Seeking Relief from Migraines

A migraine is considered to be the most debilitating type of headache, affecting nearly one in 10 Canadians, the majority of whom are women. Migraines are not completely understood by the medical community or even by those who experience them, which may account for why they often go untreated.

What are Migraines?

Migraines are chronic, which means that they are recurring events, and are believed to be related to the bodily chemistry of those who suffer from them. Migraine relief is also not well defined, and may come only after a period of trial and error to those seeking treatment. However, certain types of medications have shown promising results in relieving the pain associated with migraines, and lifestyle changes may be useful as a preventive measure.

A migraine is known as a primary headache because it does not emanate from some other medical condition, such as a brain tumor or trauma to the head. It is often preceded by unusual visual sensations, including flashing light patterns or even a partial loss of sight. The headache itself involves throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head and in the area around the temples, often behind the eyes and occasionally near the ears. Accompanying symptoms may include tingling or numbness on one side of the body and nausea or vomiting.

What Triggers Migraines?

The predisposition of a person to migraine attacks may be hereditary, and those who experience them are more likely to have suffered from other chronic health disorders, including asthma, arthritis and high blood pressure. The triggering mechanism for them can include stress and fatigue, hunger, the exposure to bright lights or loud noises, or the consumption of chocolate, beer, red wine and nicotine products.

Migraine Treatments

Such drugs as ergotamine tartrate and propranolol, both of which reduce the swelling of blood vessels in the brain, have for some time been prescribed for those suffering from migraines, while medications that were designed for the treatment of heart conditions and depression have also shown promise in relieving related pain. Triptans, which cause chemical reactions in cells, are among the newer drugs used to treat migraines. Acetaminophen, long known by its brand name Tylenol, can be beneficial when the pain is mild or moderate.

Natural Migraine Treatments

Beyond treatment with drugs, migraine relief can sometimes be achieved through rest and relaxation, preferably in a room where there is minimal light and noise. The application of an ice pack to the base of the skull has brought comfort to many sufferers, while massage and certain relaxation techniques have also proven to be successful in some cases. Prevention is sometimes a matter of avoiding alcoholic beverages and certain types of foods and finding ways to reducing stress and tension. Much more needs to be done in terms of both treating and preventing migraines, especially when considering that some 40 percent of the Canadian women who have experienced them have not sought professional help.

More information about migraines and their treatment can be obtained from articles located at:

http://headachenetwork.ca/category/basic-information/what-causes-migraines

http://www.canadianliving.com/search_all.php?search_fulltext=migraines&=&=

http://www.mychronicmigraine.ca/about-chronic-migraine/

www.ncbi.nlm.gov/pubmed/23848988

http://www.webmd/migraine-headaches.htm

About Author : This informative article was written to provide information on migraine relief treatment for adults
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