9 March 2022
What are Migraines?
Migraines are headaches that last for 4 hours to 3 days. The symptoms are throbbing, pulsing pain on one side of the head, together with nausea and vomiting. In migraine research, MRIs have found that the pain is localized and increases during menstruation.
Migraines are caused by various factors: genetic disposition, environmental triggers (like bright lights or food), hormonal changes, and stress. There is a dysfunction in the brain’s network for transmitting nerve signals.
Trigeminal nerve overactivity (one of the two cranial nerves) is the most common cause. This results in inflammation of surrounding nerves and blood leaks. There may also be dilated blood vessels in the brain.
Trigeminal nerve signals pain to the brain from the face. An example of factors that trigger migraines is bright lights, potent smells, stress, menstruation, changes in hormones (such as during pregnancy) and head injuries.
The History of Migraines
A study of migraines was published in 1696 by Dr. Johannes Müller. An extract of cerumen and bloodletting were prescribed for a woman suffering from recurrent headaches. Migraines are still a mystery over 300 years later.
In the United States, this is one of the most common medical conditions. It is also the most frequently misdiagnosed. Headaches are caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormones, lifestyle choices, and stress. Those who suffer from migraines are more likely to have anxiety or depression.
Types of Migraine
Migraines come in four varieties: classic, menstrual, cluster, and tension. Around two-thirds of all migraines are classic migraines. A classic migraine usually lasts for 3 to 4 hours.
A menstrual migraine is a type of classic migraine that occurs during the menstrual cycle. It can be more severe and last longer than regular migraines. The symptoms usually start 12 to 36 hours before the menstrual period and last for about 2 days afterward.
Cluster headaches can be deadly and typically occur in people over 50. Women are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches at night. In about half of cases, an aura preceded the headache and began with severe pain on one side of the head, vision problems or difficulties speaking, intense nausea, hypersensitivity to light, and vomiting.
Muscle tension or other structures in the neck are the causes of tension-type headaches. 80 percent of all headaches are tension headaches. Symptoms include a throbbing, severe pain A headache lasting at least one hour, difficulty speaking or swallowing, sweating, and sensitivity to light and sound are symptoms.
Chronic vs Episodic Headaches
Chronic headaches occur more than once a month. Episodic headaches happen less than once a month. The severity of chronic headaches is often greater, and the risk of developing other chronic headaches, such as cluster headaches, is higher.
Another type is a “migrainous infarction,” which starts suddenly and is marked by sharp pain. This is commonly called a migraine attack. Five to ten percent of migraines are caused by this type. Some migraine headaches fall into over one category.
Hemiplegic Migraine Headache Pain
There is a rare type of migraine called hemiplegic migraine, which occurs when the pain is concentrated on one side of the body, such as the left arm or leg. These can be difficult to diagnose. They are often misdiagnosed and untreated because they look like different conditions, such as strokes or car accidents.
Visual Distortions During Migraine
Vision is often distorted during migraines. This can include seeing tiny objects or lights as big or larger than usual, faint colors, flashing light, and geometric shapes.
Changes in blood flow to the brain are thought to cause migraines. Migraine symptoms can worsen when near bright lights and Computer Graphics Interfaces (CGIs). Bright lights stimulate nerve cells, which increases nervous system activity.
How to Recognize Migraine Symptoms
Migraines are estimated to affect 20% of the population, despite people believing they’re rare. Recurrent severe headaches that bring patients to their doctor are usually caused by migraines. If you are experiencing symptoms such as those listed above, see your doctor.
Abdominal Migraine
Abdominal migraine is a type of migraine that involves severe pain in the lower part of the stomach and abdominal area. This pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
The Associated Press reports that about 1 out of every 50 people experience abdominal migraines at some point in their lives. However, only about 5 percent of those who suffer from this form of migraine are actually diagnosed with it.
Hereditary Migraine Headaches
People with a family history of migraines are much more likely to get them themselves, even if they don’t have any other risk factors. There are many factors that may contribute to migraines; however, the cause is still unknown. The genetic predisposition to migraine headaches plays an important role.
In addition, factors such as age, gender and head position can all contribute. More women suffer from this ailment and sufferers usually experience them in their early 20s.
Families with migraines may share similar triggers or symptoms. For instance, people with migraines may experience auras (visual disturbances including colors, lights, and patterns), drink excessively, consume salty foods, and trigger tension headaches by doing activities such as neck exercises.
Diagnosis of Migraine
The diagnosis of migraine is based on a combination of the patient’s personal history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Since there are many symptoms of migraine, it is important for the physician to present a questionnaire related to migraine suffering for the patient to fill out.
Among the questions asked include whether the individual has had recurrent headaches for over two months, what are the headaches they have (pressure type, pulsatile type or both), how many attacks per day occur and where these attacks usually take place.
Can A Chiropractor Help with Headaches?
Patients with migraines commonly ask, “how can chiropractic help with migraines?” One school of thought is that chiropractic helps by providing relief from the associated pain and inflammation in the head and neck region.
In a study of patients who received chiropractic treatment for their migraines, researchers found that 60% experienced significant reductions in migraine frequency, severity, and duration. Additional benefits include improved mood and ease of sleep.
The neck pressure may be a contributing factor to migraines. Adjusting the spine to relieve tension or pressure on nerves that can cause migraines is one strategy. Despite the need for more research, chiropractic care can undoubtedly play a role in the treatment of migraines.
Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide
CGRP is a hormone that’s released when the spinal cord becomes compressed. When abnormalities occur in the production of CGRP, it can lead to migraine headache pain. It’s thought to play an important role in migraine pain by increasing vascular permeability, leading to increased blood flow and heightened sensitivity to pain signals from the brain.
In trials, CGRP inhibitors have shown promise in reducing headache frequency and intensity. A neurological evaluation featuring imaging is recommended for people with seizures, numbness, dizziness, blind spots or other symptoms that suggest a brain tumor. The same type of test is used to rule out other causes of head pain, such as meningitis and cerebral amytis.
Preventing Migraine Pain
Using chiropractic care for chronic migraines has flourished over the past few decades, as more research has been conducted into its potential benefits. A 2010 study found chiropractic care significantly reduced migraine pain and improved neurologic function among migraine sufferers. A combination of treatments may be the answer for many who suffer from regular symptoms of migraine.
A Cure for Migraine Headaches
Although migraines cannot be cured, there are several effective treatments that can improve your quality of life. Symptoms of migraine should be treated immediately, while triggers should be avoided or changed to prevent migraines.
Among the treatments are medications (usually beta blockers), lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking, reducing caffeine consumption, and avoiding stress), chiropractic adjustments, and vision therapy.
Chiropractic Solutions for Migraines
In order to reduce migraine pain, various treatments may be used. Medication, lifestyle changes, and chiropractic care are some of the most commonly prescribed therapies. Among the most effective forms of headache treatment available, chiropractic care has been shown to relieve chronic headaches and migraines.
Correcting spinal misalignments restores nerve function and structural balance. A misalignment can compress the spinal cord, causing headaches. Chiropractic solutions for migraines can relieve pressure on the brain and spine, improving neurologic function and reducing migraines.
Do Adjustments Reduce Hormonal Migraines?
The effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in treating hormone-related migraines is unknown. Many studies suggest that chiropractic care can improve neurologic function and reduce migraine pain. Chiropractic treatment may be an option if you are experiencing recurrent hormonal migraines.
Chiropractic for Migraines During Pregnancy
The nervous system and spinal column of a pregnant woman expand to accommodate the growing child. Increasing activity may cause tension and pressure on the spine, which may lead to headaches. Chiropractic care can help relieve these tensions and improve neurologic function while you are pregnant.
Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy has been studied in very limited detail. Chiropractic care, however, is believed to reduce migraine pain and improve neurologic function. Consider chiropractic treatment if you experience recurrent migraines during pregnancy.
Are There Any Side Effects to Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment is free of side effects. Less than 4% of patients suffer a serious side effect from chiropractic care. If you are experiencing persistent pain or headaches following chiropractic treatment, please speak with your doctor about other options.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Dizziness and Headaches
Dizziness followed by headaches can be a symptom of a variety of disorders. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Chiropractic care may be beneficial for migraines caused by spinal cord compression.
Dizziness and headaches can be eased by chiropractic adjustments. After a chiropractic adjustment, nearly 70% of patients experienced decreased dizziness or headache relief. Consider chiropractic treatment if you experience persistent symptoms such as dizziness and headaches.
Benefits of Chiropractic Headache Therapies
Chiropractic adjustments can provide headache sufferers with the following specific benefits:
1. Increases blood flow and nerve function.
2. Decreases pressure on the spine, reducing migraines.
3. Improves the quality of sleep.
Common Misconceptions About Migraines
Migraines are often misunderstood, resulting in frustration and a delay in seeking treatment. Here are four of the most common myths:
1. Migraine headaches always affects one side of the head.
2. Caffeine, chocolate, and stress are triggers that can cause migraine headaches.
3. Most headaches are because of sinus pressure or Greig’s syndrome.
4. Migraine headaches show illness.
You might delay or ignore migraine treatment if you believe one of these myths. Everyone’s migraine symptoms differ, and some people may not experience any at all. Dizziness and headache symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.
Retinal Migraine Attacks
Retinal migraine attacks are a type of migraine that affects the eye. In retinal migraines, pain and inflammation in the retina (the tissue at the back of your eye) cause vision problems. Retinal migraines may also lead to scarring and blindness.
Those who suffer from this form of migraine may experience blurred or distorted vision; severe headaches that last for more than one hour; sensitivity to light (photophobia); seeing flashing or moving lights; and/or reduced vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek emergency medical attention.
Flashing Lights Triggering Migraines
Flashing lights can trigger migraines, so you should consult your doctor if you experience them. It is called Photosensitive Migraine Headache, or PNH, if the headache is induced by bright light. Although there is no simple solution, one treatment option is wearing sunglasses when in environments with high levels of luminance or avoiding bright lights.
Food Allergies and Migraines
Food allergies do not always cause migraines, as many people assume. An allergy to one of the migraine-causing substances may be present in some migraine sufferers, triggers (such as fragrances, foods with high sugar content, or red wine). However, migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including environmental allergens. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be allergic to any type of substance.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Trigger
Many migraine sufferers are sensitive to MSG, even if they have no food allergies. The nerve cells in the brain responsible for signaling the rest of the body can be activated by MSG. Please consult your doctor if you experience dizziness or nausea after eating foods containing MSG.
Migraines and Menopause
Migraine headaches are associated with female hormones. Women are three times more likely than men to get headaches because of this reason. Some women experience migraines in the weeks leading up to or during their periods.
This is because of changes in hormone levels, which can trigger inflammation and pain in the head. Treatment options vary depending on the woman’s symptoms, but may include birth control pills or other medications to regulate hormone levels, resting visits to the doctor, and chiropractic care.
Hormones, particularly in women in perimenopause, are under-appreciated and under-addressed. Migraine sufferers frequently experience unusual symptoms, such as dizziness that they didn’t previously have.
Perimenopause is a time of fluctuating hormone levels that can lead to many health challenges. If you are experiencing headaches, it is important to have a conversation with your doctor about the potential causes and explore all treatment options.
Antidepressants and Headaches
Using antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed for depression, has been linked to an increased risk of headaches. Headache sufferers who take antidepressants may be more likely to have serotonin syndrome; a condition that can include fever, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle movements.
If you are experiencing tension headaches or mixed headache types (with features like visual disturbances), it is important to speak with your doctor about whether antidepressant medications may cause the problem.
Holistic Approach to Migraine Treatment
If you are struggling to find relief from your migraines through standard treatments, it may be helpful to explore holistic options. Holistic treatments may include acupuncture, yoga or meditation and biofeedback. If these therapies are effective for you and do not cause any side effects, they can be a valuable addition to your migraine relief plan.
Migraine sufferers come in all shapes and sizes. Olympic athletes and people who shy away from physical activity get migraines. The triggers for migraines can take off the side of your head regardless of your fitness level. However, keeping fit and getting lots of rest are ways to lessen your chances of getting a migraine.
Sleep Disorders
People who experience migraines are often struggling with chronic sleep problems. A lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms of a migraine and may be a contributing factor to the development of chronic headaches.
A headache sufferer may notice that their headache worsens if he or she is eating/drinking, exercising, or has been sleeping poorly. A migraine attack can develop when fatigue overtakes the person who already has stress from irregular sleeping patterns..
It is important to get enough sleep each night in order to reduce your risk of developing migraines, and to treat any existing migraines effectively. If you are experiencing frequent headaches or difficulty falling asleep, please talk with your doctor about whether you may suffer from a sleep disorder.
Prescription Pain Medications for Migraine Treatments
There is no single medication that is effective in treating all migraine patients. The type of medication used will depend on the individual’s symptoms and personal history. Prescription medications may help but not cure the ailment.
Many over-the-counter pain relievers are also known migraine triggers, and can cause more headaches and other side effects. If you are experiencing any type of headache after taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, please speak with your doctor about causes and treatments.
Common Over the Counter Pain Relievers
Many people believe that using over-the-counter pain relievers will relieve their migraines. However, this is not always the case. A high dose of aspirin from 900 mg to 1300 mg was an effective and safe treatment for acute migraine headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also recommended for pain relief. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, Naprosyn) can also help to reduce pain. Prescription-strength versions may be necessary if over-the-counter brands aren’t enough.
Botox for Migraines
Many conditions, including migraines, are treated with Botox (botulinum toxin). It is often possible to relieve migraine headaches effectively with Botox injections, and the treatment can last for several months. Botulism is, however, a potential risk with Botox injections, so always consult your doctor before receiving this treatment.
Infusions of Botox are used to reduce muscle spasms in hemiplegic migraine patients and can reduce pain and inflammation. Botox is also one of several options currently used as preventive medications.
Aimovig Migraine Prevention
Researchers have found that Aimovig prevents migraine headaches in migraine sufferers. Currently, the medication is being tested in clinical trials to prevent both first-time and recurrent migraines.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not take Amiovig. The drug may cause serious birth defects. Discuss the risks and eligibility of participating in one of these studies with your doctor if you’re interested.
Triptans for Migraine Relief
Triptans are a class of medications that can treat migraines. They reduce migraine headache pain and inflammation. The most frequently prescribed migraine medicines include sumatriptan (Imitrex), naproxen (Aleve), and ergotamine tartrate (Ergo-C).
Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is a newer type of triptan that has been shown to be more effective than other types of triptans for treating migraine. However, it is important to note that rizatriptan (Maxalt) may also cause ADD/ADHD-like symptoms in some people and should not be used by children or young adults under the age of 25 without first talking to an doctor.
Migraine treatments such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), triptans, and ergotamines are effective for most people with migraine. However, some people do not respond well to these treatments. If you experience no relief from one of these medications, your doctor may recommend another treatment or combination of treatments.
Do You Need a Blood Test to Check for Migraines?
No, you do not need a blood test to check for migraines. However, some people may be recommended to have a blood test if they are experiencing particularly severe headaches or if their doctor suspects that there is another medical problem causing the headaches.
Symptoms such as vertigo when experiencing a chronic migraine attack , unexplained weight gain, and changes in mood or personality may indicate a more serious problem, such as an undetected stroke, brain tumor, or coronary artery disease. If you experience any of these symptoms and think that they might be related to your migraines, please consult with your doctor.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to the question of which migraine medication is best for a given person. Treatment options may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms and health history, and many people find that different medications work better for them than others. If you are experiencing severe headaches, it is always important to speak with your doctor about your options for treatment.