Migraines

(see also Headaches)

Symptoms

A migraine is a specific type of headache related to changes in blood flow in the brain. A migraine is sudden and severe, and is usually precipitated by warning symptoms. Typical symptoms include flashes of light that appear across the field of vision, problems with speech, numbness or dizziness. Migraine pains are typically intense and, at their worst, are debilitating, with weakness, nausea, sweating and vomiting. The senses are heightened and the slightest noise, light or movement unbearable. Usually, the headache begins on one side, though it can spread to both sides.

Other types appear without warning. The cluster headache, which centers around one eye, causes tearing and redness in the eye. They are called cluster headaches because they tend to occur one after another, in groups of recurring headaches over one day or a short period. Migraines first present themselves in childhood, although they are not always identified then, and reappear in adulthood. Migraines usually last one to three days.

Migraines Causes

Migraines are caused by the expansion and contraction of the brain's blood vessels. First, the blood vessels constrict, causing the typical migraine warning signs. Then, when blood vessels expand, there is pain. The underlying causes of these contractions are more obscure. Susceptibility tends to run in families and affects more women than men. Triggers for migraines are highly individual but strong emotions of anger, excitement or anxiety are common. Abrupt hormonal changes will bring on menstrual migraines. Relief from continual stress, for instance during weekends and holidays, can instigate an attack. Changes in or poor attention to diet and lifestyle also cause migraines. Food and chemical allergies and sensitivities will also cause migraines, as can whiplash, sleep deprivation, jet lag, oversleeping, excessive smoking and strong odors like perfumes and tobacco.

Foods containing tyramine, in particular, are known to trigger attacks. An iron deficiency often causes migraine headaches due to insufficient oxygenation of the brain. Less common and controversial migraine triggers include spinal misalignments (correctable by osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments), temperomandibular jaw syndrome and toxic heavy metal hypersensitivity, such as from mercury dental fillings.

Migraines Nutrition

An allergy or sensitivity to certain foods is often at the root of migraine headaches. Determine food allergies by fasting for a week, then adding one food at a time to your diet. Reactions can occur from twenty minutes to two weeks after ingesting the irritating food. The most common allergens associated with migraines are cow's milk, wheat, chocolate, eggs, oranges and the additive MSG. Avoid aged protein foods, such as hot dogs, cheese, sausages, cold cuts and smoked or pickled fish, as they contain tyramine, a vasoactive amine, which has been shown to trigger migraine attacks. Tyramine is also found in alcoholic beverages. Red wine should be avoided not only because of its tyramine content but also because it contains flavonoids which inhibit the activity of the enzyme which normally breaks down tyramine and other vasoactive amines in the body.

Reduce the intake of animal fats. The arachidonic acid they contain tends to increase blood clotting, which is associated with migraines. Instead, eat foods which tend to inhibit blood clotting, such as fish, unrefined flax, walnut or pumpkin seed oil, garlic and onion. A predominantly vegetarian diet will keep acid-forming foods to a minimum. Raw wheat germ provides vitamins B3 and B6 which help balance serotonin levels, a hormone affecting constriction of blood vessels. Green, leafy vegetables and beets provide iron.

Migraines Nutritional Supplements

Supplements can help reduce the number and severity of attacks, but need to be taken over an extended period for optimum results. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) available in evening primrose oil is an essential fatty acid which reduces the severity and number of attacks when taken regularly. As a stress-relieving mineral, magnesium is effective in the prevention of migraine headaches. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids stabilizes blood vessel walls to prevent migraines.

The B vitamins support the nervous system when stress is a problem. High doses of niacin have been used to increase circulation and blood flow to the brain, hence treating migraine headaches. As a result of the increased circulation, niacin will cause a hot flush to occur. (For more information on non-flushing niacin, see Section 6, Nutritional Supplements.)

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 3,000 mg

Magnesium, 500 mg

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg three times daily

Helpful

Niacin, 200 mg three times daily

Migraines Herbal Remedies

Inflammation, poor circulation and stress can be remedied and migraine headaches relieved with herbal treatments.

Feverfew inhibits the production of inflammatory substances. It dilates the cerebral blood vessels, easing migraines associated with constricted blood vessels. Take 5–10 drops of tincture in liquid every thirty minutes at the onset of a migraine or, as a preventive, 2 cups of tea daily for a couple of months or 1–3 capsules daily.

Ginger tea works for a migraine headache in the front of the head.

Camomile tea helps prevent migraines.

Ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation. Take 2–3 capsules daily.

Marjoram, St. John's wort, fennel or caraway seed tea with 1 tsp. of honey is helpful for relieving symptoms.

Mix equal amounts of agrimony, wormwood and centaury. Pour boiling water over 1 tsp. of this mix, steep five minutes, strain and drink unsweetened.

Apply a hot herbal compress to the back of the neck. Use camomile, St. John's wort or lemon balm infusions.

Rub some lavender oil on the temples and forehead. Lavender has antispasmodic and cooling properties.

Migraines Homeopathy

Constitutional treatment from an experienced homeopath is advised for migraines. The following is a sample of remedies to use in an emergency. Take the 6c strength every fifteen minutes for up to ten doses, at the first sign of an attack.

Take Ipecac for migraines that are worse on the left side and extends to the face, mouth, teeth or root of the tongue. Severe nausea and vomiting occurs, but does not provide relief. Despite constant nausea, the tongue feels clean and not thickly coated.

Take Natrum mur for a blinding, throbbing migraine which often begins with numbness and tingling in the lips and tongue. The head feels full of too much blood.

Pulsatilla is recommended for migraine associated with moodiness and changing emotions, and extreme tearfulness at the slightest stress. The head feels about to burst.

Take Sanguinaria for sharp and sudden pain over the right eye; pain may radiate to the right shoulder. Pain usually starts in the morning at the back of the head and spreads to the eye.

Migraines Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue every half hour or hour, depending on the severity.

Ferr phos is useful for hot, throbbing headaches sensitive to the least noise, touch and jarring. The cheeks can be red from head congestion.

Kali phos is an excellent remedy for migraines from mental and emotional overwork, causing nervous tension, worry and overexcitement. Warmth, rest and nourishment are most helpful.

Nat mur is helpful for headaches with soreness and tearing of the eyes, and that generally are worse on waking in the morning and better in the evening. Visual disturbances can occur. Nausea and vomiting can accompany the headache.

Use Calc phos for migraines that develop in school children or during puberty. Numb or crawling sensations are common.

Migraines External/Physical Therapies

Lie on your back in a dark room. Dip a linen cloth in water that has been standing for twenty-four hours. Wring out and place over closed eyes.

Regular deep-breathing exercises in fresh air are helpful.

Make sure you get a lot of outdoor exercise, such walking, jogging or swimming. Do not overstress the body. Rest and relaxation are just as important.

Hot compresses on the back of the neck, alternating hot and cold foot baths, cold knee or thigh douches, water stepping and dew walking are helpful to alleviate migraines.

Chiropractic treatments are effective in relieving migraines by relaxing the mechanism which causes them.

Magnetic pulsars are an excellent adjunct treatment to eliminate migraines.

Acupressure

Apply deep thumb pressure for one minute to points, as illustrated.

Reflexology

Manipulate the points on top of the foot and on the side of the foot, at the base of the ball of the big toe, as illustrated.

Also work on all toes, the reflexes to the pituitary gland and the spine.

Work the area along the inside of the foot into the heel, as illustrated. An injury to the tailbone, sometimes traced to childhood, can cause a migraine.

Migraines Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Ester-C (Natural Factors)

Cool B3 (Klaire Laboratories)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural
Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)

Magnesium Citrate 100 mg w/ Malic Acid (Sisu)

Herbal Remedies

Migra-Stress (Albi)

Migranon (Flora)

Bio K (Greens+)

Nomigraine (HSC)

Holistic Horizons Colon Cleansing Program (Inno-Vite)

Feverfew Extract (Natural Factors)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)

St. John's Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Chamomile Flowers (Nature's Herbs)

Fennel Seed (Nature's Herbs)

Feverfew-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Ginger Root (Nature's Herbs)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature's Herbs)

Migracin Plus (Nature's Herbs)

St. John's-Power (Nature's Herbs)

White Willow (Nature's Herbs)

Willowprin Max (Nature's Herbs)

Herbal Migraine (Quest Vitamins)

Homeopathy

Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)