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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".

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Natural treatment for migraine relief


Natural migraine relief


There are many natural ingredients as well as therapies that provide relief from migraines. They are:


Feverfew: This herb has been used for centuries as a remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.



5-HTTP: 5-Hydroxytryptophan is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. It is also available in supplement form. Research indicates that it may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.


Magnesium: A mineral that is found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements, it regulates blood sugar levels. It is also needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, functioning of the immune system, blood pressure, and for bone health. Its effectiveness has been studied for migraine relief and promising results were received.



Butterbur: Extracts from this herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma. Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines.


Acupuncture: A component of traditional Chinese medicine, it is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called 'qi', that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the restore balance to the flow of 'qi'. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body. Migraines and tension headaches are effectively treated through the use of acupuncture.


Biofeedback: This is a tool that helps control migraines. With the use of special equipment patients are taught how to monitor and control certain physical responses, such as muscle tension and heart rate. Although not a cure-all, it is a good adjunctive therapy.


Chiropractic: Chiropractic focuses on the musculoskeletal and the nervous system, and the effects of their disorders on general health. Chiropractic treatment primarily includes treating neuromusculoskeletal complaints, like back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and headaches.


Co Q10: This is a naturally-occurring compound found in every cell in the body. It plays a key role in producing energy in the mitochondria, the part of a cell responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP. People use this as migraine treatment also.


Fish Oil: ingesting fish oil capsules may have beneficial effects on migraine.


Magnets: A new therapy that involves the use of magnetic pulses to treat people with chronic migraine with aura may be a safe alternative to drugs.


Massage Therapy: Sometimes acute muscle tension in the neck and shoulders may also lead to migraine. Massaging these muscles to relieve the tension may help cure migraines.


Cefaly for migraine treatment


Cefaly, a novel medical device, has been specially designed to prevent and treat chronic and recurrent headaches. It relieves pain and suffering caused by migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches and stress related headaches. Cefaly utilises sophisticated, state of art technology to apply tried and tested TENS therapy in a novel device that is lightweight, simple to use with proven effectiveness.



Cefaly generates gentle electric impulses that act on the nerve cells and influence the nerves most affected by pain. The electrode in Cefaly covers the centre of the forehead and establishes contact between the nerves innervating the area. Consequently, it acts on all the nerves in the area that are most associated with migraines and headaches.



Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with headache related site headclinic.co.uk. This site provides various information hay fever, stress management. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk


Added: October 4, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Natural-treatment-for-m~

Posted by admin at 5:48 PM  

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