Migraine Headaches

Migraine Headaches HH 382 By: Fei Zhao, Kacey Barberini, Shelly Gumpert, RaeLea Olson, See Xiong, and Wei Bing .

What is a migraine? • A migraine is now recognized as a chronic illness, not simply as a headache. • In general, there are four symptom phases to a migraine (although they may not all occur in every patient) • The pro-drome phase • Auras phase • The attack phase • The post-drome phase • There are two types of migraine --- migraine with aura and migraine without aura.

CausesWhat causes a migraine is not completely understood and can vary from person to person • Certain types of foods such as MSG, caffeine, red wine and chocolate • Hormonal changes, especially for woman during the menstrual cycle • Changes in the weather • Muscular tension • Bright or fluorescent lights or sunlight, loud noises strong odors • Migraines can also be triggered by emotional factors, including not only negative feelings like frustration, anxiety or depression, but also by relaxation and positive feelings such as excitement. • Changes in serotonin levels in the brain. • Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, causes the blood vessels to become more narrow (vasoconstriction) and may affect a person's sensitivity to pain. • About 80% of people with migraine headaches have a family history of migraines, which suggests that migraines have a genetic basis.

SymptomsSymptoms of migraine headaches could occur in various combinations, and will vary from person to person • The pain from a migraine can range anywhere from pounding or throbbing pain it often begins as a dull ache and develops into a throbbing pain. • The pain can often be worsened by physical activity • The location of the migraine can be either in the front of the head, at the temples, behind one eye or all over the head • Other symptoms:. sensitivity to light, noise, or odors.nausea and vomiting, stomach upset. loss of appetite. sensation of being very warm or cold. paleness. fatigue. dizziness. blurred vision. diarrhea. fever (very rare)

Warning SignsIt is common to sense a migraine before it starts. • Common warning signs include nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, or smells • Often one may see an “aura” of flashing lights or colors • Tunnel vision is also possible • The warning signs may last about 15 – 30 minutes and are followed by the pain of the migraine itself

Treatment • Doctor prescribed medications such as imitrex have significantly helped many suffers • The use of over the counter drugs such as Excedrin migraine have also been helpful to many • Keeping a headache log book and learning what triggers to avoid or look for prior to a migraine • Using the triggers or warning signs as a form of preventive medicine, catching the headache before it starts could be the best form of treatment

Alternative Treatments • Acupuncture involves insertion and manipulation of fine needles at various, prescribed body- pressure points. • Biofeedback Biofeedback encompasses a range of relaxation therapies designed to control the body's response to stress. Techniques include deep breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization. • Chiropractic methods employ a holistic approach to pain relief through massage, spinal manipulation and periodic adjustment of joints and soft tissue. • Aromatherapy - Rosemary is generally held to be the best essential oil to use, although aromatherapists also recommend peppermint and chamomile. • Red Pepper- A report in environmental Nutrition showed it helps relieve the pain of cluster headaches, extremely severe pain on one side of the head. • Headache sufferers rubbed a red pepper mixture inside their nostrils and outside their nose. 75% reported less pain and fewer headaches. • Use – in food, season to taste. External use – mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of warm vegetable oil and rub it into the affected area. Side affect – burning sensation, but will subside within a week. • Safety – red pepper should not be given to children under age 2.

Preventative Tips • Preventing Migraines comes from taking charge with yourself and your lifestyle • Monitoring headache patterns, observing dietary patterns, and working toward lifestyle changes can be effective in preventing migraines • Undergoing Behavioral Treatments, such as learning biofeedback

Possible foods to avoid Cheese Chocolate Eggs Onions Mustard Red Wine Cultured or fermented foods Coffee or tea with caffeine Alcoholic Beverages Foods with additives such as nitrites, MSG, or aspartame Lifestyle changes to consider Maintain regular sleep patterns Exercise regularly Eat regular meals Reduce/Limit Stress Avoid “known” triggers (i.e. certain foods) Establish daily routines that help reduce migraine attacks Preventative Tips cont.

BehavioralTreatments Biofeedback therapy – a technique where people learn to gain control of their body’s internal functions Specifically learning to sense changes in the body’s activity, and using relaxation and other techniques to control the body’s responses MonitoringHeadaches Use a headache diary Note triggers Track progress Frequency Severity Disability Identify patterns Preventative Tips cont.

Headache Assessment Quiz 1. Have moderate to severe pain? Never Rarely Usually Always 2. Have pulsating, pounding or throbbing pain? Never Rarely Usually Always 3. Have worse pain on one side of your head? Never Rarely Usually Always 4. Have worse pain when you move or bend over? Never Rarely Usually Always 5. Have nausea? Never Rarely Usually Always 6. Have sensitivity to or are bothered by light? Never Rarely Usually Always 7. Have sensitivity to or are bothered by sound? Never Rarely Usually Always 8. Need to limit or avoid daily activities? Never Rarely Usually Always 9. Want to lie down in a quiet, dark room? Never Rarely Usually Always 10. See visual disturbances, spots, or light flashes? Never Rarely Usually Always

Assessment Quiz cont. • If you answered “usually” or “always” to 3 or more questions, your headaches could actually be migraines • Of course one can never be sure unless speaking to your standard doctor first Source: www.imitrex.com

Websites sited • www.webmd.com • www.achenet.org/prevention/2.php • http://www.greatlakespaincenter.com/migraine.htm

Migraine Headaches