Suffering From Debilitating Migraine Pain? These Herbs May Help

Primarily causing extreme pain in one side of the head, migraine is a common neurological condition. It is characterized by signs including nausea, vomiting, food cravings, fatigue, irritability, etc. It is an extremely debilitating condition whose symptoms begin one or two days prior to the actual attack. There are basically four phases of the migraine attack namely prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Prodrome is characterized by constipation, mood changes, neck stiffness, etc. and occurs approximately two days before the attack. On the other hand, aura occurs just before or during the attack and causes sensations one arm or leg, hearing loss, uncontrolled jerking, and difficulty in speaking. The actual migraine attack lasts for a maximum of 72 hours. Post attack, you experience postdrome symptoms that include confusion and fatigue. According to doctors, migraine occurs due to genetic and environmental factors. Imbalance in the level of hormones like serotonin contributes to the condition. Notably, stress, alcohol consumption, sleep changes, intensive exercise, etc. can trigger the migraine attack. If you wish to prevent its onset or want to get rid of the symptoms, you can opt for some easily available herbs. Here, we tell you about them.

Cannabis

According to a study published in the Journal of Pain, the use of cannabis concentrates like cannabis oil can potentially help you get relief from the migraine pain. A part of your brain contains a network of cannabinoid receptors that significantly affects the way you feel pain. And, a compound called cannabinoid present in cannabis, when enters your body, looks for these receptors and changes the way they work. This is how it helps in getting relief from the condition.

Feverfew

Native to the Balkan mountains, feverfew is known for an array of health benefits it provides. The herb is not only used to treat migraine pain but also insect bites, dizziness, inflammation, and breathing problems. Those who are on blood-thinning medications or individuals with some form of allergy should not have feverfew.

Peppermint

An active component called menthol is present in peppermint. This helps in treating migraine pain and prevent its onset. This is what a study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice states.

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On oral contraceptive pills? You could be at risk of heart disease

Use of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) or other types of birth control measures that have hormones, in healthy and young women, is a comfortable and safe method to prevent pregnancy. There are some women, though, who may be at higher risk of heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots. It is advisable that all pregnancy control measures be prescribed by your physician; this way, you can discuss the pros and cons. Self-prescription should be avoided at all cost. A Senior Gynaecologist,  talks about how OCP is interlined to heart diseases.

How can oral contraceptive pills elevate heart risk?
Doctors call these pills as ‘hormonal birth control measure’. As the name suggests, hormones including estrogen and progestin, are key components of the pill. These hormones are also present in other forms of pregnancy control measures, such as injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), the patch, a device implanted under the skin called Nexplanon and the vaginal ring.

Studies show the hormones in these forms of birth control measures can affect your heart in many ways; they may raise your blood pressure, for instance. So if you take birth control pills, get your blood pressure tested every 6 months to ensure it stays in a healthy range. If you already have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to see if there is another safe way to prevent pregnancy, that would suit you better. Women who consume certain birth control pills may see a change in some of their blood fats that play a role in heart disease. For example, your levels of HDL "good" cholesterol could go down; at the same time, Triglycerides and LDL "bad" cholesterol may go up. This may be the reason of gradual build-up of a fatty substance called plaque inside your arteries. Over a course of time, that can reduce or block the flow of blood to your heart and cause a heart attack or angina (a type of chest pain). Estrogen in birth control pills can also increase your risk of blood clots!

When on OCP, risk of heart disease and other complications is higher if you:

• Are older than 35 years
• Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Smoke
• Have ever had a stroke, heart attack or blood clots
• Suffer from migraines with aura                              

How to lower your risk of heart disease when on OCP?
If you fall under any of the categories listed above that raise your risk for heart disease, you may still be able to use birth control. The most important thing you can do is to discuss your concerns with your doctor. They will help you weigh the pros and cons, against each birth control option that is offered to you.

If you're over 35 years, healthy, and don't smoke, you can keep using hormonal birth control. However, you shouldn't use birth control with estrogen if you have ever had blood clots, stroke or heart disease. Instead, speak with your doctor about pregnancy control methods that only have Progestin. These include shots, a type of birth control pill called the mini pill or POP, Nexplanon, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

No matter your age, if you use birth control pills, you are at risk and should, therefore, make well-informed decisions after speaking to your doctor.

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Study examines migraine's link to higher stroke risk

While earlier studies found that migraine with aura is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, a recent post-hoc analysis published reveals unexpected results. The new study suggests that the onset of such migraines before the age of 50 is not associated with such risks.

The analysis included 447 migraineurs with aura (MA) and 1,128 migraineurs without aura (MO) among 11,592 participants (elderly men and women with a history of a migraine). Over 20 years, there was a twofold increased risk of ischemic stroke when the age of MA onset was 50 years or older when compared with no headache.

However, MA onset before 50 years old was not associated with stroke. Also, MO was not associated with increased stroke risk regardless of the age of onset. In the elderly population in the study, the absolute risk for stroke in MA was 8.27 per cent and in MO was 4.25 per cent.

Speaking about the study, lead author said, "I think clinically this is very meaningful, as many individuals with a long history of migraine are concerned about their stroke risk, especially when they get older and when they have other cardiovascular disease risks."

The author further added, "Cumulative effects of migraine alone--with the onset of migraine before age of 50--did not increase stroke risk in late life in this study cohort. On the contrary, the recent onset of a migraine at or after age 50 is associated with increased stroke risk in late life."

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How Migraines are Diagnosed and Treated

When people go to see a doctor, headaches are one of the most common complaints. Approximately 80% of the population experiences a headache at least once a year. Headaches can be split into two categories: Primary and Secondary.  Primary headaches are the kind of headaches whose primary cause is unclear. In this group you will find Migraines, Cluster Headaches, Tension-Type Headache and other more rare types. The Secondary group includes headaches with a known cause that have an effective treatment helping to alleviate the pain. This group includes Sinus-Related Headaches, Meningitis, headaches caused by damage to the jaw joints, Intracranial Bleeding or pressure and headaches related to different parts of the face: eyes, teeth, muscles and the nerves of the skull. This review deals with the Primary Headache known as a "Migraine".

What is a Migraine? Migraines have been part of humanity since antiquity. The name comes from the ancient Greek word “Hemicrania”, meaning “half a head”. Migraines are characterized by bouts of headaches, mainly on one side of the head, which can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and noise. Clinical diagnosis is done by a physician, based on the symptoms the patient complains about. Currently, there is no known testing method to conclusively confirm migraines. Since 1988, migraines are diagnosed according to the criteria set by the International Headache Society. (HIS) The Official Criteria for Diagnosis of Migraines: At least five attacks fulfilling the criteria Headache attacks lasting 4-72 hours Headache has at least two of the following characteristics: Unilateral location Pulsating quality Moderate or severe pain intensity Aggravation by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity During the headache, at least one of the following: Nausea and/or vomiting Photophobia and phonophobia Not attributable to another disorder

Two Major Types of Migraines: We differentiate between two types of migraine: With or without an aura. The aura is a temporary perceptual disturbance which typically appears some time prior to the beginning of the headache. It usually lasts for about 20-30 minutes and often includes symptoms like blurred vision, partial blindness, visual hallucinations (bright lights or zigzagging lines), “holes” in the field of vision and in some cases – complete blindness. In more rare situations, auras manifest as a feeling of weakness, as well as pins and needles felt in half of the body - and even severe dizziness. About 15% of all migraines are accompanied by auras. Two thirds of people experience migraines without an aura and the rest experience it intermittently. The headache lasts between 3 hours and 72 hours and is accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, sweating, diarrhea, paleness and in severe cases – a fugue state. Recently, attempts have been made to simplify diagnosis by a family doctor by interviewing many people who suffer from migraines and finding the most common complaints shared by them all. It has been proven that a migraine can be positively diagnosed if the patient has 2 out of 3 of the following symptoms: Nausea, Photophobia, and Diminished Capacity. In the US and Europe, around 16% of the general population suffers from migraines. The phenomena is more prevalent in women, standing at 20-23%, where only 10-12% of men suffer from it. The frequency amongst prepubescent children stands equally at 4%, but rises more rapidly in women and peaks at the age of 40. Attack frequency is around 1.5 per month, and about 10% experience an attack once a week. The quality of life for a person suffering from frequent migraines is low, and considered as one of the most debilitating diseases there are. The disease harms the sufferer’s health, their family ties, their social functions and their ability to study and work. This quality is similar to that of people suffering from clinical depression and worse than of people who have diabetes, high blood-pressure or just experienced a heart-attack. Genetics Migraines are known to be hereditary. Specifically, in one type of rare migraine, the hereditary cause was found in the 19th chromosome of the area that regulates the absorption of calcium ions into the cells, a function the cell requires to preform normally and transfer signals to other cells. The genetic defect blocks the channels the calcium is absorbed through, which leads to cell functions being disturbed. The problem is that the gene responsible for the common migraine has not yet been identified. At this time, a vast research is being conducted in order to find the relevant genetic defect. How Migraines Happen Migraines are probably a disease in the brain and not in a cardiovascular one as previously though. Auras are probably caused by diminished functions of a certain part of the cortex, which progresses in a steady pace and is accompanied by a decrease of blood flow to those parts. The headache begins when blood-flow decreases and therefor is not related to the expansion of blood-vessels as previously thought. The changes in the cortex seem to affect the brain-stem, which causes the expansion and inflammation of the intracranial blood vessels (most likely the cause of the pain). The brain stem is the cause of the other symptoms, like nausea.

Treatment Treatment can be divided into medicinal and behavioral. Behavioral treatment focuses on changing certain habits and avoiding things that exacerbate migraines. It appears that the brain of a patient suffering from migraines is affected by extreme situations, and thus, they need to make sure they get regular and sufficient sleep and food and avoid stress. In other words, people who suffer from migraines must avoid states of extreme hunger, stress or fatigue. In addition, some foods may also lead to migraines, so it is important to recognize them and avoid them completely, though there is no specific food that causes migraines, making recognizing these foods an individual’s responsibility. A person suffering from migraines needs to monitor their daily routine and pinpoint the things that exacerbate or trigger migraine attacks in the first place. Since these triggers can change from time to time, it can be very frustrating as this behavior cannot guarantee cessation of migraines. Medicinal Treatment: Treating a severe attack: This treatment can be divided into specific treatment by specialized migraine medicine called “Triptans”, and non-specific treatment by general painkillers like paracetamol, Aspirin, etc. Specialized treatment in only effective for migraines and is not effective for other kinds of headaches, while non-specific medicine is meant for general use. Triptans are a relatively new kind of medicine, which works on the serotonin receptors in your brain. These receptors are located on the blood vessels in the brain, mainly in the cerebral cortex and the nerve-endings related to these blood vessels. The drug’s effect on the receptors prevents the expansion of these blood vessels and the inflammation that is typical to migraines. Side-effects of triptans include weakness, a feeling of pressure and discomfort in the chest which are not heart-related, aren’t dangerous and usually pass quickly. Reaction to these drugs is very individual and cannot be predicted, so it might be necessary to try different variations until one finds the kind that is most effective for them, with minimal side-effects. These drugs are safe and effective, and often significantly increase a patient’s quality of life. In recent studies, the use of triptans early on during the onset of a migraine effectively stopped the progression of the attack and often prevent a recurring attack. Preventative Treatment: Meant to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of a migraine. Such treatment should be undertaken when a patient has at-least 3-4 attacks every month, which debilitate the patient, disturbing their daily routine, and in cases where severe symptoms occur or when treating attacks that are in progress fails. Preventative drugs include beta-blockers, antidepressants, epilepsy medicine, calcium channel blockers and anti-inflammatories.  It’s recommended to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it. 6 to 8 weeks should be provided to establish the efficacy of the treatment and it should be undertaken for at-least 6 months. If an attack occurs during the course of the preventative treatment, a patient may use drugs like triptans in conjunction. Choosing the type of preventative treatment depends on a patient’s state of health, occurring side-effects and counter indications. In fertile women, pregnancy must be avoided for the duration of the treatment. The most effective migraine-preventing drugs are beta-blockers (such as Nadalol, Metaprolol, Propranolol and others). These drugs cannot be used on patients suffering from asthma, insulin-dependent-diabetes and congestive heart failure. People who participate in competitive sports may experience a decrease in physical fitness. In recent years, epilepsy medicine has also been used for preventative treatment. The leading kinds are sodium valproate and topiramate. Their efficacy is similar to that of beta-blockers. Both kinds are quite tolerable, making their use popular. Depending on a patient’s state of health, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be used in addition. Daily Chronic Headache: Recently, there is more evidence showing that migraines are a progressive disease that can transform into daily chronic headaches. This transformation is linked in 70% of cases to over-use of painkillers, but it can also be spontaneous without an indicating cause. Sometimes, the pain starts out as a daily occurrence and the causing mechanism is unclear. It is theorized that it may be the result of new patterns that form in the central nervous system. The pain threshold is reduced to a minimum triggering the pain for external and internal stimuli that normally wouldn’t trigger a headache or migraine. This information radically changes the way neurologists consider preventative treatment. Early intervention may prevent the progression of the disease into a daily state, as well as the creation of irreversible changes in the brain and increased resistance to any form of treatment. Through this review, we can see that today, more than ever before, we have a lot of information, with more becoming available all the time, as to what causes migraines, how they form and the tools in which to deal with it. Treatment today includes both the use of specialized drugs that are effective in over 80% of cases in conjuncture with effective, preventative treatment. In conclusion, the days where doctors say they have "no way of treating migraines" are over. Instead, modern medicine now has a lot to offer in most cases and it is highly recommended that you talk to your family doctor and ask for an effective treatment for migraines. THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/  FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

What causes migraine?

Adults who suffer from migraine are more likely to have 

incomplete network of arteries supplying blood flow to the 

brain, a new study has revealed.

The research found that variations in arterial anatomy lead 

to asymmetries in cerebral blood flow that might contribute 

to the process triggering migraines.

The arterial supply of blood to the brain is protected by a 

series of connections between the major arteries, termed the 

"circle of Willis."

People with migraine, particularly migraine with aura, are 

more likely to be missing components of the circle of Willis.

Study's lead author, said that people with migraine actually 

have differences in the structure of their blood vessels - this 

is something you are born with.

"These differences seem to be associated with changes in 

blood flow in the brain, and it's possible that these changes 

may trigger migraine, which may explain why some people, 

for instance, notice that dehydration triggers their 

headaches," he said.

In a study of 170 people from three groups - a control group 

with no headaches, those who had migraine with aura, and 

those who had migraine without aura - the team found that 

an incomplete circle of Willis was more common in people 

with migraine with aura (73 percent) and migraine without 

aura (67 percent), compared to a headache-free control 

group (51 percent).

The team used magnetic resonance angiography to examine 

blood vessel structure and a non-invasive magnetic 

resonance imaging method , called Arterial 

spin labelling (ASL), to measure changes in cerebral blood 

flow.

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