Migraine Headaches

Migraine Headaches

Severe, often debilitating throbbing pain characterizes migraine headaches. Though for decades the prevailing belief has been that migraines result from vascular (blood vessel) irritation and spasm, recent research suggests the causes of migraine are more complex and that vascular involvement is an outcome, not a cause. Some theories focus on alterations in brain chemistry that change brain functions, particularly on the roles of the ions calcium and magnesium and the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin facilitates the transmission of pain signals in the brain, as well as nerve signals pertaining to emotion. Other theories look to neuropeptides, specialized proteins in the brain, and their stimulation of nerves in the membranes that surround the brain. Still other theories propose an integration of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide activity.

Various factors appear to incite migraine headaches, among them changes in the weather, high altitude, lack of sleep or changes in sleep patterns, certain foods (more than 100 foods are linked with migraines), and bright lights. Migraines sometimes occur following situations of stress, though it is not clear what role the stress has in activating the headache. Some researchers believe cortisol, a hormone key to the body’s stress response, also initiates the pain response of migraine. The triggers for migraines tend to be individualized. Some people experience visual or auditory disturbances (auras) immediately preceding a migraine. Others find certain situations bring on migraines. Learning to identify and avoid migraine triggers helps to prevent the headaches.

Retreating to a dark, quiet room sometimes can head off a migraine. Medications to treat migraine sometimes can avert the headache if taken early enough. Other medications target generalized pain relief. What relieves a migraine varies from man to man and can vary from headache to headache. Sometimes over-the-counter NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and even caffeine can bring relief. Other times more potent medications are necessary, such as narcotics or CORTICOSTEROIDS. Triptan drugs such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan engage serotonin receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals from reaching them. Some men find that low-dose beta antagonist (blocker) medications taken regularly can prevent most of their migraines. Other men are relatively incapacitated until the headache goes away. ACUPUNCTURE, acumassage, MASSAGE THERAPY, BIOFEEDBACK, and relaxation techniques all can help to prevent migraines from occurring and relieve them when they do occur.