Archive for July, 2010
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been found to help relieve migraines. TMS is an electromagnetic device that changes the electrical currents in the brain without any pain or discomfort.
TMS was first studied by Anthony Barker of England in 1985. By using magnets instead of an electrical current, he was able to map the conduction of nerve impulse in the brain and spinal cord on patients in the study. Had he used the traditional electrical current, the patients would have felt slight pain.
The use of TMS can alter the nerve activity in the brain. It is usually safe. However, patients with a previous history of strokes may have seizures following a session with TMS. It can also cause seizures in healthy individuals when applied with a high frequency and intensity.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation may be applied with a single electrical pulse or utilizing repetitive pulses, known as rTMS. The side effects of rTMS may include pain on the skin and muscles in the area that was stimulated by rTMS. In more severe cases, burns to the area of stimulation may result from rTMS.
Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a study on patients with migraines. They used a portable transcranial magnetic stimulator for this study, in the hopes that one day this portable version can be mass-produced. The stimulation was applied to the head at the start of a migraine. About 39% of the patients reported that they were pain-free two hours following the application of this device.
One day, this device will be readily available for patients suffering from migraines to use in their own homes. In the meantime, migraine sufferers can rely on natural migraine supplement to relieve their migraine symptoms.
Tags: a portable transcranial magnetic stimulator, electromagnetic device, migraine sufferers, nerve activity, rTMS, tms, transcranial magnetic stimulation
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Monday, July 19th, 2010
Achieving migraine relief with exercise is a tricky endeavor. Overall physical activity will help prevent migraines. However, some forms of exercise may actually trigger migraines. Therefore, proper planning must be taken to develop a course of physical activity that will prevent migraines and help a person feel better. In addition, exercise can prevent a person from falling victim to other illnesses.
There are so many people who suffer from migraines and don’t realize that their lifestyles play a large role. Most jobs today are eight-hour desk jobs, which don’t involve much physical activity. In their leisure time, most people watch cable television, play video games or browse the Internet. This lack of exercise has devastating effects. It causes people to gain weight, and have reduced blood flow. This also makes it more difficult to sleep at night. The additional weight, impaired blood flow and difficulty sleeping add stress to the body and can all trigger migraines.
The benefits of exercise are numerous. Someone who exercises burns carbohydrates and fat. Reducing fat content in the bloodstream aids in blood flow.
The primary catalyst for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat calories are hormones, such as epinephrine and glucagon. However, too much exercise makes the body release large quantities of these hormones into the bloodstream. This decreases serotonin levels in the brain, which then causes headaches. On the positive side, exercise helps the body use sugar for energy. Therefore the body needs less insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar. Someone who exercises regularly would be need less likely to develop diabetes, which makes a person more prone to headaches.
Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen to the organs of the body. When a person is engaged in physical activity, blood flow is increased. Hence, the body gets more oxygen as a result. Many headaches stem from a lack of oxygen to the brain, so increasing oxygen flow to the brain would prevent headaches.
Physical activity also has the additional benefit of helping a person sleep better at night. Sleep is one of the body’s greatest healing mechanisms, and reduces stress on the body. Improved sleep can help ward off migraines.
By increasing the time you spend exercising, but not overdoing it, you can find relief from your migraine symptoms.
Tags: migraines and exercise, migraines and oxygen, migraines and physical activity, migraines and sleep, migraines and stress
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Here is a list of conventional drugs used in the treatment of migraines. (Because of their side effects, natural migraine remedies are preferable in many cases.)
- Sumatriptan Sucinate: Also known as Imitrex, Sumatriptan can be administered orally or intranasally. Side effects include tingling, flushing, nausea, check or neck tightness or pain, and throat discomfort. If the first does only provides partial pain relief, a second dose may be taken after an hour. However, it is advised that a person should avoid taking this medication for five days following each complete dose.
- Naratriptan: Also known as Amerge, this drug remains in the bloodstream for six hours. This is good for people with recurring migraines and with menstrual migraines. Side effects include nausea and vomiting. It is taken orally.
- Zolmitriptan: Also referred to as Zomig, this drug is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, and helps relieve migraines faster than other drugs. It helps resolve the symptoms of migraine, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Its side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, jaw pain, tingling of the skin, and tightness of the throat or neck. It is taken orally.
- Rizatriptan: Commonly referred to as Maxalt, it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. In fact, relief of migraines has been noted within 30 minutes of taking this drug. Side effects include drowsiness, bitter taste and nausea. It is taken orally.
- Ergotamine Tartrate: Nicknamed Ergot, this drug was commonly used to offset an attack before the introduction of Imitrex (Sumatriptan). This works by decreasing serotonin levels, and causes the blood vessels to narrow in the brain. (The migraine causes these same blood vessels to widen.) Side effects include diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness and high blood pressure. Worse, it can lead to decreased circulation in the extremities. Additionally, taking Ergot daily can lead to rebound headaches. It is taken orally.
- Dihydroergotamine Mesylate: Nicknamed DHE, it is related to Ergotamine. However, it causes nausea less frequently and causes the veins to narrow even more than the arteries. It may be administered intranasally, or in cases of severe migraines, intravenously. The narrowing of the blood vessels is a side effect that can cause more serious harm.
- Isometheptene Mucate: This drug is often combined with a mild sedative known as dichloralphenazone, along with acetaminophen. The combination of these three drugs is called Midrin. It works by narrowing the blood vessels that are widened during a migraine. It is less dangerous than other migraine drugs.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Commonly referred to as NSAIDs, this class of drugs successfully relieves migraines in many people. They work by stabilizing bodily proteins and reducing inflammation. One specific type is naproxen sodium. This is available without a prescription under the name Aleve. By prescription only, as Anaprox or Naprelan. Other examples of this class include aspirin and ibuprofen. Side effects include abdominal distress, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, ringing of the ears (tinnitus). More severe side effects include bleeding of the stomach and ulcers.
People who suffer from migraines but don’t want the side effects of the drugs mentioned above may prefer a natural migraine supplement.
Tags: migraine drugs, migraines and Imitrex, Migraines and Naratriptan, migraines and Sumatriptan, Migraines and Zolmitriptan
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