quickly gained popularity with so-called "Botox parties." where plastic surgeons injected wrinkled volunteers in front of small gatherings of people who were considering the procedure.
So far, Botox is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for migraines. Yet Stephen Silberstein, MD, director of the Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia said that the treatment could prove tempting for migraine sufferers who want to feel better and look younger.
Silberstein was part of the research group that reexamined 228 people who suffered from severe migraines. About half of the patients received a series of 10 to 25 Botox injections in their head, neck or shoulders every three months. The other half received saline injections.
After six months, Botox failed to show a reduction in migraine headaches compared to a placebo. But looking at patients who suffered more frequent attacks, Botox was linked to a 20 percent greater reduction in migraines, according to results presented at the headache meeting by David Dodick, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
The Botox group suffered an average of 14 migraines a month before the study. After receiving treatment, headaches dropped to six a month. In the saline group, patients went from nearly 13 migraines a month to about eight.
Another analysis found that Botox could reduce the need for pain medication. Patients who took Botox reduced their use of ibuprofen and other pain relievers by 60 percent compared to 35 percent with saline injections.
Freitag, who has treated his migraine patients with Botox for more than a decade, said that people who have four to eight headaches a month generally don’t respond to this therapy, but those with more challenging headaches might. There are several treatments that are used to prevent migraines, including anticonvulsants, blood pressure medications and anti-depressants.
The newest treatment is Topamax, which was specifically approved by the FDA for migraine prevention. Freitag said that Botox seems to have the same effect as antidepressants in relieving headache frequency. "About one third of patients will show some benefit." he said.
Botox, however, can also make your face feel frozen, and those who hope to have fewer age lines in addition to fewer headaches may come away disappointed. The areas of the body that doctors need to inject Botox is often different for migraines than for cosmetic reasons. "They rarely overlap." Freitag said. "Patients will look the same."
There is new method to prevent migraine headache. A common procedure that reduces wrinkles may also help prevent frequent headaches. Researchers found that giving a series of injections with Botox, already used by millions concerned about looking their best, could cut the incidence of severe migraines by more than half. Those who used Botox also had less need for over-the-counter pain medications when they did suffer a headache.
The results, which were presented at the American Headache Society meeting last week, have been criticized by some migraine experts. "There is no proof that Botox works." said Michael Welch, MD, a neurologist with the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago.
He complained that the new results were based on a review of a previous trial that failed to show Botox could help prevent migraines overall. Still, the latest news is bound to add to the strange fortunes of botulism toxin A, a purified food poison that has now become a runaway cosmetic hit as the main ingredient in Botox. The anti-wrinkle treatment was first approved for use against eye muscle disorders, and it has since been found to relieve everything from nerve problems to excess underarm sweat. The toxin quickly gained popularity with so-called "Botox parties." where plastic surgeons injected wrinkled volunteers in front of small gatherings of people who were considering the procedure.
So far, Botox is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for migraines. Yet Stephen Silberstein, MD, director of the Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia said that the treatment could prove tempting for migraine sufferers who want to feel better and look younger.
Silberstein was part of the research group that reexamined 228 people who suffered from severe migraines. About half of the patients received a series of 10 to 25 Botox injections in their head, neck or shoulders every three months. The other half received saline injections.
After six months, Botox failed to show a reduction in migraine headaches compared to a placebo. But looking at patients who suffered more frequent attacks, Botox was linked to a 20 percent greater reduction in migraines, according to results presented at the headache meeting by David Dodick, MD, of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
The Botox group suffered an average of 14 migraines a month before the study. After receiving treatment, headaches dropped to six a month. In the saline group, patients went from nearly 13 migraines a month to about eight.
Another analysis found that Botox could reduce the need for pain medication. Patients who took Botox reduced their use of ibuprofen and other pain relievers by 60 percent compared to 35 percent with saline injections.
Freitag, who has treated his migraine patients with Botox for more than a decade, said that people who have four to eight headaches a month generally don’t respond to this therapy, but those with more challenging headaches might. There are several treatments that are used to prevent migraines, including anticonvulsants, blood pressure medications and anti-depressants.
The newest treatment is Topamax, which was specifically approved by the FDA for migraine prevention. Freitag said that Botox seems to have the same effect as antidepressants in relieving headache frequency. "About one third of patients will show some benefit." he said.
Botox, however, can also make your face feel frozen, and those who hope to have fewer age lines in addition to fewer headaches may come away disappointed. The areas of the body that doctors need to inject Botox is often different for migraines than for cosmetic reasons. "They rarely overlap." Freitag said. "Patients will look the same."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Ergot for migraine headache
Migraine headache treatment.
Ergot is a potent neurotoxin and vasoconstrictor found in a fungus that grows on rye, was one of the first effective migraine medications and has been a springboard for further migraine drug development.
Ergot is extracted from the dried C. purpurea, ergot contains numerous neurotoxic and vasoconstrictive alkaloids. The vasoconstrictive properties account for both the gangrenous form of ergot poisoning and ergot's medical applications in preventing postpartum hemorrhage and treating migraine headache. Since the potency and effects of naturally occurring ergot are unpredictable, turn-of-the-century chemists set about identifying and synthesizing the medically useful alkaloids found in ergot. Ergot proved to be a treasure chest--and a Pandora's box--of useful and fascinating chemical entities.
Ergotamine is not an analgesic and is ineffective for common tension head aches. Its vasoconstrictive effects have long been presumed to explain its efficacy for migraine, but the proposed mechanism of action of the ergot alkaloids has changed as understanding of migraine pathophysiology has evolved. Its main limitation is the relatively high incidence of side effects, which, according to different studies, range from 17 to 41%, compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for which the incidence of side effects is 5 to 28%. Nausea and vomiting predominate among the side effects observed following ergotamine ingestion, potentially exacerbating the nausea and vomiting commonly associated with migraine. Drowsiness, tiredness, or fatigue are also common, rendering it less useful for treating migraine attacks in the workplace. Overuse is associated with development of a chronic drug rebound headache (a headache pattern similar to tension headache superimposed on the migraine, which continues to occur) and risk of ergotism
DHE improved on ergotamine by reducing some of its more troublesome side effects. DHE avoids much of the hypertensive and emetic effects of ergotamine and also appears to be free from risk of drug rebound headaches. Because DHE is much less vasoconstrictive than ergotamine, it has been argued that its antimigraine action may have some other basis, such as an anti-inflammatory effect on blood vessels.
Ergot is a potent neurotoxin and vasoconstrictor found in a fungus that grows on rye, was one of the first effective migraine medications and has been a springboard for further migraine drug development.
Ergot is extracted from the dried C. purpurea, ergot contains numerous neurotoxic and vasoconstrictive alkaloids. The vasoconstrictive properties account for both the gangrenous form of ergot poisoning and ergot's medical applications in preventing postpartum hemorrhage and treating migraine headache. Since the potency and effects of naturally occurring ergot are unpredictable, turn-of-the-century chemists set about identifying and synthesizing the medically useful alkaloids found in ergot. Ergot proved to be a treasure chest--and a Pandora's box--of useful and fascinating chemical entities.
Ergotamine is not an analgesic and is ineffective for common tension head aches. Its vasoconstrictive effects have long been presumed to explain its efficacy for migraine, but the proposed mechanism of action of the ergot alkaloids has changed as understanding of migraine pathophysiology has evolved. Its main limitation is the relatively high incidence of side effects, which, according to different studies, range from 17 to 41%, compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for which the incidence of side effects is 5 to 28%. Nausea and vomiting predominate among the side effects observed following ergotamine ingestion, potentially exacerbating the nausea and vomiting commonly associated with migraine. Drowsiness, tiredness, or fatigue are also common, rendering it less useful for treating migraine attacks in the workplace. Overuse is associated with development of a chronic drug rebound headache (a headache pattern similar to tension headache superimposed on the migraine, which continues to occur) and risk of ergotism
DHE improved on ergotamine by reducing some of its more troublesome side effects. DHE avoids much of the hypertensive and emetic effects of ergotamine and also appears to be free from risk of drug rebound headaches. Because DHE is much less vasoconstrictive than ergotamine, it has been argued that its antimigraine action may have some other basis, such as an anti-inflammatory effect on blood vessels.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Triptan for migraine headache
Migraine headache treatment.
On 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs would come to call "miracle drugs." That drug was the injectable form of sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first of the triptans. The more technical name for this class of medications is selective serotonin receptor agonists. Triptans are not pain medications as we traditionally think of them. Traditional pain medications don't end the pain of migraine headache. They simply increase our tolerance to it, temporarily. Unless the Migraine attack has run its course while a pain medication is working, the symptoms will return when the pain medication wears off. Triptans are termed abortive Migraine medications. They cannot prevent Migraines. They are used to abort a Migraine attack, to stop the attack itself and the associated symptoms. Drugs in this class need to be taken early in the Migraine attack to be most effective. In addition to Migraine attacks, triptans are also sometimes helpful for cluster headaches.
Triptans should only be prescribed after a thorough examination to rule out contraindications. Those contraindications include:
- uncontrolled hypertension
- family history of coronary artery disease or heart attacks
- history of stroke
- risk factors for coronary artery disease
- uncontrolled diabetes
- high cholesterol levels
On 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs would come to call "miracle drugs." That drug was the injectable form of sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first of the triptans. The more technical name for this class of medications is selective serotonin receptor agonists. Triptans are not pain medications as we traditionally think of them. Traditional pain medications don't end the pain of migraine headache. They simply increase our tolerance to it, temporarily. Unless the Migraine attack has run its course while a pain medication is working, the symptoms will return when the pain medication wears off. Triptans are termed abortive Migraine medications. They cannot prevent Migraines. They are used to abort a Migraine attack, to stop the attack itself and the associated symptoms. Drugs in this class need to be taken early in the Migraine attack to be most effective. In addition to Migraine attacks, triptans are also sometimes helpful for cluster headaches.
Triptans should only be prescribed after a thorough examination to rule out contraindications. Those contraindications include:
- uncontrolled hypertension
- family history of coronary artery disease or heart attacks
- history of stroke
- risk factors for coronary artery disease
- uncontrolled diabetes
- high cholesterol levels
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Migraine headache treatment
Several years ago aspirin was almost the only available treatment for migrain headache. Now there are drugs specifically designed to treat migraines.
There are two kind of migraine medications:
Pain-relieving medications. These stop pain once it has started.
Preventive medications. These reduce or prevent a migraine headache.
Choosing a preventive strategy or a pain relieving strategy depends on the frequency and severity of your headaches, the degree of disability your headaches cause and other medical conditions you may have.
You need a preventive therapy if you
- have two or more migraine headache attacks in a month
- use pain relieving medications more than twice a week
- pain-relieving medications aren't helping
- have uncommon migraines.
Some medications aren't recommended if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. Some aren't used for children. Your doctor can help find the right medication for you.
Pain-relieving medications
For best results, take pain-relieving drugs as soon as you experience signs or symptoms of a migraine headache. It may help if you rest or sleep in a dark room after taking them:
Over-the-counter medications for mild migraine:
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- aspirin
- the combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)
If over-the-counter medications taken too often or for long periods of time, its can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and rebound headaches.
Drugs for stronger migraine:
- Triptan. It mimics the action of serotonin by binding to serotonin receptors and causing blood vessels to constrict. Triptan is available in oral, nasal and injection form. Injected triptan works faster than any other migraine-specific medication — in as little as 15 minutes — and is effective in most cases. But injections may be inconvenient and painful.
Example: Sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova) and eletriptan (Relpax).
Side effects of triptans include nausea, dizziness, and muscle weakness and, rarely, stroke and heart attack.
- Ergot.
Example: ergotamine (Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), dihydroergotamine nasal spray (Migranal)These drugs may have more side effects than do triptans.
Preventive medications
- Beta blocker — which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease — can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Example: Calcium channel blockers,verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), antihypertensive medications lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and candesartan (Atacand)
- Antidepressant. Example: tricyclic antidepressants; amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline (Vivactil).
- Anti-seizure drug. Example: divalproex sodium (Depakote), valproic acid (Depakene) and topiramate (Topamax).
- Cyproheptadine. This antihistamine specifically affects serotonin activity. Doctors sometimes give it to children as a preventive measure.
- Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). Some people receiving Botox injections for their facial wrinkles have noted improvement of their headaches. However, it's unclear what effect Botox actually has on headaches. It may cause changes in your nervous system that modify your tendency to develop migraines. Additional research is necessary.
There are two kind of migraine medications:
Pain-relieving medications. These stop pain once it has started.
Preventive medications. These reduce or prevent a migraine headache.
Choosing a preventive strategy or a pain relieving strategy depends on the frequency and severity of your headaches, the degree of disability your headaches cause and other medical conditions you may have.
You need a preventive therapy if you
- have two or more migraine headache attacks in a month
- use pain relieving medications more than twice a week
- pain-relieving medications aren't helping
- have uncommon migraines.
Some medications aren't recommended if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. Some aren't used for children. Your doctor can help find the right medication for you.
Pain-relieving medications
For best results, take pain-relieving drugs as soon as you experience signs or symptoms of a migraine headache. It may help if you rest or sleep in a dark room after taking them:
Over-the-counter medications for mild migraine:
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- aspirin
- the combination of acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine (Excedrin Migraine)
If over-the-counter medications taken too often or for long periods of time, its can lead to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and rebound headaches.
Drugs for stronger migraine:
- Triptan. It mimics the action of serotonin by binding to serotonin receptors and causing blood vessels to constrict. Triptan is available in oral, nasal and injection form. Injected triptan works faster than any other migraine-specific medication — in as little as 15 minutes — and is effective in most cases. But injections may be inconvenient and painful.
Example: Sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova) and eletriptan (Relpax).
Side effects of triptans include nausea, dizziness, and muscle weakness and, rarely, stroke and heart attack.
- Ergot.
Example: ergotamine (Ergomar), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45), dihydroergotamine nasal spray (Migranal)These drugs may have more side effects than do triptans.
Preventive medications
- Beta blocker — which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease — can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Example: Calcium channel blockers,verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), antihypertensive medications lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and candesartan (Atacand)
- Antidepressant. Example: tricyclic antidepressants; amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Pamelor) and protriptyline (Vivactil).
- Anti-seizure drug. Example: divalproex sodium (Depakote), valproic acid (Depakene) and topiramate (Topamax).
- Cyproheptadine. This antihistamine specifically affects serotonin activity. Doctors sometimes give it to children as a preventive measure.
- Botulinum toxin type A (Botox). Some people receiving Botox injections for their facial wrinkles have noted improvement of their headaches. However, it's unclear what effect Botox actually has on headaches. It may cause changes in your nervous system that modify your tendency to develop migraines. Additional research is necessary.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Migraine headache types
Migraines headache are classified according to the symptoms they produce. The two most common types are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Less common types include the following:
Abdominal migraine. Symptoms include abdominal pain without a gastrointestinal cause (may last up to 72 hours), nausea, vomiting, and flushing or paleness (pallor).Abdominal migraine is most common in children with a family history of migraine. Children who have abdominal migraine often develop typical migraine as they age.
Basilar artery migraine . Symptoms include severe headache, vertigo, double vision, slurred speech, and poor muscle coordination. This type occurs primarily in young people.
Carotidynia Its also called lower-half headache or facial migraine, produces deep, dull, aching, and sometimes piercing pain in the jaw or neck. There is usually tenderness and swelling over the carotid artery in the neck. Episodes can occur several times weekly and last a few minutes to hours. This type occurs more commonly in older people.
Headache-free migraine Its characterized by the presence of aura without headache. This occurs in patients with a history of migraine with aura.
Ophthalmoplegic migraine Its begins with a headache felt in the eye and is accompanied by vomiting. As the headache progresses, the eyelid droops (ptosis) and nerves responsible for eye movement become paralyzed. Ptosis may persist for days or weeks
Status migraine Its involving intense pain that usually lasts longer than 72 hours. The patient may require hospitalization
Some women experience migraine headaches just prior to or during menstruation. These headaches, which are called menstrual migraines, may be related to hormonal changes and often do not occur during pregnancy. Other women develop migraines for the first time during pregnancy or after menopause.
Abdominal migraine. Symptoms include abdominal pain without a gastrointestinal cause (may last up to 72 hours), nausea, vomiting, and flushing or paleness (pallor).Abdominal migraine is most common in children with a family history of migraine. Children who have abdominal migraine often develop typical migraine as they age.
Basilar artery migraine . Symptoms include severe headache, vertigo, double vision, slurred speech, and poor muscle coordination. This type occurs primarily in young people.
Carotidynia Its also called lower-half headache or facial migraine, produces deep, dull, aching, and sometimes piercing pain in the jaw or neck. There is usually tenderness and swelling over the carotid artery in the neck. Episodes can occur several times weekly and last a few minutes to hours. This type occurs more commonly in older people.
Headache-free migraine Its characterized by the presence of aura without headache. This occurs in patients with a history of migraine with aura.
Ophthalmoplegic migraine Its begins with a headache felt in the eye and is accompanied by vomiting. As the headache progresses, the eyelid droops (ptosis) and nerves responsible for eye movement become paralyzed. Ptosis may persist for days or weeks
Status migraine Its involving intense pain that usually lasts longer than 72 hours. The patient may require hospitalization
Some women experience migraine headaches just prior to or during menstruation. These headaches, which are called menstrual migraines, may be related to hormonal changes and often do not occur during pregnancy. Other women develop migraines for the first time during pregnancy or after menopause.
Migraine headache definition
Migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. It is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men. Some individuals can predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by an "aura," visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. People with migraine tend to have recurring attacks triggered by a lack of food or sleep, exposure to light, or hormonal irregularities (only in women). Anxiety, stress, or relaxation after stress can also be triggers. For many years, scientists believed that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head. Investigators now believe that migraine is caused by inherited abnormalities in genes that control the activities of certain cell populations in the brain.
There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people with migraine use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future attacks, and treating attacks when they happen with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function. Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, and other therapies designed to help limit discomfort, may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.
There are two ways to approach the treatment of migraine headache with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people with migraine use both approaches by taking medications originally developed for epilepsy and depression to prevent future attacks, and treating attacks when they happen with drugs called triptans that relieve pain and restore function. Hormone therapy may help some women whose migraines seem to be linked to their menstrual cycle. Stress management strategies, such as exercise, relaxation, biofeedback, and other therapies designed to help limit discomfort, may also reduce the occurrence and severity of migraine attacks.
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