Migraine Guide

Migraine Section


Welcome to Migraine Guide

Migraine Article

Treating Migraines The Right Way

  Migraines can be pretty inconvenient especially if the pain is too debilitating. Often, people suffering from migraine attacks take a leave of absences because the pain renders them ineffective in their daily duties.

  Migraine is a vascular problem characterized primarily by severe headache. This is due to the constrictions in the blood vessels that cause them to expand. Another likely cause of migraine is the shifting levels of hormones in the body, which can be seen during menopausal periods and menstrual cycles.

  It is important to remember though that there are types of migraines that do not involve the pain in the head. Acephalgic migraine or what is called the silent migraine is an eye migraine that do not involve any pain. Instead, visual disturbances occur such as temporary double visions and blindness in the eye. Other symptoms of migraine are vomiting, nausea, visual problems and dizzy spells.

  Because of its many types, treatment of migraines can be pretty complex. In fact, experts advise people to consult their doctors and do not self-medicate especially if the migraine attacks become more frequent and chronic. One must remember though that migraine cannot be “cured” per se as it is not a disease but a condition. The only thing that doctors can do is to help control it and hopefully anticipate the next attack.

  Many believe that though it is pretty hard to know when another migraine episode will occur, preventive treatment is still best.

  To prevent the occurrence of migraines, doctors advise that one avoid triggering factors as best a they can. Triggering factors can be different for every individual. For instance, a strong odor may trigger the migraine of one but leave another migraine-afflicted person unaffected. Among the most common triggering factors are stress, eye problems, food, and bright lights.

  Another avenue for treatment is diet restrictions. There are food items that are closely associated with migraine episodes. Among these food items are alcoholic beverages, dairy products and processed foods such as canned products and junk foods that are rich in monosodium glutamate. Others go for preventive medications. In fact, most people see this as the most convenient of the preventive techniques as it only involves taking in of medicines. Other forms of treatment for migraine that doctors can do are behavior modification techniques, biofeedback and relaxation techniques.

  Although preventive treatment is effective for some, it cannot be used on others. Migraines can be really unpredictable and episodes are so far between that you’ll never know when you will have another again. For people whose episodes are not really as frequent, symptomatic relief or what is called abortive treatment is best prescribed.

  There are non prescription drugs that are typically used to help relieve the pain. Among them are aspirin; acetaminophen; naproxen; ketoprofen; and ibuprofen. All these are known pain-relievers that work well with migraines that are mild. It is however important to note that there are complications that can occur if one self-medicate so it best to also consult a doctor. However, if the pain severe, a consultation with a doctor is needed.

  Doctors will often prescribed a much more stronger medication for the pain. Some of the medicines that are commonly prescribed by doctors are Dihydroergotamine, which are better known in their brand names Migranal and D.H.E. 45 and ergotamine with its brand name Ergostat, which may be used alone or in combination with other medicines.


Migraine Best products


Migraine News

Overuse of narcotics and barbiturates may make migraine worse - PhysOrg.com


Overuse of narcotics and barbiturates may make migraine worse
PhysOrg.com, VA - Nov 19, 2008
This important finding could alter the way doctors prescribe migraine medicines. In a recent article published in the journal Headache, the Einstein-led ...

Read more...


Migraine's Silver Lining: Lower Risk of Breast Cancer - LiveScience.com


SmartAboutHealth

Migraine's Silver Lining: Lower Risk of Breast Cancer
LiveScience.com, NY - Nov 18, 2008
By Jen Palmares Meadows, Scientific Blogging The first time I experienced migraine with aura, I was shopping. I remember looking up at the fluorescent ...
Female migraine sufferers 'avoid breast cancer' ChronicleLive
Migraines mean less cancer risk Nursing Times (registration)
all 525 news articles

Read more...


Botox as a treatment for migraines - KIDK


Botox as a treatment for migraines
KIDK, ID - 15 hours ago
By Mary Sturgill IDAHO FALLS - More than 30-million Americans get migraines. Many of those people have tried numerous prescription drugs to help alleviate ...

Read more...


Obama's economic migraine can be golden opportunity - Frost Illustrated


Obama's economic migraine can be golden opportunity
Frost Illustrated, IN - Nov 18, 2008
By James W. Breedlove President-Elect Barack Obama promised to have America’s rapidly deteriorating economic crisis high on his presidential agenda during ...

Read more...


Migraines May Cut Breast Cancer Risk - WebMD


BBC News

Migraines May Cut Breast Cancer Risk
WebMD - Nov 6, 2008
6, 2008 -- Women who suffer from migraine headaches may be at significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer, a new study shows. ...
Migraine Might Lower Breast Cancer Risk Washington Post
Some basics about migraine Food Consumer
Do Migraines Lower Breast Cancer Risk? Scientific American
MedHeadlines - Press Trust of India
all 436 news articles

Read more...


Barbiturates and narcotics abuse can increase frequency of ... - Thaindian.com


Barbiturates and narcotics abuse can increase frequency of ...
Thaindian.com, Thailand - Nov 19, 2008
Washington, Nov 19 (ANI): A new study has discovered that overusing of certain commonly prescribed medications could increase the frequency of migraine ...

Read more...