Massage Therapy And Curing Headaches

Unfortunately, almost everyone has suffered the pain of a headache at some time. They can last for a few hours up to several days, and sometimes involve symptoms such as sensitivity to light and nausea. They can seriously impact daily life when they occur frequently or for an extended period of time.

A great hidden benefit of massage therapy is that headaches are relieved whilst the side effects that are often accompanied by prescription medication are avoided.

Since many tension and migraine headaches are accompanied by neck pain, headache sufferers find that manual therapies such as massage offer relief from headache pain and related symptoms. Because massage therapy relaxes tense muscles, relieves muscle spasms, improves blood flow and aids relaxation, it can be helpful for relieving the pain of both tension and vascular headaches.

The most common types of headaches are muscle tension and vascular headaches. Muscle tension headaches produce dull, constant pain on both sides of the head and may also involve an aching neck or sensitive scalp. The usual time scale is that they commence slowly and can unfortunatley last from hours to even days.

Another term for muscle tension headaches is muscle contraction headaches due to the tightening of the groups of muscles around the area of the head, face and neck that is the cause of the pain. You can now understand why it is that tension headache sufferers are often describing their symptoms as a "vice-like grip" at their temples or even as tightening bands around their forehead or along the base of the head.

Vascular headaches are the ones many people describe as "pounding" or "throbbing." They occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain and the muscles in the head swell and constrict. Vascular headache pain intensifies with physical activity and typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours. It may be associated with other symptoms such as vision problems, extreme sensitivity to light, and nausea. Migraines, cluster headaches and headaches that result from high blood pressure are all examples of the vascular type.

The relief that is created by massage therapy for both types of these headaches includes easing muscle tension and spasms, releasing shortened muscles plus the important effect of the relaxation of tension that is held in the muscles of the head, shoulders and neck. When muscle tension eases, there is less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that supply them. Oxygen-rich blood circulation improves, which also relieves pain. Massage therapy not only helps the muscles of the body to relax but also effectively reduces the anxiety and mental stress that can cause or exacerbate headaches.

Regular, ongoing massage therapy can also help to prevent headaches by helping to reduce overall stress and the muscle tension that can trigger headache pain and by helping to maintain emotional balance.


Autor: Michael Tasker

Discover the secret to heal, improve, relieve, relax, even arouse just with the power of your hands. The beneficial effects of massage therapy are too often ignored as a natural method of easing common ailments. It is not difficult to learn the basics of massage and it can be down at home. Discover how you can harness the power of your hands and be able to massage with confidence at www.massagedvd.info

Added: January 30, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Massage-Therapy-And-Cur~

I Can't Kick Coffee, I Get Such A Headache

Did you know that Coca-Cola started life as a headache remedy?
Surprised? Most people associate caffeine with causing headaches when they stop drinking coffee - and that is true. But it can also treat headaches.

I"m confused already. How can it do both?

Let"s start at the beginning. Caffeine is actually a stimulant drug that works on the central nervous system. The World Heath Organization considers caffeine to be safe and says that it has no resemblance to addictive drugs that can wreak havoc in peoples" lives. People call it "addictive" because it can cause symptoms if you stop drinking it. Used properly, it can make you more alert, less tired and it can even help with muscle co-ordination.

Caffeine to be found in every-day medication

If you ever read the small print on boxes of over-the-counter headache remedies and prescription medications, you will see that caffeine is a common ingredient. Caffeine added to some painkillers can make them 40% more efficient in getting rid of headaches - which is a huge effect.

It can also get your headache under control more quickly as it helps the medication to be absorbed into the body faster. These benefits mean that less of the medication need to be taken - which lowers the chance of side effects and even potential drug addiction.

Migraine coming on? Have a coffee.

Many migraine sufferers have discovered that they can keep a migraine at bay by having a coke or a cup of coffee, at the first sign of one. This works because much of migraine pain is caused by enlarged blood vessels pressing on the nerves surrounding them. One of the actions of caffeine is to constrict blood vessels. The effects of caffeine can be felt within half an hour and can last for between three and five hours.

This all sounds great! So whats bad about caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant so it can be a great pick-me-up but it can also drop you back down again - especially if you take your coffee with sugar. Coffee can avert a migraine - but one of the worst things that a migraine sufferer can do is to drink large amounts of sugary coffee on an empty stomach. It can send your blood sugar levels soaring and that in itself can bring on a headache. It helps to combine it with food, drink decaf or cut down the sugar.

Caffeine is also a diuretic. Research has found that migraine sufferers benefit from increasing their magnesium levels, but caffeine may be getting rid of it as fast as you"re putting it in.

The dangers of hidden caffeine

People often have difficulty sleeping when they"ve drunk too much coffee. But what if you haven"t over-indulged? Don"t forget that caffeine can also be found in tea, chocolate and other soft drinks - and don"t forget those painkillers. It can all add up.

I want to give up caffeine but won"t I get a withdrawal headache?

A person has to intake at least 15 grams of caffeine each month in order to suffer from a caffeine withdrawal headache. So if you drink 4-6 cups of coffee a day, you could get the headache.
The average daily consumption of caffeine in America is 200-300mg - that"s 2-3 cups. So if you fall into this category you should be ok.

The best method of cutting caffeine out all together is a gradual reduction over a period of time.

So caffeine is good and bad for my headaches...

Yes, it is. You really have to find what works for you. People react differently to different amounts too. The only way to find out is to experiment.

Autor: David Wilding

For more helpful information on caffeine headaches visit http://Headache.HealthHows.com a resource rich site on all types of head aches, with tips and ideas for their treatment.

Added: January 30, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

You Can Heal Your Life

The book that changed my thinking about health and our ability to heal our bodies is the classic from Louise Hay "You Can Heal Your Life."

This is the single greatest book on the power of our emotions and thoughts on our overall health.

Louise Hay has healed herself from cancer. She explains how she does it in this very enlightening book. Louise was way ahead of her time as her first copy of this book was back in 1984. There have been countless updates as this is a perennial winner in the health and healing world.

When I first read this book I would read about the illness I had at the time such as a sore throat and see what the good book had to say. For example, when we experience a sore throat, we are "holding in angry words. Feeling unable to express the self."

Louise recommends contemplating the root issues of a sore throat - what are you angry at or unable to express? Moreover, she advises you to repeat the affirmation " I release all restrictions, I am free to be me."

You will be amazed at how changing your thoughts and focusing on your pending emotional issue can arrest any illness. By going to the root emotional cause, the illness dissipates.

Just last year I woke up with a migraine headache and I was really bummed out about it since I had a very fun day planned.

My first order of business was to grab Louise Hay's book and see what was my root issue for this migraine since I have only had a handful in my life.

The root cause of a migraine says "Dislike of being driven. Resisting the flow of life."

I layed down in my bed and thought about these words. Yes, I was being driven in my new business at the time and not happy about it. I agreed with this.

My next step was to find out the affirmation for a migraine. " I relax into the flow of life and let life provide all that I need easily and comfortably. Life is for me."

I repeated these words to myself. It was not more than 45 minutes later and I was in the shower and off for the day. The migraine never came back that day, nor have I had a migraine since!

I give all kudos to this wonderful book. Now I will warn you, like me, at first you will not agree with the root causes of your illness. You will do all to resist what it says. - No way is that my root cause. - Expect this resistance from yourself. It is the ego keeping you from your reality.

Just fast forward and believe the root causes in the book and your healing will happen much faster than you expect. The more you practice what Louise Hay outlines in this book, the better your life and health will be.

This is the book that changed my life. It has brought me health and healing. It sits on my coffee table and its worn torn pages show how many times I have accessed it to let family members know their emotional status!

Be it sinus, lupus, pneumonia, diabetes, infection, asthma, cancer, sore throat etc, you will find this a handy guide to healing your life.


Copyright (c) 2009 Your Mind Body and Soul 123

Autor: Colleen Lilly

Colleen Lilly writes a Personal and Spiritual Growth blog at http://www.yourmindbodyandsoul123.com

Added: January 28, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/You-Can-Heal-Your-Life/~

Links Between Migraine and Cane Sugar

One of the common food triggers identified by the 1979 Lancet study on food intolerance and migraine, was cane sugar(1).

The correlation between migraines and cane sugar or refined sugar consumption has been exhaustively covered in many migraine forums, and sugar remains on the top ten most wanted list for migraine triggers. One German biochemist claims to have completely alleviated migraines in himself and many acquaintances by simply eliminating cane sugar from the diet(2).

Sugar sensitivity is not always strictly an allergy - in fact, many migraines connected with sugar are actually related more to excessively high or low blood sugar. Diabetics report severe migraines in cases of a "dump" of sugar into the system, supporting the fact that migraines can be triggered by sugar, even if it is not due to a 'sensitivity' as the term is commonly used. Hypoglycemic patients report even more instances(3).

One Italian study compared insulin sensitivity in 30 patients with migraine with 15 healthy comparison subjects. After drinking a high-sugar beverage, participants were monitored to detect changes in previously steady blood sugar levels. The levels in the migraine patients stayed higher than those of the control group for three hours after the test; other indicators showed that insulin sensitivity was impaired in the migraine group.

An interesting point to be made relates cane sugar sensitivity to reports of migraines caused by MSG. The flavor enhancer and meat tenderizer, widely found in many foods, but most commonly associated with "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome", has long been thought to be a culprit in the migraine trigger family. Many people do not know that MSG is commonly made using cane sugar, so it's quite feasible for it to be a migraine trigger(5).

If sugar can be deleted from the diet for a period of two to four weeks, then reintroduced in a controlled test, then it may be possible to pinpoint if it is causing a problem. Recording levels of blood sugar and plotting them against migraine attacks could be an interesting exercise. Like any food sensitivity, cravings for the trigger often occur, and rebound migraine is also a possibility.

References:
(1) Food, Allergies and Migraine. Grant ECG, Lancet, May 5, 1979;966-969. 37344
(2) Low R. Migraine. New York: Henry Holt. 1987
(3) Byer, JA and Dexter, JD, Hypoglycemic migraine, Mo. Med., 72, 194, 1974
(4) SOURCE: Cephalalgia, August 2005.
(5) Is MSG Causing Your Headaches? C. Young, LifeScript, Pub. June 23, 2008

Autor: Joy Healey and Grace Alexander Joy Healey
Level: Platinum
Qualified Nutritionist with a special interest in migraine and tension headache, but looking to build an online business for my retirement income. I've diversified into ... ...

Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. Her specialist subject was migraine. To read more articles on a drug-free approach to migraine, and for some unusual possibilities of food intolerance, subscribe to the free mini-course at: http://www.StopTheMigraineMadness.com

Added: January 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Get Relief from Tension Headaches

Causes of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, just as the name suggests, are headaches that result from being overly tense or stressed out. People who are overworked at their jobs, or simply have too many things going through their minds, are more prone to getting tension headaches. Some people also call it stress headache. These headaches usually commence around noontime, when a large portion of the day has already passed and has already caused some tension and anxiety in the average individual. Many people say that tension headaches begin with a throbbing on both sides of the head and progress to rigidity of the muscles in the neck and head.
Getting a Diagnosis
Most doctors can easily make a positive diagnosis for tension headaches based solely on a physical examination and the patient's narration of the symptoms they are experiencing. No special tests or medical procedures such as CAT scans or blood tests are usually necessary.
Treatments for the Different Types of Tension Headaches
Mild or sporadic cases of tension headaches can be treated by taking ordinary pain medications that can be bought over the counter. Although you do not need a doctor's prescription to purchase these drugs, you do need to exercise care in choosing your pain relievers. Some of these medications may produce undesirable results when taking together with other medications. If unsure, you can always consult with your physician or simply ask the pharmacist.
If your tension headaches seem to last longer than usual, or if you notice that they are occurring very frequently, it might be better if you go straight to your doctor for a consultation. You should also head to your physician if over-the-counter pain medication does not seem to be producing the desired effect. These serious cases of tension headaches require a treatment approach that is more drastic than taking common pain relievers. Prescription medication cannot only help curb the pain but also prevents the headache from getting worse. When left untreated, even the mildest cases can progress to something as serious as a migraine so it is best to address your headache while it is still in the early stages.
Alternative Ways of Treating Tension Headaches
Some individuals may not be too keen in taking medications. If you are one of those people, there are many other methods you can approach to relief your headache.
Here are some simple and effective ways to prevent tension headaches.
* Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
* Provide immediate relief by applying an ice pack on your head and neck.
* Exercise regularly for about half an hour daily.
* Go on a leisurely vacation to recharge yourself and escape the stresses associated with your daily hectic lifestyle.

Autor: Sarah E. Young

This article was brought to you by Health Articles USA. Visit Health Related Articles for more informative tips on Cause of Tension Headaches.

Added: January 27, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-to-Get-Relief-from-~

I Can't Kick Coffee, I Get Such A Headache

Did you know that Coca-Cola started life as a headache remedy?
Surprised? Most people associate caffeine with causing headaches when they stop drinking coffee - and that is true. But it can also treat headaches.

I"m confused already. How can it do both?

Let"s start at the beginning. Caffeine is actually a stimulant drug that works on the central nervous system. The World Heath Organization considers caffeine to be safe and says that it has no resemblance to addictive drugs that can wreak havoc in peoples" lives. People call it "addictive" because it can cause symptoms if you stop drinking it. Used properly, it can make you more alert, less tired and it can even help with muscle co-ordination.

Caffeine to be found in every-day medication

If you ever read the small print on boxes of over-the-counter headache remedies and prescription medications, you will see that caffeine is a common ingredient. Caffeine added to some painkillers can make them 40% more efficient in getting rid of headaches - which is a huge effect.

It can also get your headache under control more quickly as it helps the medication to be absorbed into the body faster. These benefits mean that less of the medication need to be taken - which lowers the chance of side effects and even potential drug addiction.

Migraine coming on? Have a coffee.

Many migraine sufferers have discovered that they can keep a migraine at bay by having a coke or a cup of coffee, at the first sign of one. This works because much of migraine pain is caused by enlarged blood vessels pressing on the nerves surrounding them. One of the actions of caffeine is to constrict blood vessels. The effects of caffeine can be felt within half an hour and can last for between three and five hours.

This all sounds great! So whats bad about caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant so it can be a great pick-me-up but it can also drop you back down again - especially if you take your coffee with sugar. Coffee can avert a migraine - but one of the worst things that a migraine sufferer can do is to drink large amounts of sugary coffee on an empty stomach. It can send your blood sugar levels soaring and that in itself can bring on a headache. It helps to combine it with food, drink decaf or cut down the sugar.

Caffeine is also a diuretic. Research has found that migraine sufferers benefit from increasing their magnesium levels, but caffeine may be getting rid of it as fast as you"re putting it in.

The dangers of hidden caffeine

People often have difficulty sleeping when they"ve drunk too much coffee. But what if you haven"t over-indulged? Don"t forget that caffeine can also be found in tea, chocolate and other soft drinks - and don"t forget those painkillers. It can all add up.

I want to give up caffeine but won"t I get a withdrawal headache?

A person has to intake at least 15 grams of caffeine each month in order to suffer from a caffeine withdrawal headache. So if you drink 4-6 cups of coffee a day, you could get the headache.
The average daily consumption of caffeine in America is 200-300mg - that"s 2-3 cups. So if you fall into this category you should be ok.

The best method of cutting caffeine out all together is a gradual reduction over a period of time.

So caffeine is good and bad for my headaches...

Yes, it is. You really have to find what works for you. People react differently to different amounts too. The only way to find out is to experiment.

Autor: David Wilding

For more helpful information on caffeine headaches visit http://Headache.HealthHows.com a resource rich site on all types of head aches, with tips and ideas for their treatment.

Added: January 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Your Source Of Information When It Comes To Migraine Headaches

There are many reasons why you may be on a search for information on migraines.

You may suffer from migraine headaches yourself or somebody you know might have migraines. You may have just had a member of your family diagnosed as having migraines or could simply be a student researching a paper on this all too common form of headache. No matter why you are researching the subject of migraines you will find that there is plenty of information available on the subject.

The medical disorder migraine is called a neurological syndrome and its main characteristics for most individuals are usually very painful headaches accompanied by nausea. This relatively common condition affects women more than it does men.

The pain from the migraine is usually experienced on one side of the head and can on the whole said to be pulsating or throbbing in nature. A migraine will normally last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours and may be anywhere from moderate to severe in intensity. There can also be other additional symptoms such as vomiting or sensitivity to light or sound.

Another interesting feature of some migraines is the presence of an "aura" in at least one in three people suffering from migraine. An aura happens prior to the onset of the migraine and can include the appearance of zigzag lines, bright lights or distorted shapes in various colors and sizes which block the line of vision. The field of vision might also decrease and can appear like tunnel vision or maybe a curtain-like effect often over one eye or dark spots which slowly spread.

There might be auditory effects such as hearing voices or sounds in the environment such as buzzing. You may experience odd smells or perhaps feelings of tingling or numbness to one side of the face or in the arms and legs. You may experience a feeling of being separated from your body or a sense like your arms and legs are working independently of your body. You may experience anxiety or fear during the aura or an unsteadiness or weakness. From time to time people experiencing an aura cannot understand or comprehend words which are being spoken to them and can become extremely tired and sweat profusely or feel warmth throughout the body.

Apart from migraines accompanied by an aura there are several other ways of describing migraines.

For instance, familial hemiplegic migraines are migraine headaches that result from ion channel mutations. People suffering from this form of migraine in general experience limb weakness on one side of their body and speech or vision problems.

Yet another form of migraine is the abdominal migraine where children have many of the symptoms of a migraine with the exception of the head pain. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain may last from 1 to 72 hours.

Lastly, acephalgic and menstrual migraines are two other fairly common types of migraine. An acephalgic migraine is one in which an individual characteristically experiences auras but does not experience a headache. Menstrual migraines are either menstrual related migraines (MRM) or pure menstrual migraines (PMM). The menstrual related migraine is moderate to severe in pain intensity and occurs about the same time as the monthly period and at other times as well. Pure menstrual migraines are experienced only around the same time as the woman's monthly period.


Autor: Don Saunders

When it comes to information about migraine headaches, TheMigraineHeadacheCentre.com provides information on just about everything from the causes of migraines to migraine headache symptoms and migraine treatment

Added: January 25, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Your-Source-Of-Informat~

Migraine Headaches - Get Information on a Permanent Alternative Treatment

Migraine headaches are among the most serious and painful type of headaches. They are usually described as an intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves your temple, forehead, around the eye, or the back of the head. They can also be accompanied by flashing, brightly colored lights in a zigzag pattern usually starting in the middle of the visual field and progressing outward and can also include abnormal tastes and smells.

Migraines are caused by the enlargement of blood vessels and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. As your blood vessels enlarge, the nerves surrounding them stretch. This stretching action causes the nerves to release chemicals. These chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery, which intensifies the pain.

About 10% of the world"s population suffers from migraine headaches. And this serious problem is largely under-treated and, in most sufferers, undiagnosed. In fact, less than half of migraine headache sufferers are diagnosed by their doctors.

The first course of treatment for migraines are over-the-counter analgesics and pain relievers (like acetaminophen and ibuprofen among others). Your doctor can also prescribe other medications like triptans to relieve the pain from migraine headaches. But these remedies only treat the symptoms of migraines; that is, they are only effective once the pain begins.

Using traditional migraine remedies on an ongoing basis can also be very expensive. And, they only mask your headache symptoms. They do nothing to eliminate the cause of your headaches. Using these traditional treatments, your headaches will return again and again!

Alternative holistic medical approaches can also be effective for some migraine sufferers. Of course, you should discuss these alternative approaches with your doctor before trying any of these treatments.

There is one alternative treatment for the permanent cure that is gaining popularity. For more information, get all the details on this Amazing Migraine Treatment.

Autor: Jo Mark

If you suffer from panic attacks, eliminate them with:
Panic Attack Cure.
Looking for a great resource for free health care information? Get tons of free info and
Improve Your Health!

Added: January 24, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Migraine-Headaches---Ge~

A Herbal Remedy For A Headache

Headaches are a difficult thing to deal with, especially when they seem to come, one right after another. Some people get reactive headaches from the environment around them, such as is the case of those that get headaches when a strong weather system is moving through the area, through stress or allergies to various things in the environment. There are also some types of headaches that accompany different types of sicknesses, such as those that come along with the flu, or in the case of a sinus infection. It really doesn't matter why you suffer from headaches, if you have one then the only thing you really want to do is to make it stop.

Many people rush to the drug store or a medicine cabinet at the first sign of a headache, and while this may help the pain to go away it also is not necessarially the best thing for you from a natural standpoint. Still others seek out a herbal remedy for a headache, or some other natural cure to try and keep the body in balance. If you are looking for a herbal remedy for a headache then here are two that have helped me in the past. The first one I would do at the first sign of a headache. I would take Arnica Salve and rub it onto my temples and the area where the top of my nose meets my face (between the eyebrows). This would generally give me some relief rather quickly. The other thing that I would do is to make an herbal tea, particularly chamomile, and you might find that this helps too if you don't have allergies to chamomile tea. Of course a good old cold compress and a nap do wonders as well.

Autor: Nicholas Matthews

Don't let headaches ruin your life. Make simple small changes at home and be headache free for a lifetime. Download our Special Report at http://www.headache-stop.info/

Stop Headaches and Migraines Now, an Online Special Report, Now Available to Download.

Added: January 23, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Migraine Headache Treatments

There are lots of resources offering migraine headache treatments that you can search in the different media. Although different theories are used explaining how a person gets to experience migraine headaches, there are numerous varied migraine treatments and alternatives that you may want to check out.

However, first things first, the details of treating migraine headache must be placed in order. If the person manifests symptoms of migraine, preventative treatments are often the first step. This type of treatment plans to get rid of your migraine before it even starts, and they are orally or intravenously taken. Once the onset of the migraine symptoms, such as a swelling sensation on a certain portion of your head, nausea, and weariness, manifest themselves, it is wise to move to taking the abortive prescriptions as prescribed by your doctor. The most common group of headache busters is called triptans, which are primed to control serotonin. However, this group of medicines, which include Sumatriptan, Naratriptan, and Almotriptan, among others, exclusively targets headaches and is not used for body pains.

On the other hand, if the migraine headache has been going on for almost a week, and you were not able to take preventative or abortive medications before it got worse, then the person is left to take rescue measures in order to suppress the pain and lessen the occurrence of the headache attacks. Some of the medications involved in rescue treatment are calcium channel and beta-blockers to control blood pressure, anti-seizure drugs, and anti-depressants. Rescue treatment is usually issued by doctors, and the medicines are taken with gradual increase in dosage after a period of time.

If non of the treatments work for an individual, you may want to try resting for a while. The pain and weariness accompanied by migraine headache are intensified when exaggerated physical activity is done by the person, so complementing your medication or treatment with proper rest and care could help you with your headache problem. Also, you may want to cut down on taking the coffee if you are a regular caffeine junkie. Consumption of products that contain caffeine happens to increase the pain. On the other hand, if the medication prescribed by your doctor does not work, you may want to try out over-the-counter medicines. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are readily available in your nearest drugstore, so you may want to consider buying and trying them out if the prescription drugs did not work. However, going against your doctor"s orders might be a risky thing to do, so proceed with caution.

Aside from these general migraine headache treatments, there are other places where you can search for alternative methods in dealing with your headache. Search the Internet and you will not only see websites offering their advices on which drugs to take during a migraine headache attack, but you will also get to hear from ordinary people who have successfully dealt and have recovered with the pain using their own methods. Also, you should refer to your doctor every time you feel that none of the treatments he has given are working. If in doubt, you can always get a second opinion from another doctor.

Autor: John Rodgers

Find out more about migraine medications at John Rodgers site at http://migraine-treatment.info

Added: January 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Using Triptans to Treat Migraine Headaches

For the many millions of people who suffer from migraines finding an effective treatment has been difficult and has taken a considerable time. Even after years of research there is no miracle cure, but a new class of drugs known as triptans are as close to a miracle cure as we have come for these often intensely painful headaches that can strike at any time.

The triptans are a form of drug which is chemically similar to serotonin, which is itself a neurotransmitter that is believed to play a part in causing migraines. As with many drug treatments, success often comes from creating a compound which is chemically similar to a naturally occurring chemical in the body and using this to boost levels in the body at times when symptoms appear. In this case triptans attach themselves to receptors where the body's natural biochemical would normally be found, but behavior slightly differently to alleviate symptoms. Technically triptans are in a class of drugs known as 5-HT1B/1D agonists.

Although these new drugs have been shown to be effective in many cases of migraine there are some studies which suggest that they are more effective for migraine sufferers who lack skin sensitivity. For those people who do experience skin sensitivity during an attack triptans can still be effective, but they should be taken as soon as possible after the onset of a migraine and preferably within no more than about 20 minutes after the appearance of symptoms.

In many cases migraine sufferers experience what is known as an 'aura' prior to the onset of their headache and this is not only the warning sign of an approaching headache but also the cue to start treatment. Although not all sufferers will experience an aura for those that do it varies widely but is essentially a visual disturbance consisting of such things as seeing spots or flashing lights.

Triptan drugs were first introduced during the 1990s and there are now various different types of these drugs available under a variety of different commercial names. One very common treatment is sumatriptan, which is sold under the brand name of Imitrex. This first generation of drugs proved very effective but still did not quite do the trick as well as doctors would have wished and so today we see a second generation of more effective triptans. These include zolmitriptan (sold as Zomig) and rizatriptan (sold as Maxalt).

These second generation drugs are often referred to as 'aborters' or 'interrupters' because they are designed to stop a migraine in its early stages and before it builds into the intense and pulsating pain which is so familiar to migraine sufferers. Second generation triptans are preferred by many sufferers because they do not have to be taken before the arrival of the headache, which can be difficult to predict as symptoms are not always very pronounced. In addition, they are effective for a longer period of time, which is also important for those people whose migraines can last for days rather than hours. Triptans can also help to relieve or eliminate other migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

One other problem which is often present with traditional medicines taken in pill form is that they require you to have water on hand to take the pill and then take time to work as the pill is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Many of the new triptans however, such as rizatriptan (marketed as Maxalt), are available in a wafer form which simply dissolves on the tongue and drugs are now also available in the form of nasal sprays which are very fast acting.

As with any medication triptans do carry a range of side effects and you should consult your physician before using any of these drugs to treat your migraine.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com looks at all types of headache, including migraines, and looks in detail at both migraine symptoms and migraine treatment

Added: January 21, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Using-Triptans-to-Treat~

Triggers And Treatments For Migraines

Migraines are a fairly common neurological disorder that are often described as a severe throbbing or pulsating headache and can last anywhere from several hours to several days. These painful headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.

For those that suffer migraine attacks it can severely inhibit their lifestyle as they may often find themselves unable to carry out their normal day to day duties. For many people while there is no definitive treatment that totally stops an attack, there are ways to try and prevent or minimise the severity of them. While it"s always recommended you discuss both your symptoms and treatment with your local doctor there are ways to help reduce or minimise the pain associated with a migraine.

Many migraine attacks are brought on by certain triggers, these can be emotional, environmental or dietary etc. some of these triggers include things like:

Certain food: chocolate, nuts, preservatives etc. Some medications may also be a trigger.

Your environment may induce the signs of an attack: Bright or flickering lights, pollutions, allergic reactions, glaring screens or sunlight. Even changes in the weather can bring about a migraine.

Your emotions and hormones may also be a reason for a migraine: high stress situations or sudden relaxation from such situations, menstrual cycles and birth control pills may also play a part.

While you may have no control over some of those triggers listed above and that by no means is a comprehensive list, in certain instances if you can deduce what may be a factor in having a migraine attack you can try to reduce or avoid those situations or products etc.

Some migraine sufferers are also given a warning of some sort prior to the migraine beginning these too come in different forms depending on each individual:

Some may have a visual sign: blurred vision or wiggly lines before their eyes. Others may smell certain odours as a sign a migraine is coming; these signs may start up to an hour before the pain of the migraine begins. While other people may have altered moods up to a day before the severe headache actually begins.

If a sufferer is aware of these signs they can try to prepare for the attack by taking any prescribed or over the counter medication to help stave off or minimise the attack once it arrives.

As mentioned above if you suffer from migraines or believe you do make sure you take the time to talk to your doctor about the pain and symptoms, each individual is different and may require a different treatment based on the type of migraine and symptoms they have.

Autor: V Brown V Brown
Level: Platinum
V Brown is a single mum living in Australia. She recently introduced a new puppy to her family and has started sharing her experiences, that ... ...

For more information on migraine triggers and other causes and treatments please take a look at Migraines

Added: January 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Cluster Headaches Are One Of The Most Painful Conditions Known To Man

Cluster headaches are one of the most painful conditions known and their only saving grace is that they are fortunately quite rare. For example, although about one person in ten of the population suffers from migraine, only about one person in three hundred will experience a cluster headache.

Cluster headaches often appear as what many sufferers describe as a hot and stabbing pain behind just one eye or in the area of the temple. Their main characteristic however is that they follow a timetable and will appear at the same time every day often for several days, or even weeks or months at a time. They also tend to strike without any warning, unlike migraines which are often preceded by a number of different warning signs.

Nobody is quite sure what causes these particularly painful headaches although research tends to favor the theory that they result from abnormalities in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small gland which plays an important part in regulating your body clock and this might explain why these headaches occur at the same time each day.

When we said in the title of this article that cluster headaches are among the most painful conditions known to man this was no accident because another feature of these headaches which sets them apart from migraines is that are seen far more in men than in women. In the case of migraines about three times as many women as men are afflicted but, with cluster headaches, studies show that they are up to eight times more prevalent in men. In particular, they strike men between the ages of about twenty and fifty.

Treatments for normal headaches are almost always ineffective for cluster headaches and this is one class of headache for which you need to seek professional advice from your physician.

One commonly used treatment is to inhale pure oxygen for several minutes once the headache arrives. This particular form of treatment will not work for everybody but usually works very well for those people who do find it helps. It cannot however be used to prevent a headache and is only effective in treating a headache once it has started.

Another very effective treatment is the use of a new class of drugs known as triptans which are currently being used for the treatment of migraines. These drugs do however need to be taken in a very fast acting form to be effective and this often means using them in the form of a nasal spray. However, in many cases cluster headaches can also cause inflammation of the nasal passages rendering this form of treatment difficult. In these cases, triptans can often by administered by injection.

At present there are no good preventative treatments available although some sufferers do find that calcium channel blockers work reasonably well. Also, in very severe cases surgery may be considered as a last resort treatment and several neurological procedures are available including procedures to block certain nerves or to remove part of the brain.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigrainHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all types of headache including both migraine headaches and cluster headaches.

Added: January 19, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Cluster-Headaches-Are-O~

Migraine Food - Stop Pulling the Triggers

There are many different types of headaches, from those that are caused by sinus problems or sickness to chronic migraines that come in clusters. Almost everyone suffers from headaches from time to time, and for most people those headaches can be treated easily enough using over the counter pain killers. But for others that suffer from things such as migraines there seems to be no real relief from the suffering, and if you are suffering from migraine headaches, no matter how infrequent, it is just not an acceptable way to live. For most people, however, there are some things that act as triggers to the migraine headaches. Those triggers could be things such as the environment that they are around, allergens, or even migraine food.

Here is a short list of migraine food. These are things that tend to cause migraines in some people.

* Peanuts

* Caffeine (both in food and in drinks)

* Yeast and yeasty products

* Chocolate

* MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

* Red Wine

* Beer

* Cheese

There are some others that you will have to avoid according to your own personal triggers and keeping a diary of the foods that you are eating, along with recording your health and how you are feeling will help you to identify these triggers.

There are also some foods that are considered beneficial migraine food by many people, although there isn"t any medical proof to back it up, of course. For many, a raw food diet that consists of uncooked fruits and vegetables has helped, while others drink herbal teas, such as peppermint. Just make sure that you keep track of what you do so you can identify the foods to avoid.

Autor: Nicholas Matthews

Don't let headaches ruin your life. Make simple small changes at home and be headache free for a lifetime. Download our Special Report at http://www.headache-stop.info/

Stop Headaches and Migraines Now, an Online Special Report, Now Available to Download.

Added: January 19, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

The Use Of Ibuprofen In Treating Headaches

For many years aspirin has been seen as a wonder drug for treating many different conditions including headaches. Today however there are a number of other drugs which are being used in place of aspirin and one of these is Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and, like aspirin, it is its ability to reduce inflammation which makes it effective in treating headaches, because it is inflammation which helps to generate the nerve signals we perceive as pain.

Ibuprofen is used today to treat a wide range of conditions and, just like aspirin, it can be very effective but can also produces a number of unwanted side-effects such as stomach upset, blood in the stools and occasionally dizziness. Additional side effects include a range of allergic reactions which can lead to swelling of the throat or tongue, fluid retention and ringing in the ears.

Because Ibuprofen also affects the consistency of the blood it should be used with care by people with high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, as well as by people suffering from ulcers and liver or kidney disease. In all of these cases you should consult your doctor before taking Ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen should also be avoided during pregnancy. Although it is relatively safe during the early stages of pregnancy its use later on, and especially during the third trimester, can lead to birth defects. Accordingly, Ibuprofen should not be taken by pregnant women except on the express advice of a physician.

In all cases the side-effects of Ibuprofen can be reduced, or indeed eliminated in most people, by ensuring that you do not exceed the stated dosage and take the pills, or liquid medication, with plenty of water or milk. Additionally, do not combine Ibuprofen with alcohol or take it along with other over-the-counter medications such as aspirin. Indeed, as a general rule you should not take Ibuprofen with any other medication unless you are certain that it is safe to do so and, where you are not sure, consult your physician or pharmacist.

One of the great strengths of Ibuprofen is that it can be used to treat a wide range of headaches and, in particular, studies have shown that high altitude headaches (sometimes referred to as acute mountain sickness) respond particularly well to this drug. That means that it is not only very useful to the relatively small number of mountaineers, but also to the millions of us who fly frequently either for business or on holiday.

So, should you reach for the aspirin or Ibuprofen? There is no easy answer to this question and it really comes down to comparing the side effects of the two in your own personal case and then simply deciding which works best for you in treating your headaches.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all types of headache including complex migraine headaches and simple morning headaches

Added: January 18, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The-Use-Of-Ibuprofen-In~

Stop Your Sinus Migraine

Migraine headaches and sinus problems sometimes go hand in hand, and they are probably more common than what you think. Some people have problems all the time with their sinuses, either because of a change in the weather, or perhaps allergies but the problems are generally the same, extreme pressure in the sinus areas that brings along with it a massive headache. If you are suffering from sinus migraine problems then here are some things that you can do to help overcome them.

Many people that suffer from sinus migraines don"t really try to hit the problem at the source. They try to treat the headache, and while this is necessary if the sinus problems aren"t addresses the problem just keeps coming back again. There are many reasons why you might be having sinus problems, but here are some things that you can try to see if you are able to keep them away. The first thing that I would try is some nasal irrigation, otherwise known as Neti. This is where you flush our your sinus cavities by pouring a saline solution through your one nostril and allowing it to come out the other. This may sound unpleasant, but if done properly it actually is quite enjoyable. Another thing that you can try is to remove some of the allergens from your environment, especially where you sleep. Get a good air filter and make sure that you change your sheets frequently. Also make sure that you are going to bed with clean hair as the allergens that collect in your hair during the day will be on the pillow and you will be breathing then through the night. It"s a tough battle, but if you are successful the you will be able to say goodbye to your sinus migraine problem once and for all.

Autor: Nicholas Matthews

Don't let headaches ruin your life. Make simple small changes at home and be headache free for a lifetime. Download our Special Report at http://www.headache-stop.info/

Stop Headaches and Migraines Now, an Online Special Report, Now Available to Download.

Added: January 18, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Why Seeking Medical Advice for Your Headache Is A Good Idea

When it comes to diagnosing a range of medical conditions it can he a lot harder than you might think and this includes the diagnosis of headaches. Many people for instance who suffer from sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the sinus cavities causing head pain, believe that they have sinus headaches when they are in fact suffering from mild migraine.

For this reason if you are suffering from frequent headaches it is a good idea to talk to your physician and get a proper diagnosis. However, before you do so it is also a good idea to collect together some information to help your physician and this can best be done by keeping a headache diary.

Each time you have a headache you should note down when it starts and ends and describe as accurately as you can just where you feel pain and how severe that pain is. Is it for example a dull and constant pain, or a sharp stabbing pain which tends to come and go. It is also important to note down what you were doing when the headache started and in the period running up to its onset. Food too can play an important part in headaches so you should note down anything that you ate in the hours before your headache started. All of this information will be very helpful to your physician.

For example, one way to differentiate between cluster headaches and a bad case of migraine is by considering the pain which each produces. Both tend to produce sharp pain which tends to pulsate, but with cluster headaches this pain is normally confined to quite specific areas such as behind just one eye or in the region of one temple. Additionally, cluster headaches tend to follow a timetable appearing at the same time each day for several weeks at a time.

Headaches can also result directly from your lifestyle and in some people can be brought on by exercise, while in other people they might be triggered by drinking red wine or eating chocolate or cheese. Stress can also play a part and it is not uncommon for people to experience headaches after they have moved to a new city or changed their job. Here your diary will not only help the doctor to diagnose your headache but will often also provide the basis for recommending a suitable treatment.

In addition to what we might term 'normal' or 'primary' headaches there are also a variety of underlying conditions which can give rise to 'secondary' headaches and sometimes even a detailed diary will not be enough for your physician to make a firm diagnosis. In this case however there are a range of advanced diagnostic tools available.

One such tool is the computer tomography (CT) scanner which uses a series of carefully directed x-ray beams to create a three dimensional picture of the brain. Another commonly used technique today is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which uses the electromagnetic activity within the brain to create a map of the skull.

Even with information provided by the patient and data collected from advanced testing diagnosing headaches is not a perfect science. Nevertheless, if you gather together enough information and pop along to your physician, ninety-nine times out of one hundred he will be able to come up with an accurate diagnosis.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on a wide range of different headaches including the classic migraine headache and ocular migraine

Added: January 17, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Why-Seeking-Medical-Adv~

Migrain Headache Cure - Simply Changing Daily Habits Permanently Quenches Chronic Headache In Mins

Most of the common diseases affecting the world can easily be prevented if each and everyone of us can take time to look at our life styles and change those things that are harmful to our health.

For example, in the case of headache and migraine,the causes or what triggers them are different for everyone!

The cause of headache for Mr. A will not be exactly the same for Mr.B, though the symptoms may be the same for both persons. Therefore, you have to carefully think back where you have gone wrong with regards to your health, like retracing your steps and your headache will vanish! Before I started this write up, I had already spent 16hrs. in my office doing some other jobs. But since I must make a post to my blog today, I had no choice than to write.Then I had a serious headache.What did I do? simple, I stopped writing, took a shower and had a sound nap .Woke up 2hrs. later and the bloody headache had vanished.

What triggered my headache? lack of rest for over 16hrs. What did I do to cure the headache? I took the best form of rest, sleep.

You see ,you can do the same to your headache if you can take time to check out what causes your headache. For migraine or a serious headache, if you can afford to avoid the following foods that cause chronic headache, for example, age cheeses, onions,pickles, cured meats, red wine, beer, sour cream, nuts of all kinds, freshly backed yeast products, eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits and caffeinated drinks.

So what do you do if you stopped eating all those goodies? Eat fish like salmon and tuna rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help prevent migraines.

Also a lot of other triggers that can worsen your condition, are ,lack of sleep and rest,changes in the weather, hormonal swings that occur with menstrual cycle, the use of birth control pills and environmental chemicals, including cigarette smoke.

From now on, figure out what triggers your headache or migraine and you will be relieved gradually but certainly in a few minutes.

You may think that this is a simple problem. But do know that 29 million Americans suffer from migraines? For a serious symptom. Take the following quick steps.

1. Mix two drops of peppermint oil in a teaspoon of olive oil, rub on your forehead and temples to instantly cool the pain

2. Or put two drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale three times, the pains will go away.

You can see that headache and migraine can be permanently cured with self-care home remedies. The secret to it is to really know what causes yours and simply avoid it.

Autor: Obiakor David

Obiakor David is a researcher and a health and fitness buff.He has written a lot about migraine and headache. Do you know that headache and migraine are your body's cey for help? One out of three drugs for this disease cause side effects .What do you do if you are under attack? Find out at, http://www.obiakordavid.wordpress.com

Added: January 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Dealing With Headaches During Pregnancy

Although we still do not entirely understand headaches one thing that we do know is that two of the commonest types of headache - tension and migraine headaches - are far more commonly seen in women, which suggests that hormones play an important part in the onset of headaches. So, since hormone levels fluctuate wildly during pregnancy, it is no surprise to find that women frequently suffer from headaches at this time.

Headaches are particular common during the early stages of pregnancy and tend to reduce during the second and third trimester as hormone levels begin to settle down. The good news however is that women do not simply have to put up with headaches while they are carrying and there is a lot which can be done to both prevent and treat them.

Stress is one thing which can trigger a headache and most women would probably agree that pregnancy is a stressful time. This can be eased considerably however with both gentle exercise and also with meditation.

Rest is also important because a lack of proper sleep contributes to both common and migraine headaches. A lack of proper sleep will not only increase your chances of getting a headache in the first place, but can also increase its severity. It should also be borne in mind that when we talk about sleep we are talking not just about the amount of sleep you are getting but also its regularity. This means that, while it is alright to take a nap during the day if you are feeling tired, do not overdo it so that you are then unable to sleep at night.

Alcohol can also often bring on a headache and, in addition, be harmful to your baby. Here however there is considerably controversy over the quantity of alcohol which can be safely consumed. We are certainly not going to get into that argument here but, if headaches do become a problem, then simply remember that alcohol may be a contributory factor. It is also worth noting that red wine can be a common trigger for headaches and that, even those people who are not normally sensitive to red wine, can find that they become sensitive to it when they are pregnant.

You should also cut down on your caffeine consumption during pregnancy (particularly in terms of both tea and coffee) and if you enjoy that double-strength latte to get you going in the morning then it would be a good idea to replace this with a small cup of ordinary coffee for a few months. You should also be aware of the fact that certain headache medicines (such as Excedrin) contain caffeine and, while a small amount in your diet can be helpful, it is an excess of caffeine which is a common trigger for headaches. So, do not eliminate caffeine entirely from your diet but cut in down gradually to a minimum level.

Finally, when you do get a headache be careful what you take for it. Aspirin and Ibuprofen for example are not recommended during pregnancy, although acetaminophen is generally considered to be safe. If you suffer from severe headaches, such as migraine, then you should consult your physician for an appropriate form of medication.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all aspects of headaches including migraine headache symptoms and migraine treatments

Added: January 15, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Dealing-With-Headaches-~

Which Headache Medication Is Right for You

If you take medications for blood pressure, heart conditions, depression, anxiety or other disorders than you know that there are side effects that we have to contend with every time we take our meds. Some will cause stomach upset, cramping and/or other discomforts and in order for us to live longer lives we must take these medications. As with most other medications, Zoloft headache medication is no different and had its side effects and this includes headaches.

Any time your body takes in a new chemical or ingredient it is not used to it will react in different ways. Some people will have a reaction to some vitamins and some of the minerals and may get a headache. The most common drug reactions are:

Stomach upset

Cramping

Tenderness in muscles or joints

Headache

Sleeplessness

Grogginess

Blurred vision

Nervousness

Diarrhea

Most side effects will subside after your body gets used to your new medication. Sometimes you could have allergic reactions or the medication might be too strong. Either way you will want to be closely monitored while starting any new medication. Every one reacts differently to medication and depending on the person and other medications that person may be will also be different.

Make sure your doctor knows of all the medication you are taking even if you take vitamins or over-the-counter medications of any kind. Make sure your doctor knows of any herbal products you are using also. Some Herbal products will react with other medications and you should always use caution with herbal products also. Your doctor may recommend something you can do to help you with the Zoloft headache medication as well.

Most people"s reactions will ease up after getting used to the new meds. If your condition worsens or changes you must make sure you notify your doctor immediately of these changes. If you have thoughts of suicide go to the hospital or call 911. If your reaction is severe get to the hospital and they will contact your doctor from there.

Most of the time when starting a new treatment regimen, the good will out weight the bad and the side effects will ease up after a time of adjustment. Sometimes your dose may need to be changed or the medication may need to be changed. Keep close contact with your doctor when starting a new treatment. Anytime you take a prescription drug, you need to pay close attention to the directions and the possible side effects to prevent further health concerns.

Autor: Judy Wellsworth

You can also find more info on Headache Remedies and Headache Treatment Options. i-headache.com is a comprehensive resource to know about i-headache.com

Added: January 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

What Do We Mean By A Migraine Headache?

The most common symptom of a migraine headache is an acute throbbing pain which is normally located on just one side of the head near to the area of the temple. Unlike normal headaches, migraines are also often accompanied by other symptoms which include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Migraines are fairly common and affect about 10% of the population of the United States, or in excess of 28 million Americans. They are also far more commonly seen in women than in men (about three times as many women suffer from migraine) and can also be found occasionally in children.

Although migraines are so common and often very painful with attacks lasting anywhere from a few hours to two or three days, only about 50% of all sufferers ever consult their physician and the remainder choose to suffer in silence.

It had long been thought these headaches were caused by a of dilation of the blood vessels in the head but, although there is no general consensus, medical opinion seems to be moving away from this theory in favor of a genetic cause for this condition. Current thinking is that the condition results from the interaction of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, with the nerve cells. At this time however the truth is that we really do not know what cause migraines.

There are in fact two different forms of the condition, the first of which is referred to as 'classical migraine', which is characterized by an associated 'aura'. In this case the term 'aura' is used to refer to visual light effects which are experienced immediately prior to the onset of a headache including such things as bright light spots and flashing lights. In a few people a complete loss of vision can be experienced for a few minutes before the arrival of the headache.

The second form of the condition is simply a migraine without the prior symptoms of an 'aura'.

Just as we do not really know what causes a migraine, so too we have very little idea about just what triggers an attack, although there are a number of factors which do seem likely to trigger an attack in sufferers. For example, getting too much sleep appears to be one factor, as does skipping meals or eating certain types of food like cheese.

Hormonal factors are also thought to influence both the onset and severity of attacks and one piece of evidence for this is the higher incidence of migraines among women. This in part is thought to be because estrogen affects the blood vessels and it has been noted in some studies that there is a connection between the contraceptive pill (which contains estrogen) and migraine headaches.

Just to confuse matters however, studies have also shown that simple everyday activities like walking up stairs can trigger an attack, as can exposure to heat or cold, loud noises, flashing lights and even stress.

Happily, there are several medical treatments available today, although no single treatment has proved to be really effective in all cases. Over-the-counter medications are however rarely effective and, if you suffer from migraines, you are best advised to seek the help of your physician in finding a solution which works for you.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCentre.com answers the question of just what is a migraine? and what is the best migraine treatment?

Added: January 13, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/What-Do-We-Mean-By-A-Mi~

Migraines and Miracles in My Life - 2

My earliest recollection of severe headaches was when I was about 3. I was lying on the sofa, watching the 'Wizard of Oz" with my brothers while my mother was frying chicken. My head hurt so bad it felt like it was going to split. The smell of food cooking was making me very nauseous and before the end of the show, I had a full blown migraine (although it would be another 15 years before I got the name of what I was experiencing).

I learned to live with the migraines and adapt my life around the times I'd been in so much pain. I believe that I had an angel watching over me every time I was so sick and felt like I could die and did almost die. The years that I could not perform daily activities were offset by miracles of my angel always with me.

My angel was with me when I was 52 years old and having a severe headache. It was a Friday in February. It was a miracle that my son was home from college and he'd just taken a life saving course. My son and angel were with me that Friday afternoon when I had a stroke. Because of the stroke, the miracles were going to be obvious in my life. In "Strokes and Miracles", I'll share details of my stroke and how miracles kept me alive and at peace during that scary time.

Migraine can be very troublesome. It can be debilitating for anyone. As there is no cureas yet for Migraine, we have to depend upon pain relieving pills. These pills may also caiuse side effects. Migraines do come suddenly but we get a warning before the headache gets bad. At that time take care to relax and sleep in closed room with no noise. That may stop the migraine from getting out of hand.

Autor: CD Mohatta

Social network users, click for Christmas myspace comments. You can also use Christmas myspace graphics. For Christmas Layouts- click Christmas Myspace Layouts to add to your profile.

Added: January 13, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

What Causes Migraines And Other Headaches

Nearly 90% of men and 95% of women have experienced at least one headache in their life. Today, migraine affects about 15% of the general population. Migraine is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention. It affects more women than men and it runs in families suggesting that there is a genetic link.

The cause of headaches on a pathophysiologic level is not well understood. Different types of headaches have different triggers. And what triggers a headache differs from person to person. Headache triggers range from the simple such as eyestrain, poor posture and dehydration to nutritional deficiencies, certain foods, environmental triggers, hormonal fluctuations and medical conditions.

Experts agree that migraine is a neurological disease. Migraineurs have hyperactive nerve cells. It has been observed that during a migraine serotonin levels are low and dopamine levels are elevated. Some researchers maintain that prior to a migraine blood platelets release serotonin, which causes intercranial blood vessels to contract. They subsequently dilate when serotonin levels drop putting pressure on the nerves of the smooth muscles in the blood vessels. In tension headaches, which are the most common type of headache, the smooth muscles around the scalp or in the neck and shoulders contract. Recent findings however suggest that the cause of headaches is more complicated than that and some research points to a connection with the limbic system, the seat of our emotions1. Many experts now speculate that migraine and tension headache have the same origin in the brain.

In order to get lasting relief we need to look beyond the immediate triggers some of which we can avoid, and some of which are unavoidable, to the underlying cause of a headache, which goes beyond chemical changes that take place in our brain.

The underlying cause of headaches seems most often to be

Stress

Though not all headaches result from stress, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 87% to 95% of all physical and nonphysical health problems have stress as their origin. Headaches are the primary symptom of stress manifesting itself in the central nervous system. Stress affects hormonal fluctuations, which in turn bring about the chemical changes that control the pain pathways. Stress comes from two sources. We experience stress from external circumstances and from internal thoughts conscious, subconscious or semi-conscious. External stressors are the triggers; internal stress makes us vulnerable to the triggers.

If you suspect that external stress is the culprit in making you sick and you are not able to remove yourself from the stressful situation, you can learn to control your response to these stressors through various techniques among which are Biofeedback, Yoga, Qigong, Meditation and relaxation techniques such as Shiatsu and Progressive Relaxation..

Internal Stress

Our coping mechanism to deal with stressors can be impaired due to psychological factors. Often self-destructive thoughts such as negative self-talk, anger, jealousy, fear, feelings of guilt either real or false and inner conflict, are subconscious or semi-conscious. We don't realize that these destructive thoughts cause us to be chronically in a flight or fight mode. Our bodies are continuously flooded with stress chemicals, which over time cause us to succumb to disease in the place where we are genetically most vulnerable. In case of headaches it is our head. These unhealthy thought patterns can also create clinical depression, a mental disorder often associated with headaches. These thoughts and feelings may have their origin as far back as our early childhood.

To relieve the stress we have to bring these unconscious, unhealthy feelings to the surface and address them. This can be done through psychotherapy, in depth counseling or through a method that is pioneered by Dr. Alexander Loyd, N.D., Ph.D., called 'The Healing Codes'. This system makes it possible for a person to address his subconscious negative emotions and heal them in 15-minute daily sessions. According to Dr. Loyd it is based upon the knowledge that everything at its root is an energy frequency (E=MC2) and that illness and disease can be traced to an unhealthy energy frequency. (Similar to the way an MRI determines health problems.) If you can change the unhealthy frequency to a healthy one, the illness or disease will go away without drugs, surgery, counseling, or even effort.

The Healing Codes teaches you the technique to bring about a change in your emotional well-being and spiritual health which in turn alleviates the physical issues related to it. In other words it deals with the underlying cause of your headaches. This natural healing system has brought healing to hundreds of people.

Another energy healing system that has gained considerable popularity due to its proven effectiveness in healing all types of diseases is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). This healing system promotes healing by tapping with the fingertips on established energy meridian points. It's based on the premise that "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system."

EFT concurs with the notion that our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pains and diseases.

In summary, whatever the immediate triggers of your headaches, in order to get permanent relief, it behooves you to explore if there is an emotional basis for your distress and seek the proper care to resolve it.

1. Keith R. Edwards - Mechanisms of Prolonged Headache.

Autor: Elisabeth Ullom

I was a chronic headache sufferer for over twenty years. Pharmaceutical drugs were ineffective or I couldnn't tolerate the side effects. I turned to natural therapies and found some relief but it was when I began to deal with my emotional issues that my headache symptoms began to improve. I created my website because I want to help other headache sufferers find the help they are looking for.

Elisabeth Ullom
http://www.headachefreeliving.com

Added: January 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Who Is At The Greatest Risk Of Suffering From Headaches?

Although the exact causes of various different types of headache are very much the subject of ongoing research there are some likely culprits and the generally accepted causes today vary according to whether we are talking about tension, cluster or migraine headaches.

Not surprisingly tension headaches are so named because they are thought to be caused by muscle tension. Accordingly, such simple actions as cradling a telephone handset between your ear and shoulder for extended periods can bring on a headache. In this case the muscles are both stretched and compressed in an unnatural way, which can have various results including inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels.

Similarly, if you have a chronic habit, such as clenching or grinding your teeth which are seen in many people particularly during sleep, this too can lead to a tension headache.

Tension headaches also seem to run in families and about 40% of sufferers can trace a family history of the condition. When it comes to migraines genetics is also now thought to play an important role and a large, but as yet not quantified, number of migraine sufferers have a family history of the condition.

Depression too would appear to play a role and about 70% of people who suffer from chronic daily headaches also suffer from depression. Here of course the exact nature of the relationship is still unclear and while in some people it may well be depression which leads to a headache, in others it may well be the chronic headaches which result in depression.

People who suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea are also prone to headaches, although it is not entirely clear whether these two conditions cause headaches or whether there is an underlying cause for the combination of insomnia and headaches or sleep apnea and headaches.

Gender also plays a significant role with women being at greater risk from both tension and migraine headaches. Indeed, about three times as many women as men suffer from migraines. However, in the case of cluster headaches, which appear on a daily basis often for weeks or months at a time, men are affected far more than women.

Finally, there are a number of lifestyle factors which affect your likelihood of suffering from headaches and these include drinking too much alcohol (especially red wine), skipping meals, eating particular types of food (cheese is a common culprit here) and even stress.

When it comes to treating headaches there are clearly some factors which we can control (such as eating and drinking) and other which are outside of our control (such as genetics) but, the starting point in all cases is to get a professional diagnosis for your headache and not simply to assume, as many people do, that all headaches are basically the same.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on a wide variety of headaches including migraine headaches and tension headaches

Added: January 12, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Who-Is-At-The-Greatest-~

Are You Suffering From Migraines?

Many people suffer from extreme headache pain but don't realize that what they are experiencing is actually a migraine which often requires a different approach to treatment. Migraines are caused by an enlargement of blood vessels along with the release of chemicals from specific nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels. This obstruction involves the temporal artery which is located just outside the skull.

Migraine pain is often associated with the swelling that causes pressure to the temple area. This enforces an attack on the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the body that responds to stress. However, under the conditions of a migraine headache, it is unable to respond normally.

This increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system often results in an unwanted reaction from the intestines. Specifically, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are often experienced.

The sympathetic nervous system activity also affects the bodies' response to normal blood circulation causing conditions such as cold feet and hands.

Migraines aren't only experienced through headaches. However, when headache pain does occur it is significantly extreme. Most migraine sufferers develop specific warning signs that an attack is going to occur. Sleepiness, irritability, depression or euphoria, fatigue, yawning, and an increased craving for salty or sweet foods are common indicators.

There are several medication and non-medication treatments available to migraine victims today. Non-medication treatment may involve developing relaxation techniques, diet, exercise, and better sleep amongst other things.

Medical treatments for migraines often used are acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and corticosteroids. However, using these medications may include some caution of use knowledge. For example, aspirin can be a leading cause of Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers which can have fatal results such as coma or death. People taking blood thinners should also refrain from the use of aspirin.

Stronger forms of medication are used to treat individuals with more extreme circumstances of pain. Triptans or serotonin receptors are often used because of their ability to reduce inflammation and constrict the blood vessels. Those who suffer migraine or tension headaches may rather be referred to treatment using Midrins which include a blood vessel constrictor, acetaminophen, and mild sedative. However, people who have high blood pressure, glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, or are using other specific medications may not take these types of medications.

Treatment is not limited to these specific forms of medication or non-medication treatments. If you experience abnormal recurrent headaches it's best to consult your physician right away to get an early diagnosis of the problem. Immediate treatment of migraines will help you to feel better and live more healthily.

Autor: Gabriel J. Adams

Please visit BCBSNC Blue Cross Blue Shield NC and BCBSNC Blue Cross Blue Shield NC

Added: January 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

The Mystery Behind The Common Headache

There can be very few people who have not experienced a headache and yet, despite the fact that they are so common, their cause remains something of a mystery. Also, although we often simply talk about a headache it is surprising how few people know that there are in fact several different types of headache.

Migraines for example affect about 10% of the US population (roughly 28 million individuals) and attack three times as many women as men. Yet, despite the fact that such a large section of the population regularly suffers from migraines, we still do not know what causes them. There are of course several theories, the latest of which is that they are caused by the interaction of brain chemicals like serotonin and the nerve cells of the brain, but we really do not know for sure that this is the cause.

Cluster headaches, which are much rarer but also much more intense than migraine headaches, affect only about one person in every three hundred and tend to attack men rather than women. Once again however we have only a tentative idea about what causes the stabbing pain which is often felt behind one eye in these particularly painful headaches. Some people suspect that a defect in the hypothalamus might be the cause but, as yet, there is no firm evidence to support this theory.

The commonest form of headache is what we normally refer to as ordinary or tension-type headaches and once more these are only partly understood. In this case the list of possible causes is extremely long and includes everything from what we eat to how stressed we are. Trying to pinpoint a precise cause has however so far proved too difficult and just what produces the ordinary everyday headache remains a mystery.

Perhaps the only saving grace is that there is a large number of medications available to cope with the different types of headache and most of these are both safe and effective for the majority of sufferers.

Migraines have long proved difficult to treat and the original ergot drugs used to treat them had varying degrees of success. These were then largely replaced by triptans which proved to be more effective but unfortunately carried some drawbacks. Nowadays however the second generation of triptan drugs are proving safe, have fewer side effects and work well for most sufferers.

We have also seen an increase in the use of preventive medications for migraines such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and a variety of other drugs which are commonly used to treat other well known conditions. For some people these will indeed stop headaches from occurring at all, while in other people they act to reduce the frequency of headaches.

For ordinary headaches traditional over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin or paracetamol (which have been around for more than 100 years) and newer drugs such as ibuprofen provide safe and effective relief in most cases. For people who suffer from regular headaches though care does need to be taken as even the humble aspirin can have side effects if taken too frequently and, for example, lead to such problems as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Even though there is still so much that we do not understand about headaches the fact that we are able to treat them effectively is a comfort to the many sufferers and especially to the large number of people who suffer from often very debilitating migraines. Surprisingly enough though only about half of all migraine sufferers ever seek medical advice and so there are millions of people today needlessly suffering in silence.

If you are bothered by headaches and simple over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or paracetamol do not do the trick then, rather than sit and suffer in silence, call in and see your physician who will almost certainly be able to help to relive your headaches.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all types of headache including such things as cluster headaches and sinus headaches

Added: January 10, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The-Mystery-Behind-The-~

Migraines - Not Your Ordinary Headache!

Introduction

Migraine is a disease, a headache is only a symptom. These headaches, with nausea and vomiting, usually begin in childhood and tend to becomes less severe and frequent with age. They can occur any time of the day, though it often starts in the morning. Migraine pain is caused by vasodilation in the cranial blood vessels (expansion of the blood vessels), while Headache pain is caused by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels). The disease characteristics can include: Pain typically on one side of the head with a pulsating or throbbing quality, Moderate to intense pain affecting daily activities, Nausea or vomiting, Sensitivity to light or sound.

Attacks usually last from four hours to 3 days, sometimes longer and visual disturbances or aura Exertion such as climbing stairs makes headaches worse. Approximately 20% of sufferers experience aura, the warning associated with migraine, prior to the headache pain. It is often mis-diagnosed as sinus headaches or tension-type headaches and affects up to 15% of the population. Migraines can induce a host of serious physical conditions including strokes, aneurysms, permanent visual loss, severe dental problems, coma and even death. Sufferers experience not only excruciating pain, but social ostracism, job loss, disruption of personal relationships, and prejudices in the workplace. These headaches seem to be caused in part by changes in the level of a body chemical called serotonin and they are not the same in all people.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a migraine may include: Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head, Pulsating or throbbing pain, Pain worse with physical activity, Nausea with or without vomiting, Sensitivity to light or sound. Approximately 20 percent of these people experience what's called an aura prior to the headache pain. Symptoms of an aura include flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in one arm or leg. With a Classic migraine, a person has these visual symptoms 10 to 30 minutes before an attack: sees flashing lights or zigzag lines, has blind spots or loses vision for a short time. With a Common migraine, a person does not have an aura, but does have the other symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. Women also tend to report higher levels of pain, longer headache time, and more symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

Treatments

Treatment is divided into eliminating particular triggers, management of the specific attack, and long-term prevention. There are two basic ways to treat migraine headaches with drugs: prevent the attacks, or relieve the symptoms during the attacks. Many people use both forms of treatment. Other home treatment methods can help, such as doing relaxation techniques and using cold packs. In your headache diary (you should keep one), make a list of home treatment methods that work for you in different situations. Alternative medical treatments with medications belonging to the group known as the Phenothiazines have proven useful as non-analgesic options for treating severe headaches. At present, there is no known cure for the disease, only treatments for the symptoms. Furthermore, such treatments are not yet totally effective and sufferers may show a diminished tolerance to a variety of medications, treatments, and pain management regimens. As always, talk with your doctor about what sets off your headaches and to help find the right treatment for you.

Conclusion

Migraine is a true neurological disease and often becomes worse in the first trimester of pregnancy, but many women are headache-free later in their pregnancy. This disease and epileptic seizure disorders are also interrelated. People who suffer from these headaches are frequently dismissed as neurotic complainers who are unable to handle stress. It is the second most common type of headache syndrome in the United States and is most commonly found in women, with a 3 to 1 female-to-male ratio. They can continue through the 30s and 40s.

Migraines afflict 28 million Americans, with females suffering more frequently (17%) than males (6%). This type of headache is one of the most common problems seen in emergency departments and doctors' offices. Occurrence among females increases sharply up to age 40 years and then declines gradually. Headaches tend to run in families, suggesting that genetic factors contribute to a persons susceptibility to the disease.

The National Headache Foundation suggests you talk to your doctor about your headaches IF: you have several per month and each lasts for several hours or days, disrupts your home, work, or school life, you have nausea, vomiting, vision, or other sensory problems. Tests will be run to determine if you have migraine or not. Before your appointment, write down: how often you have headaches, where the pain is, how long they last, when they happen, such as during your menstrual cycle, other symptoms, such as nausea or blind spots, any family history of the disease. By just talking with your doctor, you may be able to give enough information to diagnose migraine.

Autor: Richard Ealom

Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". Need more information Please visit our website @ http://rainydrops.com/a-migraine/migraine.php or http://rainydrops.com/alternative-orthodox.php

Added: January 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

The Humble Aspirin Is A Powerful Treatment For Headaches

Although it was not originally known as aspirin, this particular drug has been around for many years and historical documents show that the Greek physician Hippocrates used a form of aspirin extracted from the bark of willow trees to treat fever more than 2,500 years ago.

Aspirin as we know it today was however developed by the chemist Felix Hoffman who was working for the German company of Bayer towards the end of the 19th century. Today the humble aspirin has proved to be one of the most successful drugs ever created.

As long as aspirin is taken at its recommended dosage it exhibits very few side effects and can be used to treat everything from fever and inflammation to heart disease. And, of course, it is also commonly used to treat headaches.

Whenever an injury occurs to the tissue of the body prostaglandins are released which send nerve signals to the brain, including signals which contribute to the sensation of pain, and also contribute to the swelling which occurs at the site of the injury. Aspirin works to suppress the production of prostaglandin by binding to an enzyme which forms part of the production process.

The problem when it comes to trying to work out why aspirin works in the case of a headache lies in defining just what sort of 'injury' gives rise to the headache in the first place.

For example, it has been thought for many years that tension-type headaches are caused by muscle tension in the face, neck and back and that the stretching and compression of the muscles gives rise to inflammation, which is the injury leading to a headache. Today however, while muscle tension may well still be involved in the production of a headache, it is thought that the interaction of brain chemicals such as serotonin with the nerve cells of the brain plays a much more important role.

One of the greatest dangers with aspirin is that it can be too effective and as well as removing prostaglandins at the site of an injury it also removes prostaglandins from the stomach which, over time, weakens the lining of the stomach and leads to stomach upsets and ulcers.

Another problem with aspirin is that it 'thins the blood' because prostaglandins are also necessary for blood clotting. This is why aspirin is often used as a preventative medication for some heart conditions, but it can cause problems when it comes to stopping bleeding following a cut or in the event of a nose bleed.

Today we consume well over 80 billion aspirin tablets every year and the evidence shows that, used properly, it is a very effective and safe form of medication which will continue to be used to treat conditions such as headaches for many years to come.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all types of headaches and answers several common questions such as what causes morning headaches and why does caffeine cure my headache?

Added: January 8, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The-Humble-Aspirin-Is-A~

Migraine Headaches, Top 10 Triggers

In this article I will go over my 30 years plus past experience with Migraines and then get right to the top 10 Migraine Triggers and a source for a cure.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

My job involves a lot of driving, however, much of my time is spent on the interstate, and as you know there are a lot of shiny windshields, bumpers, backs of semis, and much more. Every day brought the chance for Migraine Headaches. I loved the outdoors too, but I found myself dreading walking out the door. Even reflections coming in the house was starting to give me problems.

They used to take me down for the day. Then over time my headaches started changing, so did my Migraine Triggers. It got to a point where I was having one twice a week, and they were getting really extreme. More things become Migraine Triggers for me too. Then they switched to the other side of my head, and could return part way through the day.

When they start changing or go from Ocular Migraine to a regular Migraine Headache with pain, you are wise to seek advice from your doctor to investigate the reason for the change. Ocular Migraines can be a real cause for concern under certain conditions.

At this point, life was becoming quite unbearable for me. My quality of life was non-existent. I was turning into a real grump too. Migraine Triggers were waiting everywhere. I could always tell when a Migraine was going to start, my vision would start to go away. I mostly suffered from Ocular Migraines.

I am practically Migraine Headache free now, but anyone who has had a true Migraine Headache knows how miserable one can be. I started having Migraine Headaches when I was a teenager.

Top 10 Migraine Triggers

Alcoholic Beverages

Environmental factors

Foods that contain caffeine , monosodium glutamate, and nitrates

Glare from chrome, windows, etc.

Stress

Hunger can cause Migraines

Lack of sleep is also a contributing factor

Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)

Smells, Perfume, etc.

Hormonal changes in women.

The main Migraine Triggers for me was as follows; reflections off chrome or windshields, sometimes coffee, Tea, Diesel exhaust, stress was a major one. I found even chocolate was a Migraine Trigger sometimes for me.

Both of my Parents had suffered from migraines till we found a cure. It was quite a relief indeed. I have posted the cure on my website for Migraine Headaches and Migraine Triggers if you are interested in that, it's at the bottom of my page here.

After I started this routine, I went almost 6 months without having a Migraine Headache, even though all the Triggers were still there. That was really a weird experience. I had a hard time getting my parents onboard.

This may not treat all suffers of Migraine Headaches, and there are a lot more Triggers than what I mentioned here. But it will give you a place to start. One source I found during my research that has a lot of good information on the subject and has some great steps for increasing oxygen in your bloodstream can be found by following the link below that goes to my website where their link is. If I feel a Migraine Headache coming on now, I can usually always prevent it with a simple exercise also. This exercise can even be done while driving down the road. That is real handy when you are in the middle of a road trip, and an Ocular Migraine tries to comes on (Tries mind you!).

They have information to help you Discover An All-Natural Method That Permanently Eliminates Migraine Headaches And Migraine Triggers. I had considered taking some of the prescription ones out of desperation, but they sounded too risky.

One other thing that really got my attention was that you are about 50% more likely to have a stroke after a Migraine. To heck with that! I think avoiding them is the best solution. However, both the Migraine Headache and the raise in risk of stroke are only the symptoms of another problem.

Autor: Randi W Clifford

That about does it for me. I hope you find relief from your agony, I feel your pain, and nausea. Although a thing of the past now, I feel very fortunate.

Best wishes for a Migraine Headache free life,

Randi

Migraine-Headaches-101.com

I am a past sufferer of Migraine Headaches; both of my parents had suffered from them also. We are all virtually Migraine free now because of some very simple changes in our lives. Now I'm all smiles and spreading the great news!

Added: January 8, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

The Role Of Paracetamol In Curing Headaches

When it comes to curing the common headache most people reach for either an aspirin or a paracetamol tablet, but which should you choose?

Both aspirin and paracetamol (also referred to as acetaminophen) have been used to treat headaches since the end of the 19th century and while they are both essentially analgesics (pain killers) there are some very important differences between these two drugs.

Aspirin works by binding to and blocking an enzyme which is necessary for the production of a group of natural body hormones known as prostaglandins. These body biochemicals come into play whenever you suffer inflammation, such as that which occurs whenever body tissue is injured.

If you catch your finger in a drawer while you are closing it the damage to the tissue of your finger will begin the production of prostaglandins at the site of the injury and these prostaglandins will send signals along the nerves from the finger to the brain which you perceive as pain. At the same time it also provides the stimulus which will cause your finger to swell and, in this case, swelling is simply the body's reaction to the increased flow of blood into the area surrounding the injury. By interfering with the production of prostaglandins aspirin both reduces the pain felt and also the degree of swelling.

Unlike aspirin, paracetamol does not act as an anti-inflammatory and does not block the effects of the enzyme necessary for the production of prostaglandins, but it does inhibit this enzyme. In other words, it acts to block the pain but not to reduce the swelling.

There are several advantages to using paracetamol not the least of which is that it does not weaken the lining of the stomach or carry the risk of kidney damage, both of which are risks with the prolonged use of aspirin. In addition, it does not interfere with blood clotting as does aspirin and so is safer in the event of sustaining a cut or for people who are prone to nose bleeds. Paracetamol can also be taken safely by people suffering from certain diseases, such as Reye's syndrome, where the use of aspirin is considered to be unsafe.

As with most drugs there are of course risks with paracetamol and these are seen particularly when it is taken in improper or high dosages. For example, taking paracetamol on a regular daily basis can result in what are known as rebound headaches and, at high enough dosages, paracetamol can lead to liver damage and ultimately to death. These risks are of course low, but they can be increased substantially by, for example, taking paracetamol in conjunction with alcohol.

Some of the signs to watch for in the overuse of paracetamol are tarry, black or bloody stools, a skin rash and a sore throat. Very occasionally overuse will also result in lip ulcers or in white spots inside the mouth.

Whether you should reach for the aspirin or a paracetamol tablet to cure your headache is something of a matter of personal choice and for most people who suffer only occasional headaches it probably does not matter, unless other conditions would make you susceptible to the risk of side effects from one or other of these two drugs. If you find however that you are having to reach for either too frequently then you should consult your physician to discuss the best course of action for curing your headaches.


Autor: Don Saunders

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on everything from what causes headaches to why does excessive drinking cause a headache?

Added: January 6, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/The-Role-Of-Paracetamol~

There Are Two Types of Migraines

MIGRAINE WITH AURA - this type of migraine is known as the classic sort.

An aura means that the migraine sufferer will experience a sensory warning sign about 10- 30 minutes before the headache actually sets in. The usual signs are the feeling of nausea and/or an aversion to bright lights and loud noises. You might see flashes of light before your eyes. Dizziness could set in and you could feel nauseous and vomit.

You could get blurred vision and partial deafness. Vision can be partly and temporarily lost while a feeling of numbness will take over the hands and arms. This would feel like "pins and needles". This numbness could affect the face as well. Usually this numbness will be most acute in the lips and tongue.

Once the headache sets in these symptoms normally go away and the sufferer is left only with the acute headache. Many regular sufferers just have a feeling that there is a migraine on the way. It is usually a restless tired feeling.

There could be a mood swing as well that triggers a warning. After experiencing the feeling many times they will know how to identify it.

A bright light that suddenly shines in your eyes, even if it is just for a split second, can trigger off an attack in some sufferers or a very loud noise.

This type of migraine is more severe than the one without aura.

MIGRAINE WITHOUT AURA - this type of migraine is know as the common sort.

These headaches start without any warning symptoms. They can start at any time of the day or night. One minute you will be feeling fine and the next you will be experiencing the pain of an attack.

It could just start as a dull throbbing, which is bearable or it could crescendo into a more aggressive pain.

There are times when the sufferer experiences unbearable pain that prevents them from being able to do anything except lay still on the bed in a darkened room until the pain subsides.

Almost always the patient has partial blindness from the pain and any form of concentration is virtually impossible. Noise of any kind makes the condition worse.
Usually this condition does not clear up until the patient has had a bout of vomiting. This seems to relieve the pressure in the head. The headache will then subside. This will not be the case with every attack.

Some attacks will last longer than others. They could last a few minutes or hours depending on the severity of the attack

Some sufferers are left feeling weak and listless for days after an attack. There could be a lack of concentration and a stiff neck.

If the symptoms are only visual and there are no other symptoms such as a headache consult an ophthalmologist in case the cause is an eye disease and not migraine. You could then get this condition treated.

Autor: Mabel Van Niekerk

This author writes various articles pertaining to migraines. http://www.curemigrainesnow.com

Added: January 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Migraines and Aspartame - Is there a link?

The artificial sweetener Aspartame gained a foothold as a sugar replacement, with diabetics gaining a significant advantage. At the peak of its popularity, some 6,000 foods and drinks, even certain chewing gums and vitamin products, contained Aspartame

It is marketed under several different tradenames, including Nutrasweet, Canderel, Equal and Tropicana Slim. In the European Union its E-number (additive code) is E951.

The battle rages on as to whether the artificial sweetener aspartame actually causes migraine headaches. The manufacturers of NutraSweet strongly deny that there is a correlation, referring to research from Duke University which they say totally dismisses it as a possibility(1).

They usually neglect to mention that they funded the study, which consisted of a one day dosage of aspartame or placebo to migraine sufferers. On the basis that the findings showed no statistical difference between the two groups' incidence of headache that day, the aspartame backers claimed that the suggestion of aspartame causing headaches was unsubstantiated.

The FDA have taken the study as conclusive proof, stating subsequently that there is nothing to substantiate the theory that aspartame is harmful to humans.

The FDA first backed aspartame against critics in 1981 which is the year President Reagan first took office. Reagan had close ties with Searle drug company which manufactured the additive, and he fired the FDA commissioner who had been blocking the approval, then appointing Dr Arthur Hayes to the position.

A Board of Inquiry convened and recommended continuing to deny approval, citing the incidence of seizures and brain tumors in laboratory animals. Hayes approved the additive against the Board's recommendation, and subsequently left the FDA for a position with Searle's public relations firm.

Aspartame accounts for 75% of ALL complaints to the FDA for a food additive - with even MSG running a poor second. Some research has concluded that aspartame contains a carcinogen (substance that causes cancer) which is suspected by many scientists to be behind conditions ranging from brain tumors to epilepsy.

A thirteen-week, double-blind, randomized cross-over study was conducted in 1988 by S M Koehler and the results were staggering. Participants were given doses of aspartame or placebo, and the results from the test indicated that at least 50% of the subjects given aspartame had increasing frequency and duration of migraines, while those on placebo had decreased attacks(2).

Various other double blind studies have concluded that aspartame did indeed cause worsening of migraines, the exception being the study financed by NutraSweet. In all studies conducted on aspartame that were funded by NutraSweet, aspartame was found to be completely innocent of causing any adverse effects.

Other privately funded studies showed aspartame to be in fact responsible for headaches and other health problems in over 80% of tests, with the majority of the ones still showing inconclusive results being funded by the FDA, which has been accused of turning a blind eye to the dangers of aspartame since it was approved.

In a very interesting twist, two patients studied by Newman and Lipton experienced worsening of migraine upon administration of rezatriptan, a medication that normally gave them relief. On examination, the medication was actually of a new form in a dissolvable wafer rather than the normal capsule - and the wafer was sweetened with aspartame. Aspartame had been identified as a trigger by both subjects. They had no idea that the rezatriptan medication in the wafer form contained the sweetener, having just been given the samples for ease of dosing in case of migraine onset at work or school(3).

The multiple symptoms of aspartame sensitivity don't stop with migraines, though headaches are one of the top three complaints. Extreme tiredness, dizziness, fainting spells and seizures are often reported, in addition to depression which in some instances has reached suicidal proportions.

Critics of aspartame point to the research that found medical conditions associated with it and where the condition disappeared after patients avoided aspartame. Thousands more have spoken about worrying effects of aspartame on their health. On the other hand some well-respected scientists support the FDA view that aspartame is harmless.

The sweetener converts into several breakdown products including aspartic acid, phenylalanine, methanol, formaldehyde and formic acid(4). According to Wikipedia there is controversy surrounding the rate of breakdown into these various products and the effects that they have on those that consume aspartame-sweetened foods.

Even though phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and occurs naturally, it has an adverse effect on people born with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited condition which prevents correct metabolism of phenylalanine. Since individuals with PKU need to take account of aspartame as an additional source of phenylalanine, foods containing aspartame must carry warning labels. However, as this is a rare condition, and sufferers know they need to avoid the substance, that isn't the most worrying health concern.

The most suspect breakdown product in aspartame is methanol, which breaks down into formaldehyde, a highly toxic substance that the United States Environmental Protection Agency classified as a probable human carcinogen. Formaldehyde is used in embalming, glue, plywood, plastics, carpets and many other products. Because of toxicity concerns the EU has considered imposing a complete ban on its use even for embalming.

Defenders of aspartame point out that methanol is present in many natural foods at even higher levels than a diet soda, but fail to acknowledge that the naturally occurring methanol is ALWAYS accompanied by ethanol and pectin, natural antidotes to methanol poisoning which cancel out any ill effects. Aspartame does not supply ethanol, neither do products that contain the sweetener.

The controversy is far from over. The number of people who claim aspartame causes or exacerbates their migraines continues to grow, and many doctors now consider aspartame a known trigger. Other symptoms are reported in increasing numbers each year. However to date (2008), the FDA insists that aspartame is perfectly safe with no plans to ban its inclusion in food products.

Could it be that it has been added to so many weight-watchers' foods that the financial and commercial implications of withdrawing it would cost a fortune? Due to tumor concerns some manufacturers are slowly replacing it with sucralose, but as recipes will need reformulating and the products will need to be repackaged and quality controlled this will be a slow process.

In the mean-time consumers may wish to avoid aspartame-containing products to check if they experience improvement of any troublesome symptoms.

(1) Schiffman SS, Buckley CE III, Sampson JA, et al. Aspartame and susceptibility to headache. N Engl J Med. 1987; 317: 1181-1185.

(2) Koehler, SM, A. Glaros, 1988. "The Effect of Aspartame on Migraine Headache," Headache, Volume 28, page 10-14.

(3) Newman & Lipton: 3.75 mg aspartame in Merck Maxalt-MLT worsens migraine Oct 2001 7.28.2

(4) C. Trocho, R. Pardo, I. Rafecas, J. Virgili, X. Remesar, J. A. Fernandez-Lopez and M. Alemany (1998). "Formaldehyde derived from dietary aspartame binds to tissue components in vivo". Life Sciences, 63 (5): 337'349.


Autor: Joy Healey

Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. Her dissertation topic was migraine. For immediate delivery of an ebook full of further recommendations for natural, complementary approaches to treat and prevent migraine visit: http://www.natural-migraine-alternatives.com

Added: January 5, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Migraines-and-Aspartame~

Natural Migraine Treatment

More than 20 million North Americans suffer from migraine, a one-sided, severe, throbbing or pulsating headache often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, as well as by nausea and vomiting. Migraines are also called vascular headaches, because they usually involve spasm of the arteries of the head, resulting in a pulsating pain. There are no successful medicines for it, only natural migraine treatments can help.

The headaches may last from a few hours to several days or even longer. About 10 percent of migraine sufferers experience a warning aura before the headache starts; this early symptom involves a visual disturbance, such as partial or temporary loss of sight or flashes of light and color. An aura may also cause tingling on one side of the face or body or a disturbance in the sense of smell.

Even those who don't experience an aura may have warning signs in the few hours leading up to a migraine, such as feelings of cold, craving for a specific food, mood changes, a sudden burst of energy, or frequent yawning. Migraines affect women about three times as often as men, and they commonly start between the ages of 18 and 44. Doctors think that they begin when triggers - dietary, hormonal, environmental, emotional, and other factors cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then relax. These distorted blood vessels prompt nerve endings to send out pain signals.

Natural migraine treatment involves relaxation techniques. In addition to using relaxation techniques, some doctors recommend taking a course in biofeedback to learn how to raise the temperature of your hands, thereby diverting some of the blood flow from the head to another part of the body. This technique can be used at the start of an attack.

Autor: Arun Vimal
Added: January 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How Can I Avoid Migraine Headaches?

Unlike normal headaches that many of us suffer with, a migraine is often a hereditary complaint that starts when someone is still in childhood. Left untreated, an attack can force the person to have bed rest but normally the intense pain starts to subside within a few hours. To make matters worse, even after the pains have decreased the sufferer is still left weak from the episode and unable to carry on normal tasks for quite a while.

The frequency of occurrences can vary and one can suffer from it once or several times in a month or only one in a year. A number of the symptoms associated with this condition resemble those seen in people with other common complaints. Migraine attacks only seem to affect people within a certain age range, just before puberty and stop by the time the person has reached about 40; in almost every instance however, attacks usually diminish or end in later adult life usually once the person is over 50 years old.

It is quite common for members of the same family group to suffer with migraine attacks; however, science has not yet proved that there is a genetic factor at work. One area that does seem to have a connection is the medical condition where the blood vessels in the head can become swollen. There are three women to each man that suffer with this condition; however, the chance of a man experiencing the condition on a regular basis is only one in twelve.

One of the signs - migraine with aura, is characterized by an unusual sensation (aura) that is in occurrence 10 to 30 minutes prior to the head pain. The warning signs may include:

Queasiness
Vision is affected
Reduction in the sensations of taste
Lack of sensation in sufferers extremities

these are the most commonly experienced symptoms. The most common type of this condition is known as migraine without aura; many early indications felt by those who have a warning are symptoms felt by those who have no warning but their condition can be made worse if they are in constant motion.

Some medical experts believe it is the contracting blood vessels that are responsible for the migraine with aura effect. The blood vessels may then expand afterwards, which might account for the headache; however, all suffers say the attack knocks them out and they are unable to carry out even the most simple of daily tasks. A sufferer could have one or more triggers to each attack; the most common complaints are highlighted below:

Bad weather
Certain foods
Traveling in a plane
Certain beverages i.e. coffee
Very bright internal lighting
Poor sleep patterns
Work related stress

It is therefore a good idea for the victim to see if there is a pattern to the attacks which could then make it easier to avoid them.

Autor: Carol Bell

For More Information Visit Our Website www.superiorhealth.co.uk Or Our Blog www.superiorhealth.co.uk/blog

Added: January 3, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/How-Can-I-Avoid-Migrain~

The Mystery Behind the Common Headache

There can be very few people who have not experienced a headache and yet, despite the fact that they are so common, their cause remains something of a mystery. Also, although we often simply talk about a headache it is surprising how few people know that there are in fact several different types of headache.

Migraines for example affect about 10% of the US population (roughly 28 million individuals) and attack three times as many women as men. Yet, despite the fact that such a large section of the population regularly suffers from migraines, we still do not know what causes them. There are of course several theories, the latest of which is that they are caused by the interaction of brain chemicals like serotonin and the nerve cells of the brain, but we really do not know for sure that this is the cause.

Cluster headaches, which are much rarer but also much more intense than migraine headaches, affect only about one person in every three hundred and tend to attack men rather than women. Once again however we have only a tentative idea about what causes the stabbing pain which is often felt behind one eye in these particularly painful headaches. Some people suspect that a defect in the hypothalamus might be the cause but, as yet, there is no firm evidence to support this theory.

The commonest form of headache is what we normally refer to as ordinary or tension-type headaches and once more these are only partly understood. In this case the list of possible causes is extremely long and includes everything from what we eat to how stressed we are. Trying to pinpoint a precise cause has however so far proved too difficult and just what produces the ordinary everyday headache remains a mystery.

Perhaps the only saving grace is that there is a large number of medications available to cope with the different types of headache and most of these are both safe and effective for the majority of sufferers.

Migraines have long proved difficult to treat and the original ergot drugs used to treat them had varying degrees of success. These were then largely replaced by triptans which proved to be more effective but unfortunately carried some drawbacks. Nowadays however the second generation of triptan drugs are proving safe, have fewer side effects and work well for most sufferers.

We have also seen an increase in the use of preventive medications for migraines such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications and a variety of other drugs which are commonly used to treat other well known conditions. For some people these will indeed stop headaches from occurring at all, while in other people they act to reduce the frequency of headaches.

For ordinary headaches traditional over-the-counter remedies such as aspirin or paracetamol (which have been around for more than 100 years) and newer drugs such as ibuprofen provide safe and effective relief in most cases. For people who suffer from regular headaches though care does need to be taken as even the humble aspirin can have side effects if taken too frequently and, for example, lead to such problems as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Even though there is still so much that we do not understand about headaches the fact that we are able to treat them effectively is a comfort to the many sufferers and especially to the large number of people who suffer from often very debilitating migraines. Surprisingly enough though only about half of all migraine sufferers ever seek medical advice and so there are millions of people today needlessly suffering in silence.

If you are bothered by headaches and simple over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or paracetamol do not do the trick then, rather than sit and suffer in silence, call in and see your physician who will almost certainly be able to help to relive your headaches.

Autor: Donald Saunders Donald Saunders
Level: Platinum
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including: "Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet ... ...

TheMigraineHeadacheCenter.com provides information on all types of headache including such things as cluster headaches and sinus headaches

Added: January 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Sinus Infection Symptoms - 5 Ways To Tell If You Have a Sinus Infection - Nurse's Tips!

Do you think you're having some sinus infection symptoms now? Or if you aren't sure if your symptoms are related to your sinuses, there are a few ways you can tell if they are. You may be in the beginning stages of sinusitis or a sinus infection or have had one developing for awhile.

These are some of the ways you can tell.

1. Yellowish discharge. Do you have some nasal discharge or feel some discharge in the back of your throat? Check it closely and see if it has a yellowish tinge. If it's yellow you can be almost certain you have a sinus infection going on. If the discharge is not yellow you may be in the early stages of sinusitis and you can stop it easier now before it gets into a full-blown sinus infection.

2. Sinus headache. In the past, I don't think sinus headaches were recognized as much as they should have been. It seems they were not recognized as such. Many people have suffered with headaches that were labeled tension headaches or migraines. A sinus headache can be one-sided on the top of the head, or across the forehead, for example.

A sinus headache may be harder to turn around if you don't catch it just as it's starting up. The body goes into an automatic mode where it's harder to break the cycle. So if you suspect it might be your sinuses take some quick action. Try nasal irrigation for a sinus headache cure or to get sinus relief.

3. A stuffed up nose. A stuffed up nose or sinus congestion can be from a sinus blockage - a back up behind the nose in the sinus cavities. When the sinuses get blocked by dried up mucous, the one quart of mucous that moves through the sinuses each day gets backed up, causing a lot of pressure and possibly headache. Taking any medication as a sinus treatment, that dries up mucous, such as antihistamines, will harden it even more.

4. Irritated throat. If you notice a slightly sore throat it may be from the sinus discharge draining down your throat. You can try gargling with some warm water (about 8 oz.) with a half teaspoon of salt. If this clears you in half an hour or so then you don't have a sore throat but just irritation from the sinus drainage.

5. Slight coughing off and on. If you find you're coughing here and there throughout the day, you may have sinus drainage leaking down your throat and irritating your cough reflex. The coughing is to clear your throat and not in your lungs at this point.

Often suffering with these and other sinus infection symptoms can be thought to be a cold coming on. This is many times not the case. The symptoms are confused very often with cold symptoms. You can do something about it. There are great home remedy sinus cures today that are completely natural. Sinus sufferers no longer need to suffer as was not the case in the old days, nor have routine sinus surgery. There are some good natural ways to get rid of sinus problems forever.

Autor: Helen Hecker

For more info on how I cured myself of chronic sinus infections forever go to my nurse's website http://www.SinusCureReport.com for tips, treatments, natural treatments, causes and remedies and info on symptoms, surgery, nasal irrigation and sinus headaches

Added: January 2, 2009
Source: http://articlerich.com/Article/Sinus-Infection-Symptom~

Migraine Relief Needed - Study Shows There is All Natural Migraine Help For You

Need migraine relief because you are suffering from chronic migraines? According to this study, migraine sufferers should be hopeful. There is an all natural supplement that could be give you the migraine relief you need. As a matter of fact, if you are suffering from migraines, you know that the medication that is typically subscribed is very strong... and studies have shown, a lot of it can be very dangerous.

Anyway, there is good news.

A study was done with 32 patients who had chronic migraines. They had migraines at least 2 to 8 times a month. Each person was given only 150 mg of coenzyme Q10 (also known as "Co Q 10") each morning at breakfast for 3 months. 31 out of the 32 people finished the study and no bad effects were linked with Coenzyme Q10 therapy. The great news? 61% had greater than a 50% reduction in migraine days at the end of 3 months! That's 10 patients! And 93% of the patients had at least a 25% reduction in number of days with migraine and The promising news? Only 2 out of the 32 patients showed no improvement. So the odds are very good that Co Q 10 might help with migraines.

Where do you buy Co Q 10? You can get it at your local health store but they will charge you a LOT of money for it. You can also buy it online for a lot cheaper... but be careful about where you buy it. A lot of vitamins have "fillers" in them that are not good for you. Make sure you buy an "all natural" Co Q 10. Be careful.

To find out a place where you can buy "all natural supplements" such as Co Q 10, visit http://www.provennaturalcures.com/discountvitamins.html

Source: Rozen TD, et. al. Open label trial of Coenzyme Q10 as a migraine preventive. Cephalagia 2002; 22:137-141.

Autor: Hope Pope Hope Pope
Level: Basic PLUS
Hope Pope is the owner of Proven Natural Cures website. This website includes information on all types of natural cures....

Hope
http://www.provennaturalcures.com

Added: January 1, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/