Migraine pain

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Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

In children, migraine pain tends to be more diffuse, rather than localized. Migraines can first show up in childhood not as headaches, but as colic, periodic abdominal pains, vomiting, dizziness, and severe motion sickness. There are usually five phases in a migraine: 1. A day or so before the onset of a headache, there may be detectable changes in mood, problems with memory, an alteration in one or all of the five senses, or speech problems. 2. Just before the headache begins, some people see flashes or patterns of light and/or experience numbness of the hands or mouth.

Migraine Pain Reliever from Natural Care is an herbal blend that has been effective in relieving migraines. • Fresh papaya juice and/or fresh pineapple is highly recommended for the treatment of inflammation, heartburn, ulcers, back pain, and digestive disorders. • Saffron has been found to be effective in treating abdominal pain after childbirth. HYPNOTHERAPY Like meditation and visualization, hypnotherapy is a method by which a qualified physician or therapist can induce a positive mental state in an individual.

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Excedrin Migraine, which contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine, might also help with migraine pain. The most commonly used prescription drugs are the serotonin receptor agonists, such as sumatriptan (Im-itrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). Less frequently used agents include isometheptene-acetaminophen-dichloralphenazone (Midrin), dihydroergotamine (DHE), and ergotamine-caffeine (Cafergot). Many different drugs have been prescribed for migraine prevention, such as propranolol (Inderal), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), and amitriptyline (Elavil).

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

For information about herbal antidepressants that do not cause migraine pain, see DEPRESSION in Part Two.) LM Women who suffer from migraines should not use high-estrogen birth control pills. This increases the risk of stroke. LM Coital headache—that is, migraine pain occurring during sexual climax—affects both sexes. Coital headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, loss of motor control, or loss of consciousness should always be brought to a doctor's attention.

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In 2001, the FDA granted marketing approval for the NTI Tension Supptession System (NTI-tss) neuromuscular suppression device for the prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain and migraine associated tension-type headaches. This device is a small, removable matrix that a dentist custom fits to a patient's front teeth to be worn while sleeping. The intense clenching of the temporal muscles (which close and open the jaw) is suppressed to less than a third by eliminating contact of the back molar or canine teeth.

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Almost anything in one's lifestyle or environment can serve as a trigger for migraine pain. Triggers don't actually cause the pain; rather, they activate an already existing chemical mechanism in the brain. For example, if drinking red wine is usually followed by a headache within a few hours, we could call red wine a trigger. Most migraines are triggered not by one factor, but instead by an interaction among several factors. In general, the more triggers present at any given time, the more likely that a headache will follow.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

When 3000 women who suffered from migraine pain were given 100-200 mg of magnesium, 80% reported a "good" response (Weaver 1987). The mineral is even more potent when mixed with Bg and ascorbate (a form of vitamin C). Intravenous injections of the triple combination can substantially reduce or eliminate the pain of acute migraines in most cases (Wright 1989). Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to a variety of ailments.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

RECOMMENDATIONS —I To relieve migraine pain, use a formula that combines feverfew with willow bark, such as Migracin, according to the label directions. Feverfew by itself is especially useful if you are also taking an SSRI for depression. (See under Considerations, below.) Taken as a preventive, it can also reduce the frequency of vomiting with migraine attacks. LJ Avoid foods containing the amino acid tyramine.

LM Coital headache—that is, migraine pain occurring during sexual climax—affects both sexes. Coital headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, loss of motor control, or loss of consciousness should always be brought to a doctor's attention. LM Scientific studies of chiropractic manipulation of the neck as a treatment for migraine have found that chiropractic reduces the severity, although not the frequency, of migraine attacks. LM Children with migraines frequently benefit from training in progressive relaxation, usually given by a psychologist or licensed therapist.

Although no scientific studies have confirmed the efficacy of cayenne in the treatment of migraine, naturopathic physicians Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno offer an explanation of how the herb can relieve migraine pain. The capsaicin in cayenne at first stimulates nerve fibers to release the pain-causing hormone substance P. This reaction causes the sensation of pain when the herb is taken into the mouth. After the initial pain reaction, capsaicin depletes the nerve fibers' supply of substance P, which causes pain to stop.

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Despite these limitations, sufficient evidence exists to support use of acupuncture to relieve migraine pain.65-67 It is interesting to note that the mechanism of relief is apparently not related to raising endorphin levels—a commonly suggested mechanism for the benefits of acupuncture.68,69 The mechanism of action may instead be through normalization of serotonin levels. One study found that acupuncture was effective in relieving pain when it normalized serotonin levels but was ineffective in relieving pain and in raising serotonin levels in those patients with very low levels of serotonin.

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Use the smallest fibers that prevent them from amount that causes a transmitting migraine pain, burning sensation on the tongue. Dong quai Angelica sinensis capsules. Prevents migraine attacks, Take 500-1,000 mg daily, especially those related to PMS. Feverfew1 Freeze-dried leaf in capsules. Take 25 mg daily and increase to 100 mg daily after 2 weeks. Prevents migraine attacks by stopping release of serotonin (see under Recommendations, below). Ginkgo Extract. Take as directed on the label. Enhances cerebral circulation. Quercetin2 Tablets.

Capsaicin also inhibits platelet aggregation factor (PAF), which causes migraine pain by constricting circulation in the head. • Overweight. A clinical study conducted by scientists at Laval University in Quebec found that eating cayenne at breakfast decreased appetite and led to lower fat and calorie intake throughout the day. Cayenne helps boost your metabolism and induces the body to burn off more fat instead of storing it in the body.

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They suspect that flooding the system with riboflavin could indirectly help regenerate this flagging energy system and somehow short-circuit migraine pain. What's attractive about riboflavin, if rigorous scientific studies support these preliminary findings, is that it's likely to have fewer side effects than current headache preventives (although no one knows for sure what the long-term effects of this much riboflavin might be). "I wouldn't use it as the first line of attack, because we have othet agents of proven value," says Seymour Solomon, M.D.

Found in stronger aged cheeses, pickled herring, chicken livers, canned figs, ftesh baked goods made with yeast, lima beans, Italian beans, lentils, snow peas, navy beans, pinto beans, peanuts, sunflowet seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, tyramine means migraine pain for many, says Dr. Diamond. Try eliminating these foods and see if it helps, he suggests. Cut your kisses. Chocolate contains a chemical called phenyl-ethylamine that, like tyramine, can cause headaches, says Dr. Diamond. Ban the booze.

While mainstream researchers have long known that changes in serotonin and catecholamine levels cause migraine pain, stopping these changes has been a hit-or-miss proposition, says Dr. Altura. Aspirin, for example, temporarily inhibits the effects of serotonin but does nothing to prevent a migraine from coming back, he says. Dr. Altura says he's the first to prove that loss of magnesium from the brain is behind the problem.

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Relaxation and Meditation Thermal biofeedback can help redirect blood flow out of dilated blood vessels in the scalp and ease migraine pain, says Steven Fahrion, Ph.D., director of research at the Life Sciences Institute of Mind-Body Health in Topeka, Kansas. To learn more about this simple ten-minute technique, see page 121. See also Headache Mood Swings It doesn't take much to change your moods: a song on the radio, the color of the walls, your spouse's voice telling you good night. Your moods are legendary among friends and family, who've seen them shift faster than an Indy 500 driver.

The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

She took several medications for the control of the arthriris and migraine pain but was experiencing minor stomach upset and was not happy about having to continue the drugs on a long-term basis. Brown began taking two 750-milligram capsules of MSM a day, one in the morning and one in the evening after work. Within two weeks, she noticed the pain in her wrists disappeared, even when she put in long days at the computer. She then doubled the dosage, to the equivalent of 3 grams (3,000 milligrams) daily. "I got pretty good pain relief with that, but it wasn't quite good enough," she says.

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The procedure takes only seconds, but it can be highly effective; migraine pain can completely disappear after this treatment, reports Dr. Cutler. HERPES Herpes refers to a family of viruses which produce a variety of diseases. The most common types are: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1, cold sores or fever blisters); herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2, genital herpes); varicella-zoster virus (VZV, chicken pox in children/shingles in adults); Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, associated with mononucleosis); and cytomegalovirus (CMV, inhabits the salivary glands and is potentially fatal).

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Of course, I had ordinary headaches as well as migraines, and I was so desperate to prevent the severe migraine pain that I took these tablets at the first sign of any headache. "So I was really taking too many and the side effects were just horrible. I was unable to eat anything and became very billious. throwing up bile, not food. My stomach seemed to be shrinking to nothing, and in the end I could hardly keep down even a sip of water. I could no longer take the tablets because I would immediately throw them up again.

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L-arginine, in combination with ibuprofen, also proved helpful in significantly reducing migraine pain intensity compared with placebo in another recent, preliminary, multi-center study of 40 migraine patients. Research related to L-arginine's claimed hepatoprotective effects is dated. The data, however, looked promising and deserve follow-up. Claims that L-arginine enhances exercise performance and promotes development of lean body mass while burning fat in healthy individuals are poorly supported.

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Vasomotor instability It is a well-known clinical observation that superficial temporal vessels are visibly dilated and local compression of these vessels or the carotid artery temporarily relieves migraine pain.4 However, other types of extracranial vasodilation (e.g. heat- or exercise-induced) are not associated with migraine. Despite the extracranial vasodilation, the patient appears pale during the headache, suggesting constriction of the small vessels. This is supported by the observation of lower skin temperature on the affected side.

Despite these limitations, sufficient evidence exists to support use of acupuncture to relieve migraine pain.54"56 It is interesting to note that the mechanism of relief is apparently not endorphin-mediated. One study found that the injection of saline or naloxone did not affect the efficacy of the therapy,57 and another found that, while acupuncture increased endorphin levels in controls, the low levels of serum endorphins found in migraine patients did not increase with treatment.58 The mechanism of action may instead be through normalization of serotonin levels.

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Specific Studies Migraine Prevention: Clinical Study (1997) Feverfew was associated with a statistically significant reduction in migraine pain intensity, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of 57 subjects. All of the people included in the study had severe migraines, and 43 percent suffered more than 10 attacks per month. During phase 1 of the study, participants took either 2 capsules of feverfew (100 mg total) or placebo daily for 2 months.

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Hypnosis has been used to help alleviate back and joint pain, abdominal pain, pain from burns, and headache and migraine pain. • Guided imagery can be particularly effective when other pain management approaches have failed. • Biofeedback and neurobiofeedback training employs electronic devices to help a patient learn how to use the brain to relax and alter various bodily functions, which can greatly affect chronic pain symptoms. • Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins (the body's own natural painkillers).

These auras consist of blurred vision, muddled thinking, exhaustion, worry, and numbness or tingling on one side of the body. "Migraine pain is most often severe and localized on one side of the head, usually involving the temple and the eye," Dr. Milne explains. In patients without pre- 3), Liver 4 (LV 4), and Gallbladder 40 (GB 40) to regulate her liver. Each point is actually a pair of points, one on each leg.

A double-blind placebo test also proved that when these foods were reintroduced into the study group's diet, the migraine pain would reoccur.3 According to Dr. Chaitow, MSG and aspartame (NutraSweet™) have been implicated in many headache cases, as has excessive salt intake. Dr. Milne warns that food allergies can contribute to headaches other than those specifically classified as migraines. "Food allergies and sensitivities are a much more prevalent factor in headaches than most doctors realize," says Dr. Milne.

Chaitow, hot water may at first increase the migraine pain by temporarily dilating blood vessels, but this paves the way for fast relief when the vessels are constricted by the cold shower. This "hot/cold" approach, however, can be too stressful for older people.They can get similar results by placing a piece of cracked ice in the back of the throat at the first sign of pain. "These techniques give the patient a measure of control," says Dr. Chaitow. "They also provide an opportunity to reduce and ultimately omit medication." For simple headache relief, Dr.

Hypnosis has been used to help alleviate back and joint pain, abdominal pain, pain from burns, and headache and migraine pain.5 However, Dr. Sunnen notes that hypnosis should always be conducted by a qualified hypnotherapist in order to avoid any potential retraumatization or the triggering of a psychotic reaction. Guided Imagery The imagination can be a powerful tool for overcoming pain. In the past ten years, numerous techniques have been devised to harness this power.

The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain Stanley W. Jacob, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

She took several medications for the control of the arthritis and migraine pain but was experiencing minor stomach upset and was not happy about having to continue the drugs on a long-term basis. Brown began taking two 750-milligram capsules of MSM a day, one in the morning and one in the evening after work. Within two weeks, she noticed the pain in her wrists disappeared, even when she put in long days at the computer. She then doubled the dosage, to the equivalent of 3 grams (3,000 milligrams) daily. "I got pretty good pain relief with that, but it wasn't quite good enough," she says.

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