Overview

Migraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by altered bodily experiences, painful headaches, and nausea. It is a common condition which affects women more frequently than it does men.

The typical migraine headache is one-sided and pulsating, lasting 4 to 72 hours. Accompanying complaints are nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia) and noise (hyperacusis). Approximately one third of people who experience migraine get a preceding aura, in which a patient may sense a strange light or unpleasant smell. Patients often describe triggers they feel precipitate an episode of migraine, such as certain foods and beverages (like chocolate or alcohol), stress or menstruation. In some migraine types there are typical features but the headache remains absent, and in children abdominal pain may be a prominent feature.

Although the exact cause of migraine remains unknown, the most widespread theory is that it is a disorder of the serotonergic control system. Genetic factors may also contribute. Studies on twins show that genes have a 60 to 65% influence on the development of migraine. Fluctuating hormone levels show a relation to migraine in several ways: three quarters of adult migraine patients are female while migraine affects approximately equal numbers of boys and girls before puberty,[citation needed] and migraine is known to disappear during pregnancy in a substantial number of sufferers.

The treatment of migraine begins with simple painkillers for headache and anti-emetics for nausea, and avoidance of triggers if present. Specific anti-migraine drugs can be used to treat migraine. If the condition is severe and frequent enough, preventative drugs might be considered.

The word migraine is French in origin and comes from the Greek hemicrania, as does the Old English term megrim. Literally, hemicrania means "half (the) head".

Friday, September 11, 2009

What Is The Link Between Stress And Headaches?

It is widely believed that one in seven people in the United States gets a headache every day of their life! Now, most of these that are experienced are not migraines but can be many other types of headaches including stress headaches. But is stress actually responsible for these headaches and how are they connected?

Well, medically there is no exact definition for this type of headache but it is known to be caused by tension in the muscles of the forehead, neck, and face that can be caused by stress. So, essentially, stress has a connection to headaches because it induces the tension and muscle contraction that is the root of the pain you feel. Naturally, if you can reduce your stress you will be able to reduce this tension in the muscles and often times can prevent headaches from occurring.

Science has in recent years developed very effective treatments and medicines for migraine headache sufferers but little has been designed to handle stress headaches. The common thread between migraines and tension headaches is that both cause inflammation which is related to the nervous system which controls our adrenaline. Adrenaline created energy within our muscles and nerves which triggers other chemical responses leading to excess inflammation and ultimately pain.

Tension or stress can lead to habits such as teeth grinding, frowning, squinting and other things caused by negative emotions. These behaviors lead to further pain and can make the headache worse. So, if this sounds like something you do, you should definitely look into stress management and relaxation techniques. By practicing these techniques, you will keep your muscles relaxed and prevent those behaviors that can cause headaches.

Try to relax your face, jaw, and eyes as well as your shoulders and neck muscles. Massage can be very effective in relaxing these muscles and can go a long way in preventing or at the very least lessening the severity of your headaches. If you suffer from frequent stress headaches, the good news is that you can naturally heal yourself without relying on medications or expensive treatments by simply learning how to reduce and handle your stress levels.

Autor: Sarah McCurdy

If you would like more info about Stress and Headaches go to http://www.healthlog.org where you will find free health articles, tips and advice.


Added: September 11, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/What-Is-The-Link-Betwee~

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