Migraine Headaches

Many people suffer with migraine headaches. Migraines typically affect more women than men, and more often in the 20’s and 30’s. They are generally one sided and have a pounding sensation. Some people report visual disturbances, but this is not universal. Often there is an aversion to light and sound as well as nausea and occasionally vomiting. Migraine headaches can be extremely disabling to those who suffer and there is no single known cause. They come on due to excessive dilation of blood vessels feeding the brain. Typical treatments consist of barbiturates for pain management, medication to modulate neurotransmitters known to be a problem in migraine headaches, or anti-nausea medications. Some people even resort to blood pressure medications, anti-depressants, and anti-seizure medications for relief of their symptoms. Despite all of these available treatments many people still suffer and can’t find the relief they so crave.

There are many points to consider when thinking about treatment for your migraine headaches. Many women find that their headaches are worse before menstruation when hormone levels are fluctuating the most. Changes in hormone levels can be a big factor because when the levels of steroid hormones like estrogen and progesterone drop there is an increase in levels of inflammation that can lead to a headache for many women. It is often helpful to keep track of what time of the month your headaches are the worst so that your doctor can better correlate it with a possible change in your hormone levels. An increase in stress levels can also trigger headaches as well as low blood sugar or lack of sleep. So it is important to get plenty of rest, eat a proper diet with adequate protein, drink plenty of water and manage your stress level in order to manage your headaches.

Alternative medicine has a lot to offer headache sufferers, especially those with migraines. Some common nutrient deficiencies that lead to migraines headaches are magnesium and B-vitamins. Consider some magnesium therapy, Vitamin D, B Vitamins, and anti-inflammatory treatments. Feverfew is an herb that is often helpful in the treatment of migraine headaches when it is used in an adequate dosage for a long enough period of time. Acupuncture is a useful tool to help with any type of pain condition including migraine headaches. If you suffer and would like help please give us a call today at 860-601-1318.