Archive for the 'Migraine Causes' Category

Migraine- It?s Causes

January 26th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

What is Migraine ?

Migraine is a neurological disease of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head. Absent serious head injuries, stroke, and tumors, the recurring severity of the pain indicates a vascular headache rather than a tension headache . More than 28 million Americans three times more women than men suffer from migraine headaches, a type of headache that’s often severe. In some cases, these painful headaches are preceded or accompanied by a sensory warning sign such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine headache is also often accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

A migraine can be disabling — with symptoms so severe, all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down. Up to 17 percent of women and 6 percent of men have experienced a migraine.

More than 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraine, with women being affected three times more often than men. This vascular headache is most commonly experienced between the ages of 15 and 55, and 70% to 80% of sufferers have a family history of migraine. Less than half of all migraine sufferers have received a diagnosis of migraine from their healthcare provider. Migraine is often misdiagnosed as sinus headache or tension-type headache.

What are the Causes of migraine?

Until recently, the general theory on the migraine process rested solely on the idea that abnormalities of blood vessel (vascular) systems in the head were responsible for migraines. Now, however, experts tend to believe that migraine starts with an underlying central nervous system disorder. When triggered by various stimuli, this disorder sets off a chain of neurologic and biochemical events, some of which subsequently affect the brain’s vascular system. No experimental model fully explains the migraine process.

There is certainly a strong genetic component in migraine with or without auras. Researchers have located a single genetic mutation responsible for the very rare familial hemiplegic migraine, but several genes are likely to be involved in the great majority of migraine cases. Numerous chemicals, structures, nerve pathways, and other players involved in the process are under investigation.

A migraine begins when, for some reason, blood vessels in the brain narrow (constrict) temporarily. When that happens, the amount of blood and oxygen flowing to the brain drops. So the brain sends a message: “Hey guys, we need some more blood and oxygen here!”

What are migraine triggers?

A migraine trigger is any factor that causes a headache in individuals who are prone to develop headaches. Only a small proportion of migraine sufferers, however, clearly can identify triggers.

Disturbances such as sleep deprivation, too much sleep, poor quality of sleep, and frequent awakening at night are associated with both migraine and tension headaches, whereas improved sleep habits have been shown to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches

Caffeine is contained in many food products (cola, tea, chocolates, coffee) and OTC analgesics.

Some women who suffer from migraine headaches experience more headaches around the time of their menstrual periods.

Simple Free Remedies to Eliminate Migraine Pain Rapidly

January 24th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Simple Free Remedies to Eliminate Migraine Pain QuicklyMillions of people suffer from agonizing migraines. So, what should you do when a painful migraine strikes suddenly? Following are several effective solutions to eliminate migraine pain that are easy to administer and work very quickly. A migraine is an acute headache that is intensely painful and can even be a disabling condition for many. Migraine headaches are quite common among the population in general. In the United States, 18% of females and 6% of men report having had at least one migraine headache during the past twelve months. Migraines affect about 30,000,000 individuals in the United States. They may happen at any age, but most times begin when paeople are between the ages of ten and forty and may begin to lessen after age 50. Some sufferers experience several migraines a month, and others have only a couple of migraines thru their lifetime. Approximately 75% of all migraine sufferers are female.Some individuals report that disturbing visual effects accompany their migraines. These visual symptoms consist of bright sparkling lights around objects or at the perimeters of the field of vision, zigzag lines, wavy images, or hallucinations.Other symptoms may include serious agony in the area of the temples, around the eyes or in the back of the head. Additionally, migraines can be accompanied by nausea, fatigue or tiredness, and mood changes a day or 2 before the headache. One generality can be made regarding migraines; if you suffer from them on a regular basis, it is almost certain that you need a fast-acting solution to eliminate migraine pain.But how are migraines caused? Sometimes migraines are brought on by one or more of the following triggers; anxiety, fatigue, certain medications, alcohol and specific foods. Monosodium glutamate ( also known as MSG ), is assumed to be a common factor in the reason for serious migraines for a number of people. MSG is a frequently used ingredient in Chinese and Asian cuisine.Most home migraine remedies target avoiding circumstances and foods that cause your headaches and the control of your symptoms. If you find that eating particular foods or scenarios are frequently followed by a migraine, stay away from that food or situation in the future. Even though may seem to be common sense, many findividuals don’t make the relationship between the 2 events. Of all the techniques I’ve tried to eliminate migraine pain, a nice warm bath is among the best. A relaxing nice warm soak in the bathtub can quickly reduce some of the problems. If at all possible, turn down the lights in your bathroom. You can do this by using a night light or by using a candle to provide a low light atmosphere. If you are seeing flashing lights, try to lay down in a comfy position and shut your eyes. Carefully massage your temples and the area slightly under the cheek bones. My absolute favorite solution to eliminate migraine pain is a relaxing massage. Massage therapies are usually quite effective techniques to relieve migraine headaches. If you think you have a migraine beginning, get a massage. Headaches and serious migraines are often due to stress. When you’re stressed, your muscles tighten up. A massage works to delicately stretch these tight muscles and help alleviate the accumulated stress in your system. By working the muscles in your neck and shoulders, as well as those at the base of your skull, muscles relax and the discomfort is eliminated. Ideally, this method works best if someone else performs the massage for you. However, if you are alone, it is feasible to give yourself a neck and head massage. A forgotten, but effective technique to eliminate migraine pain involves keeping yourself hydrated. Nearly eighty percent of USA citizens don’t drink sufficient amounts of water and are dehydrated to some degree. And because most people tend to eat or drink small amounts during a serious headache, this may worsen the problem. Dehydration, no matter how mild, may cause headaches or migraines. Although it is an unknown fact, millions of people can get headache pain relief by simply drinking more water. If you believe your headache might be due to dehydration, a few servings of water may be just enough to give you with significant pain relief. This treatment is probably one of the easiest methods to eliminate migraine pain.Many individuals can eliminate migraine pain by reducing your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. These are common triggers. It is also important to ensure that that you are getting adequate sleep, and eating at regular intervals.Some individuals get relief by applying either a cold or warm compress to the effected area. The majority report a cold compress works best, but if the cold is uncomfortable, try a warm compress. Acupressure is another good Technique to eliminate migraine pain. Like acupuncture, it is a well-known alternative treatment for many medical conditions that has been used for millennia. To alleviate pain, squeeze the fleshy area in the web between your thumb and forefinger for a minimum of 5 minutes for a quick method to eliminate migraine pain. Many folks also relieve migraine discomfort by softly rubbing [using small circular motions] the little dents just in front of your ears.Download my newest system and get further info on the most powerful and effective way to Eliminate Migraine Pain !

Poison the Pain ? Botox for Migraines

January 21st, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Botox can make you look better. Did you know it could also make you feel better? Moreover, we are not just talking about self-esteem here. Migraineurs looking to smooth out some wrinkles in their foreheads discovered a happy side effect of the cosmetic treatment—fewer migraines.

Botox, botulinum toxin type A, is a neurotoxin most famous for its use in smoothing wrinkles. The FDA originally approved it in 1989 as a treatment for eye muscle disorders, and the cosmetic use came later.

Botox is thought to work by weakening or paralyzing the muscles by stopping or slowing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). ACh transmit the signal from nerve to nerve to cause muscle contraction. When ACh production is inhibited muscles relax, including those that cause wrinkles.

Acetylcholine is also a neuromodulator. This means it affects how other neurotransmitters function. ACh alternately excites and sedates nerve endings, and it is this ability to suppress excitability that may help migraine patients. One theory on migraine causes is based on the idea of a cascade of nerve excitement in the brain that agitates the arteries in the brain. This in turn stimulates nerve sensitivity, which further inflames the artery, in a vicious circle.

Botulinum toxin is the same agent produced by spoiled food that causes botulism. When used medically, the toxin is injected straight into the muscles and not absorbed into the bloodstream. The dose of toxin required to cause botulism is significantly larger than used in medical applications.

Like most prophylactic migraine treatments, Botox injections may take several weeks to become effective. Depending on the study, Botox has proven effective at reducing migraines for 60-90% of study participants. Injections should be given at least three months apart and the effects should last ten to thirteen weeks. Botox is not currently FDA approved as a migraine treatment.

Understanding Migraine

January 19th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Migraine is a neurological syndrome that causes several symptoms, the most prominent symptom being the headache. Usually, migraine causes severe or moderate one-side and pulsating headache, which may last from four to seventy two hours. The other symptoms may include nausea and vomiting and a great sensitivity to bright lights and noise. A majority of the people having migraine experience a preceding aura, which gives a strange light and unpleasant smell.

Migraine can be classified into four types depending upon the intensity of the headache namely, no pain, mild pain, moderate pain and severe pain. Mild pain is the one that does not disturb the usual day-to-day activities, moderate pain exists but does not fully prevent usual activities and the severe pain disturbs all activities. The most commonly occurring type of headache is the migraine without aura wherein the patients suffer from headache with unilateral location and moderate or severe headache along with nausea and or high sensitivity to bright lights and sound.

Migraine without aura can be diagnosed if there are at least five attacks fulfilling the criteria such as untreated headache for six to forty eight hours, at least two symptoms of unilateral location, moderate or severe pain, obstructing routine physical activity, and pulsating quality. While experiencing a migraine without aura, there must be nausea or vomiting, or sensitivity to light or sound.

The next common type of headache is migraine with aura and people suffering from migraine with aura may also experience without aura. Migraine with aura is characterized by at least two attacks with visual symptoms, sensory symptoms and speech disturbance which are all fully reversible. The visual and sensory symptoms may affect just one side of the body and each symptom may last from 5 to 60 minutes.

Acephalgic migraine is a type of migraine in which the patient may experience other symptoms but not headache. Other types of migraine are abdominal migraine and menstrual migraine. The signs and symptoms of migraine vary from one patient to another and therefore, cannot be generalized. But still, there are four phases of migraine namely, prodrome, which occurs hours or days before the headache, the aura, which is just before the headache, the pain phase, which is the headache and the post drome.

The causes of migraine, known as triggers, can be many. They may be due to environment, behavior, infection, diet and so on. The treatment for migraine headaches may vary from simple remedies like applying hot or cold water to the head, getting adequate rest in a dark and silent room or a cup of coffee at the right time to over-the-counter medications. Naproxen is found to be effective in aborting migraine headache and a light or moderate headache can be controlled through paracetamol. A simple analgesic combined with caffeine may be of great relief.

What is Migraine Headache? And Treatment and Relief

January 16th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

What is Migraine Headache?Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by distorted bodily perceptions, severe headaches, and nausea. Physiologically, the migraine headache is a neurological situation more common to women than to men.The word migraine was borrowed from previous French migraigne (originally as “megrim”, but respelled in 1777 on a contemporary French model). The French term resulting from a vulgar pronunciation of the Late Latin word hemicrania, itself base on Greek hemikrania, from Greek roots for “half” and “skull”.A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by a mixture of vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil about the blood vessels.Migraine CausesThe cause of migraine is unknown. The condition may result from a series of reaction in the middle nervous system caused by changes in the body or in the environment. There is often a family the past of the disorder, suggesting that migraine wounded may inherit sensitivity to triggers that produce inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves about the brain and scalp, causing pain.Causes and Symptoms of MigraineMigraine is the name given to severe headaches, normally lasting from 4 to 72 hours. It is mainly felt s pulsing or throbbing in one area of the head. During migraine, there is contraction or dilation of the blood vessels. Some of the factor that can trigger a migraine attack anxiety, stress, lack of food or sleep, exposure to light and hormonal change (in women).Migraine Treatment and ReliefSome migraine medications aim to prevent a migraine attack while others are available for pain relief. Although there is no well-known cure for a migraine, there are very excellent treatments that can help with the symptoms and provide relief. This guide covers; medical, nutritional, herbal and alternative migraine treatments. Drugs available for the treatment and relief of migraines fall into one of two categories:•    Pain Relief Treatments / Abortive therapy: These drugs are taken once the migraine has set in. These drugs are prescribed for the relief of pain and other migraine symptoms.•    Preventive Treatments / Preventive therapy:  These drugs when taken frequently, often on a daily basis, help reduce the intensity and regularity of migraine headaches.Home Remedy for Migraine ?    Migraine can be treated effectively with the help of fresh grape juice. Grind grapes to extract the juice. Consume the juice in the concentrated form, without adding water. ?    Increase the intake of niacin (vitamin B3), as it has been establish to be helpful in alleviating migraine pain. Some of the food wealthy in niacin are yeast, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, sunflower seeds, liver and fish.?    Cabbage leaves are helpful in relieving the pain of a migraine headache. Squash cabbage leaves and place them in a cloth. Place the cloth on your forehead for sometime. Once the cabbage leaves turn into dry, remove the cloth and make a fresh one. ?    Lemon peel is helpful in solving migraine headache. Grind lemon peel to form a paste and apply it on the forehead. Let it dry and then rinse off with cool water.?    A mixture of carrot juice, either with spinach, beet or cucumber juice, works efficiently in curing migraine. Combine 300 ml of carrot juice with 200 ml of any other juice and drink it. ?    You can also mix 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices, with 300 ml of carrot juice and drink it on a customary basis. ?    Massaging the forehead with primrose oil is useful in curing migraine. It works as an brilliant anti-inflammatory agent, preventing any kind of constriction in the blood vessels.

MIGRAINES PROBLEM

January 11th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

All migraines cause pain, but different varieties cause other symptoms, as well. Classic migraines, may cause auras – strange visual changes that can make you see sparkling or flashing lights or zigzag lines. People with classic migraines may develop blind spots and are often intensely sensitive to light. The aura usually begins about half an hour before the pain sets in, and then it disappears.

 

Unlike classic migraines, common migraines don’t cause auras. Instead, some people with common migraines may experience emotional changes, including depression, before attacks. A third type of migraine, called the complicated migraine, is a combination of classic and common migraines. People with complicated migraines will have auras before the pain, which don’t always go away once the headache begins. In fact, the auras may last longer than the pain itself.

 

Doctors still aren’t sure what causes migraines. They appear to be related to the alternation expansion and contraction of blood vessels in the brain. Women are three times as likely as men to get migraines, and there appears to be a hereditary link. And for some reason, migraines rarely occur during pregnancy.

 

Migraines can be extremely serious and doctors usually treat them with powerful prescription drugs. But there are also things you can do at home to blunt the pain and possible help prevent them from coming back.

 

Cool it down. At the first sign of an attack, splash your face with cold water, then apply an ice pack wrapped in towels to your head and lie down in a dark, quiet room The ice will act to constrict blood vessels, reducing irritation of nerves in the head.

 

Head for bed. Doctors agree that sleep is one of the best ways of stopping a migraine. It’s not always easy to sleep when you’re in pain, of course, but it’s worth giving it a try. Turn our the lights, breathe slowly and deeply, and do everything possible to relax. If you’re able to sleep, there’s a good chance you’ll wake up pain-free.

             **************************************************************

                                         WHEN TO SEE THE DOCTOR

 

              There’s nothing simple about migraines. They’re hard to treat, hard to  

              prevent, and ten to recur. Most people with migraines learn the best tricks for 

              handling them at home – turning out the lights, for example, or just taking it

              easy. But is the headaches are accompanied by seizures or severe confusion,

              or if the pain is significantly different or more severe than usual, you should

              call your doctor right away.

             **************************************************************

 

Relax often. Prevention may be your best bet when it comes to migraines. Research suggests that reducing stress and relaxing will help reduce the risk of migraines. This only works if you do it regularly, however. In fact, people who don’t relax very often are more likely to get migraines during vacations or on weekends that at other times – probably because the body has become so accustomed to an adrenaline-fueled lifestyle that it’s unable to adapt to the change. It’s essential to make rest and relaxation a regular part of your schedule, doctors say.

 

Watch what you eat. Certain foods are notorious migraine triggers. The worst offenders include red wine, chocolate, aged cheese, milk, chicken livers, meats preserved with nitrated (like, hot dogs, and delicatessen meats), and anything prepared with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

 

Have a handful of nuts. Researchers have found that people prone to migraines often get too little magnesium in their diets. Along with dark green leafy vegetables and fruits, nuts are an excellent source of this important mineral, which has been shown to relax the muscles, including muscles in the head and scalp. Other magnesium sources are brown rice, spinach, oatmeal, potatoes, bananas, beans, and yogurt.

 

Stay in shape. Doctors have found that people who stay in shape are less likely to have migraines than those who are more sedentary – probably because people who exercise tend to have less stress as well as better circulation and stronger blood vessels. It’s good idea to get some aerobic exercise – by walking, jogging, swimming, biking, or even dancing – three or four times a week.

 

Although exercise can help prevent migraines, it’s not a treatment. Moving around when you’re in the midst of an attack will make you feel worse not better.

Effective All Natural Home Migraine Remedies That Eliminate Pain Quickly

January 10th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Effective Natural Home Migraine Remedies That Relieve Pain Quickly What can you do when an agonizing headache or migraine strikes suddenly and you are looking for home migraine remedies that work quick? Many individuals take aspirin or ibuprofen, but this treatment is probably not acceptable for everyone. Taking these and other drugs on a consistent can have significant unpleasant side effects on your system like stomach ulcers and kidney problems. And although other drugs might be available, most of them have heaps of other scary side effects.Millions of people suffer from unpleasant migraines. So, what should you do when an excruciating migraine strikes suddenly? Following are some great home migraine remedies that you can apply quickly and get fast relief. A migraine is an acute headache that is extremely painful and can even be a disabling condition for most. Migraines are very common among the population in general. In the United States, 18% of women and 6% of males report having had at least one migraine headache in the past 12 months. Migraines affect about 30 million people in the United States. They may occur to individuals of any age, but typically begin between the ages of 10 and forty and may begin to diminish after the age of 50. Some people experience many migraines a month, while others have only a few migraines thru their lifetime. Roughly 75% of all migraine sufferers are women.Some people complain that disturbing visual effects accompany their migraines. These visual symptoms include; bright sparkling lights around objects or at the edges of their field of vision, zigzag lines, wavy lines, or hallucinations.Other symptoms can include severe pain in the area of the temples, around the eyes or in the back of the head. In addition, migraines could be accompanied by nausea, fatigue or exhaustion, and mood changes a day or two before the headache. One generality can be made regarding migraines; if you suffer from them on a regular basis, you are probably looking for home migraine remedies that work fast. But how are migraines caused? In most cases, migraines are caused by the following events; stress, fatigue, certain medications, alcohol and specific foods. Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG ), is thought to be a factor in the reason for serious migraines for a number of folks. MSG is a commonly used ingredient in Chinese and Asian cooking.Conventional home remedies for migraine headaches concentrate on trigger avoidance and symptom control. If you find that eating certain foods or scenarios are often followed by a migraine, stay away from that food or situation in the future. Although this may appear to be common sense, many of us don’t readily see the connection between the two occurrences. Of all the home migraine remedies I’ve tried, a nice warm bath is among the best. A relaxing warm bath can quickly eliminate some of the problems. If you are able to, turn down the lights in your bathroom. You can do this by employing a night light or by lighting a candle to provide a low light atmosphere. If you are having visual effects like flashing lights, lie back in a comfortable position and shut your eyes. Carefully massage your temples or the area slightly below your cheek bones. Among all of the home migraine remedies that I’ve tried, a massage is my absolute favorite. Massage therapies are frequently effective techniques to relieve migraine headaches. If you feel a migraine coming on, get a massage. Headaches and serious migraines are frequently caused by stress. When you’re stressed, every muscle in your body tightens up. A massage works to delicately relax these tight muscles and help alleviate the amassed tension in your system. By massaging the back of your neck and shoulders, as well as those at the base of the skull, muscles relax and the pain is eliminated. Ideally, this system works best if someone else does it for you but, if that is not an option, it is possible to give yourself a neck and head massage. A little known, but effective home migraine remedies involves the simple act of drinking water. About 80% of USA citizens don’t drink an adequate amount of water and are dehydrated to some extent. And because most people tend to eat or drink very little during a serious headache, this can make the pain worse. Dehydration, however mild, can cause headaches or make them worse. Though it’s an unknown fact, a lot of folks can get headache pain relief by simply consuming more water. If you think your headache might be due to dehydration, a few servings of water may be just enough to provide you with headache pain relief. This treatment is certainly one of the easiest home migraine remedies that I know of.Another of the great home migraine remedies is moderation in your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. These are common triggers. It is also important to ensure that that you are getting sufficient sleep, and eating meals at regular intervals.Some people relieve pain by using either a cold or warm compress to the back of the neck, forehead, or temples. Most folks report that a cold compress works best, but if that is not effective, try a warm compress. Acupressure is also one of the great home migraine remedies. Like acupuncture, it’s a well-known alternative cure for many medical conditions that has been successfully applied for thousands of years. To alleviate pain, squeeze the fleshy area in the web between your thumb and forefinger for a minimum of 5 minutes for one of the quick home migraine remedies. Many folks also relieve migraine pain by softly rubbing [using tiny circular motions] the small dents just in front of your ears.If you have tried these home migraine remedies and are still in pain, there are other good alternatives. Get additional information by downloading my other fast acting Home Migraine Remedies

Amazing Natural Home Migraine Cure Relieves Headache Pain Fast

January 8th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Great All Natural Home Migraine Cure Eliminates Headache Pain FastWhat are you to do when an agonizing migraine comes on all of a sudden and you are looking for a home migraine cure that gives immediate relief? Many individuals take aspirin or ibuprofen, but this treatment may not be acceptable for everybody. Taking these and other drugs on a consistent can have significant unpleasant side effects on your body like stomach ulcers and kidney problems. And though other drugs may be available, most of them have tons of other scary side effects.Millions of people suffer from distressing migraines. So, what should you do when a painful migraine strikes suddenly? Following are some great home migraine cure treatments that work quickly and are easy to do. A migraine is a severe headache that is intensely painful and can be a condition that is disabling many. Migraine headaches are quite common among the population as a whole. In the U.S., 18% of women and 6% of men report having had at least one migraine in the past twelve months. Migraines affect about 30,000,000 individuals in the US. They may happen at any age, but typically begin between the ages of 10 and 40 and may begin to lessen after the age of 50. Some people experience several migraines a month, while others have only a couple of migraines thru their lifetime. Roughly 75% of the migraine sufferers are female.Some people complain that visual problems accompany their migraines. These visual symptoms include; bright sparkling lights surrounding objects or at the perimeters of the field of vision, zigzag lines, wavy images, or hallucinations.Additional symptoms may include severe pain in the area of the temples, around the eyes or in the back of the head. In addition, migraines can be accompanied by nausea, fatigue or tiredness, and mood changes a day or 2 before the headache. One generality can be made regarding migraines; if you suffer from them on regularly, you are sure to be looking for a home migraine cure that takes effect right away. But how are migraines caused? Sometimes migraines are caused by the following events; anxiety, fatigue, certain medications, alcohol and specific foods. Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG ), is assumed to be a common factor in the reason for serious migraines for a number of individuals. MSG is a commonly used ingredient in Chinese and Asian cuisine.Conventional home remedies for migraine headaches target trigger avoidance and the control of your symptoms. If you notice that particular foods or situations are frequently followed by a migraine, stay away from that food or situation in the future. Although this may seem to be common sense, many findividuals don’t make the connection between the 2 events. Of the many home migraine cure solutions I’ve tried, a nice warm bath is among the best. A relaxing warm bath can quickly reduce some of your symptoms. If at all possible, lower the lights in your bathroom. Do this by using a night light or by lighting a candle to provide a low light atmosphere. If you experience visual effects like flashing lights, lie back in a comfortable position and shut your eyes. Gently massage the area surrounding your temples or the area slightly below your cheek bones. A massage is my favorite home migraine cure . Massage therapies are usually quite effective techniques to relieve migraine headaches. If you feel a migraine coming on, get a massage. Headaches and serious migraines are often due to stress. When you are stressed, your muscles tighten up. A massage works to effectively relax these tight muscles and help alleviate the amassed tension in your body. By massaging the back of your neck and shoulders, as well as those at the base of the skull, muscles relax and the discomfort disappears. Ideally, this method works best if someone else does it for you but, if that is not a choice, it is feasible to do a head and neck massage on yourself. A little known, but effective home migraine cure techbniques involves the simple act of drinking water. Almost eighty percent of Americans don’t drink sufficient amounts of water and are dehydrated to some degree. And because most folk have a tendency to eat or drink small amounts when having a serious migraine, this can intensify the pain. Dehydration, however mild, can cause headaches or make them worse. Though it’s a little known fact, millions of people can get migraine pain relief by simply consuming more water. If you believe your migraine could be due to dehydration, a few cups of water could be just the thing to give you with headache pain relief. This treatment is probably the simplest home migraine cure that I am aware of.Another great home migraine cure is moderation in your consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Use them in moderation or stop drinking them altogether. It is quite common for these items to cause migraines. It is also important to ensure that that you are getting sufficient sleep, and eating at regular intervals.Some individuals relieve pain by applying either a cold or warm compress to the back of the neck, forehead, or temples. Most folks report that a cold compress works best, but if that is not effective, try a warm compress. Accupressure is another great home migraine cure. Like acupuncture, it is a well known alternative treatment for numerous problems that has been used for millennia. To alleviate pain, squeeze the fleshy area in the web between your thumb and forefinger for a minimum of 5 minutes for a quick and easy home migraine cure. Many of us can also get relief from migraine discomfort by gently rubbing [using small circular motions] the small dents just in front of your ears.If you have attempted these home migraine cure solutions and are still experiencing discomfort, there are other good alternatives. Get additional information by downloading my fast acting Home Migraine Cure

What Are The Exact Causes Of Migraine Headaches?

January 7th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

Have you ever wonder what the exact cause of migraine is? Sadly, it has yet to be discovered, since migraine causes has several theories, and many cases are diagnosed with unknown cause.

Some of the explanations may be issues in the central nervous system, a different environment or changes in your body. But recent research has concluded that migraine can have hereditary roots, and it may pass from generation to generation, usually indicated by an inflammation in the blood vessels which causes pain in the area.

There are plenty of trigging stimulus for a migraine headache such as: hormonal imbalance, bad sleeping habits, certain foods, alcohol or drugs consumption, episodes of stress, certain medicines and perfumes. Although these stimulus themselves are not the cause for the headache but the trigger, avoiding them can reduce migraine episodes, both in intensity as in frequency.

A migraine episode is extremely painful, and the pain changes and becomes more acute when moving around, coughing or lowering the head. The pain takes diverse forms, it can be pulsating or throbbing, and it can also cause dizziness, vomiting and sensibility to the light and sound. Migraine headaches are so painful that the person finds it difficult to carry a normal, everyday life while having a migraine episode.

What’s a migraine headache like?

Those who suffer or have ever suffered a migraine headache know the answer very well. A migraine headache starts with pain located on one side of the head, but it gradually spreads. It’s extremely painful and it gets worse with physical activity, even with everyday life activities. It’s sometimes accompanied by nausea sensation and vomit. Usually, people who suffer from migraine headaches also become sensitive to sounds and sources of light. If the person doesn’t take any type of medication, a migraine episode could last anywhere from an afternoon to three days. The frequency varies from person to person since episodes may occur once or twice a week or a year.

Another theory claims that the inflammation produced in the blood vessels alongside with hormones and chemical released into the body may cause the painful migraine episodes.

Recent research has shown that smoking can cause severe migraine headaches, both in smokers and in second-hand smokers. This is due to nicotine. Nicotine makes the blood vessels in the head to narrow, therefore causing a headache.

Stop looking for the exact cause of migraine. Go see your doctor instead, since migraine headaches cannot be solved with regular over the counter painkiller, but your doctor will prescribe a specific medicine for migraine.

Causes of Migraines – What You Need to Know

January 5th, 2010 -- Posted in Migraine Causes | No Comments »

If you’re a migraine sufferer, then you understand just how painful they can be. You also know how migraine headaches, when they strike, can take over your life and stop in your tracks. To get relief from the pain of migraines you need to first figure out what causes your migraine headaches and then, of course, avoid that trigger. To help you determine what may be triggering your own headaches, here’s a look at some common causes of migraines.

Hormonal Changes

While the exact relationship isn’t known, a change in estrogen levels seems to trigger migraines in some women.

Food

Certain types of foods cause migraines in some people. Some of the most common food triggers are beer, red wine, chocolate, caffeine, and processed foods such as those that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) and nitrates (hotdogs and certain lunchmeats). Aspartame, used to sweeten beverages, has been linked to migraines. Skipping a meal can also trigger a migraine.

Stress

Extended periods of extreme stress can also be the cause of migraines.

Sensory Stimuli

Another one of the many causes of migraines is sensory stimuli. Loud noises, stroang scents, and flashing lights have been known to trigger migraine headaches.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

Going from sleeping at night to sleeping during the day or vice versa can trigger a migraine headache. Too much or even too little sleep can also trigger migraines.

Physical Exertion

Sudden periods of exercise can cause migraines in people.

Medication

Almost any medication can cause migraine headaches. It all depends on the medication and how your body reacts to that medication. Starting or stopping a medication can often cause a migraine.

Caffeine

Too much, or sudden withdrawal from, caffeine, can trigger a migraine.

Weather

Changes in weather conditions such as quick temperature or barometric pressure changes can bring on a migraine.

The list of migraines causes will probably grow as the medical community continues to gain a better understand of the causes of migraines. For now, some of the most common causes of migraines are hormonal changes, food, stress, sensory stimuli, a change in sleep patterns, physical exertion, caffeine, weather changes, and medication. If you are a migraine sufferer, then you need to first look at this commone causes as the possible casues of your own migraines. By determining the cause, you can then avoid future migraine headaches.

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