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".

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Treatment of Headache Pain Relief


Headaches


Headaches affect a large proportion of us at one stage in our lives, although degrees will vary. For some of us, headaches can prove so severe that they interfere with our daily routine, leaving us incapacitated for periods. The headache is a condition that is associated with shooting or throbbing pains in the head, although some pain experienced in the lower neck area and back can also be associated with headaches.

It is often difficult to identify a single cause for the condition although we can identify some key contributories. These can include eye strain, swelling of the sinuses and more severe conditions like blood clots and even brain cancer.


How are headaches classified?


There are two main types of headache which are primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches include migraine, tension headache, cluster episodes and a variety of less common types of headache. Out of these, tension headaches are arguably the most common. Around 90% of adults suffer from this type of head pain although they are more common in women.



Migraine headaches are the second most common primary headache, affecting millions of us worldwide. In the US alone, around 12% of the population will experience some form of migraine. Cluster headaches are another form of primary headache. They affect around 0.1% of us and 85% of these are experienced by the male population. Generally speaking, the majority of sufferers are between 28 and 30 years of age.



Headaches in children



Headaches also affect children, particularly before puberty. Unlike adults, boys and girls are affected to equal levels. However, women will experience more severe headache than men. (6% of men and 18% of women)



How can we treat headaches?



The majority of headaches can be treated with every day medications, available from any local pharmacist. However, in the event that a particular episode becomes too painful, there are a number of easy solutions. Cefaly is a great example. It is an advanced device that has been medically proven to reduce the symptoms associated with tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraines. It works to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Another popular solution is the BioEnergiser Classic Detox Foot Spa an effective detoxifying foot bath that will work to balance and reenergise the body, through the extraction of unwanted toxins. It has been proven to reduce pain.



Are there any natural remedies?


One particular remedy made with natural ingredients include the 'flowers of henna', which have been proven to cure headache pain that can result from over exposure to the sun. You simply need to rub it into vinegar before massaging it into your forehead.



Autor: MarkBevan

Webmaster associated with migraine headache relief site. This site provides various information on migraine relief and tension headache relief treatment. Resources are available on site headclinic.co.uk


Added: October 28, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Treatment-of-Headache-P~

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