How to cure migraine headaches

What are migraine headaches?

A migraine headache is a severe pain that is typically on one side of the head but

sometimes on both sides. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or

behind one eye. Migraines can occur at any time of the day and can last a few hours

or up to one or two days. Migraine attacks can be very intense, forcing the sufferer to

abandon normal daily activities. Migraine is commonly experienced between the

ages of 15 and 55, most of these sufferers have a family history of migraine and

women are affected more than men.

What causes migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches is a genetically based disease, which may be explained by two different

theories that describe the process of abnormal activity in the brain leading to

migraine headaches.

Blood Flow Theory:

The blood flow theory focuses on the activity of the blood vessels in the brain to

explain the cause of migraine headaches. Blood vessels either expand or contract. When blood

vessels expand, there is increased blood flow and this can put pressure on the

surrounding nerves, which usually causes a throbbing pain. Narrowing of the blood

vessels can reduce blood flow, and may cause dizziness or problems with vision.

Chemical Changes Theory:

Another theory focuses on chemical changes in the brain. Migraine headaches may be caused

by the release of a chemical (known as serotonin) from the storage areas in the

body, into the blood stream. This results in changes in the chemicals that transmit

messages (neurotransmitters) and in the blood vessels of the brain. The blood

vessels on the surface of the brain can expand and send pain messages to part of

the brain that processes information about pain (the brainstem).

What are the symptoms of migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches can be characterised by a combination of two or more of the

following symptoms experienced during a headache:

• Intense pulsating or throbbing headache

• Moderate to intense pain affecting daily activities

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

• Increased sensitivity to smells

• Increased sensitivity to sounds

• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Visual disturbances or aura. (flashing lights, wavy lines, distorted vision, blind spots)

Other neurological symptoms (also known as aura) include:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Difficulty speaking

• Tingling sensation in the limbs

• Tension in the neck and shoulders

• Problems with coordination

What triggers migraine headaches?

Many factors can trigger migraine attacks, and these can vary from person to person:

Light

• Bright light, sunlight, fluorescent lights, car headlights

• Flickering or flashing lights, TV and computer screens

Noise

• Excessive or loud noise especially with a high pitch

Weather changes

• cold wind and humidity

Food

• Lack of food and dehydration (fasting or dieting)

• Alcohol (red wine), nicotine

• Foods containing additives such as MSG and tyramine.

(Note - Tyramine is a natural substance formed from the breakdown of protein

as food ages. Tyramine is also thought to trigger headaches. Examples of foods

and beverages which contain tyramine include: beer, cheese, sour cream,

bananas, red plums, figs, raisins, avocados, eggplant, salami, yoghurt,

chocolate, soy sauce.)

Physical Factors

• Change in sleep patterns

• Neck or shoulder tension

• Over-exertion/tiredness

Emotional Factors

• Stress, anxiety, depression, shock or anger.

Hormone changes

• Menopause, menstruation, pregnancy, contraceptive pill, or HRT

Other triggers

• High blood pressure, dental problems, eyestrain or sinus problems

How to cure migraine headaches?

What if you had to live with your migraine for life? To find out how to cure migraine headaches visit: http://howtocuremigraineheadaches.com/ for a complete migraine management guide.