Migraines
Are Your Migraines Acting up?
Understanding Your Biggest Headache (Literally)
Studies show that an estimated 12% of people in the United States experience migraines. A migraine is a severe headache that causes throbbing, pulsing head pain on one side of your head. The headache phase of a migraine usually lasts at least four hours, but it can also last for days. Symptoms are wide-ranging and can include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, light, sound and odor sensitivity, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, increased hunger and thirst, trouble sleeping, frequent urination, muscle weakness, vision changes, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Migraines can be mild or severe and the frequency varies from person to person.
Causes of Migraines
While the exact cause of migraines isn’t known, research suggests that genetics play a role. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 80% of people with migraines have a first-degree biological relative with the condition.
Triggers Can Include:
Factors That Can Make Them Worse:
External factors that can exacerbate a migraine include excessive physical activity, bright lights, loud noises and strong odors. Some people are triggered by preservatives and chemicals in foods such as chocolate, aged cheese, processed foods, cured foods like hotdogs and bacon, food additives like nitrates and MSG, fermented and pickled foods, and alcohol.
Types of Migranes
Understanding The Different Migraine Types
Migraines With Aura
Known as the “classic migraine”, migraines with aura include sensory disturbance symptoms like dizziness, visual disturbances and/or numbness and tingling in the hands or face.
Chronic Migraines
People who experience at least 15 days of headaches per month for three months or more are considered chronic migraine sufferers.
Hemiplegic migraine
This is a more uncommon form of migraine that causes weakness on one side of the body, in addition to other migraine symptoms such as headache, lack of coordination, confusion, difficulty with speech and visual disturbances.
Menstrual Migraine
Menstrual migraines are caused by hormonal changes and typically occur two days before the onset of the menstrual cycle through the third day of bleeding.
Ocular Migraine
Ocular migraines present with visual symptoms such as flashing or seeing spots in one eye. Onset is typically gradual.
Status Migrainosis
Status migrainosis is a painful migraine that lasts longer than 72 hours with more severe symptoms like throbbing head pain, nausea and vomiting.
Alternative Treatment Options
Treating Migraines
The most common treatment for migraines is medication ranging from over-the-counter pain relief medications to stronger prescription medications. Certain vitamins and supplements like B2, magnesium and CoQ10 have been found to help manage migraines. Physical methods include yoga and tai chi. Some migraine sufferers have found relief with Botox injections that block the neurotransmitters that cause muscles to contract and send pain signals to the brain.
Acupuncture dilates the blood vessels and can help eliminate or significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms for migraine sufferers. According to the American Migraine Foundation, a recent systematic review of 22 clinical trials provide evidence that acupuncture reduces the frequency of headache in individuals with migraine by 50% or more. At Restoration Health, we have helped hundreds of patients get relief from migraines. If you’re suffering, make an appointment and get relief today!