Archive for the ‘Migraines’ Category
Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Make yours a Scent-Free Environment
We don’t call it heady perfume for nothing
You don’t have to be a chronic migraine sufferer to get a headache from overpowering scents. Anybody who has ever been to a department store has felt the mind-altering effects of what I offhandedly refer to as tertiary au de toilette, or second-hand perfume, that mass-produced fusion of every type of fragrance imaginable – spicy, sweet, floral, fruity, innocent, bold, and musky – all merging into one intoxicating fog. It’s only one example of the many scent-sational migraine headache triggers that surround us.
Other scenarios of headache-inducing scent bombardment often happen in the workplace, down the grocery aisle, while sitting in church, while waiting in line at DMV, or upon entering a public restroom. (Either it smells like a porta-potty, or it’s just been drenched with heavy-duty, full-strength chlorine bleach. Whichever way, it’s a lose/lose situation, as far as your vascular nerves are concerned.)
Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
Osmophobia: It’s not being afraid of the Osmonds
If you’re a chronic migraineur, then you’ve probably experienced bouts of osmophobia, a fear of odors. According to Migraine.com, “About 40 percent to 50 percent of migraine sufferers experience a change in their sense of smell during a migraine attack.” During an “attack of the scents,” your sensory abilities go into overdrive, and your nerves that interpret smells become overstimulated and confused, causing headaches, and nausea.
Some symptoms of osmophobia include:
- Heightened sense of smell
- Strong aversion to smells of any kind
- Migraines that are triggered by even light fragrances
- Scent-induced queasiness
- Olfactory hallucinations*
- Altered sense of taste
During a migraine attack, you might sense smells that aren’t even there. *Olfactory hallucinations (phantosmia) are a phenomenon that results from migraines, head injury, seizure, Parkinson’s, and stroke.
Stop Your Next Panic Attack in 4 Simple Steps
Some repeat olfactory offenders
Here are some of the scents that frequently trigger migraine attacks:
- Coffee
- Bleach
- Cologne
- Cigarette smoke
- Scented candles
- Scented soaps, shampoos, and body lotions
- Laundry detergents and softeners
- Air fresheners
Are there any scents that relieve headaches?
Some migraine sufferers have found relief with aromatherapy. Essential oils, whether placed in a shallow pan of water, diluted and rubbed onto your temples, or added to your bath, impart a healing scent that many find therapeutic. Visit a health-food store, and take a small whiff of their assorted collection of natural essences. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are popular for alleviating migraines. Some calming fragrances are lavender and rosemary oil.
Natural Migraine Treatments: 12 Herbal Remedies that Provide Headache Relief
Here’s what you can do to clear the air
You are not without options in your quest for a scent-free environment. Here are some good pointers suggested by the Washington Times:
- If a coworker’s passion for perfume gives you daily migraines, politely explain to her your dilemma, and ask that she (pretty please) wait until after work to apply cologne. If she refuses, ask your boss to initiate a “no strong smells” policy in your work place.
- Avoid air fresheners, fabric softeners, and harsh detergents. Even the ones labeled as “fragrance-free” rarely are.
- If you tolerate fruity scents, then opt for non-aerosol citrus room spray.
- Seek out certified organic soaps, shampoos, and other cleaning agents. All certifiably organic products are free of synthetic fragrances.
- Become an advocate for a scent-free environment. Ask anybody you will listen to refrain from using scented products, including your car washer, your kid’s principal, your manicurist- any place you frequent.
Related reading:
10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms
Sources:
Migraine sensitivity to smells symptoms : an introduction
Surprising things that give you headaches
Fragrance free: 10 Ways to protect yourself from toxic scents
Tags: chronic migraines, migraine headache trigger, migraine sensitivity to smell, migraine sensitivity to smells symptoms, migraine smells, migraineur, olfactory hallucination, perfumes migraines, phatom smells, scent-free environment, scents migraine headaches
Posted in Migraines | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
How to tell if your migraine headaches require emergency attention
Migraine headaches are a neurological disorder that causes sharp, throbbing head pain, in addition to queasiness, vomiting, visual disturbances, and extreme sensitivity to bright lights, strong scents, and loud noises. Migraine pain can be unbearably draining and excruciating. If you’ve ever been in the middle of a migraine attack, then you understand the urgency to find something that will immediately alleviate your agony.
Stay home, or call 911?
Millions of migraine sufferers visit their local hospital emergency rooms every year, hoping for some quick migraine pain relief. Unfortunately, unless your headache symptoms are severe enough to suggest a stroke, you will probably wait many long hours before even seeing a nurse. As far as the ER ranking system goes, you are going to be somewhere very near the bottom of the patient chain.
So, how does one know when to call the doctor, when to call 911, or when to call in sick and just stay home?
Headache warning signs
Below are eight common red flag headache warnings that necessitate a trip to ER, followed by some less urgent migraine conditions that can wait until your visit to the headache doctor.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if any of these headache symptoms occur:
- A migraine headache that has lasted longer than 72 hours
- Migraine head pain that is more severe than usual
- Headache accompanied by fever, hypertension, sore neck muscles, or a rash.
- Migraine pain that wakes you up out of a deep sleep in the middle of the night
- Severe headache combined with intense stomach upset, such a nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Headaches that result from head trauma, a car accident, or a bad fall
- If you are over the age of40*, and have not been diagnosed with migraines, then any new or uncommon pattern of headaches that could suggest migraines
- Symptoms that indicate neurological damage:
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision, flashing orbs of light, blind spots, or hallucination
- Dizziness, loss of balance and sudden weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Speech difficulties, such as stuttering, slurring and muttering incoherently
- Seizure
- Confusion
- Any other peculiar behavior (Read Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent)
The following scenarios do not require a trip to ER, but do call for a visit to a neurologist:
- You are having more than three migraines every week
- You are using pain medication every day, or at least four times per week to treat headaches
- Migraine head pain increases in severity, and doesn’t alleviate
- Headache triggers that include physical exertion, coughing or sneezing, and bending over
- Any unusual shift in your typical migraine pattern
- You have not been diagnosed with migraines, but you suspect your chronic headaches are related, and you are under the age of 40*
Also read:
Brain Tumor, Stroke and 8 other Illnesses you probably don’t have
Top 10 Headache Symptoms that Point to Migraines
Sources:
When to Call the Doctor About Your Migraines or Headaches
Migraine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Migraine- When to Call A Doctor
Should I Visit the Emergency Room for a Migraine?
Tags: emergency room, ER, headache doctor, headache symptoms, headache warnings, Headaches, health, Migraine, neurologist, Pain
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011
This summer, leave Stress and Migraines Behind
Planning a summer vacation getaway? Even the best laid-out travel arrangements can climax into a huge migraine headache if you’re not careful. Stress, the number one headache trigger, can ruin your chances of enjoying even a short weekend escape. Plan your trip around your chronic migraines, and you will get the most out of your summer vacation.
Below are five helpful guidelines for routing a pleasant, headache-free trip:
Travel Tip Number 1- Prepare for the worst…
Always refill prescriptions for migraine pain medications a week or two before your trip. Don’t make the mistake of putting it off until later; you’ll likely have your mind on other last-minute details, like Googling nearby pharmacies and emergency migraine treatment centers, another precaution worth investing in before your trip. Not only will you be more relaxed, but also should migraines threaten to attack, you’ll have your escape route well planned.
Travel Tip Number 2- Stay grounded
Leave air travel to the non-migraineurs whenever possible, and aim for a vacation spot that is closer to home. Shifting pressure, loud rumbling engine sounds, and scant puffs of recycled air do not make for a migraine-friendly trip. Unless you are undisturbed by the possibility of spending four hours hunched in a narrow, confined area seated in front of a cute toddler with a persistent kicking reflex, then you’re better off choosing a travel destination that allows for alternate modes of transportation. Consider riding the rails; various train tours offer fine dining, comfortable accommodations, and entertainment. Best of all, you can get up, stretch your legs, and get a breath of fresh air whenever you like. Try doing that in economy class.
Travel Tip Number 3- Give your senses a break
 Avoid heavily contaminated areas. This should seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised just how wide-ranging the effects of pollution are. Metropolitan getaways like New York are probably not your best option; noxious smog, noisy traffic hubbub, glaring neon signs, and the quick pace of the big city are no match for your chronic migraines. Give yourself a sensory vacation. Seek out vacation spots that have a reputation for clean air, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed vibe. Try camping at one of the many national forests. Not keen on tents? Most campgrounds offer cabin rentals. Other great options include beachside resorts, cruises, and spa retreats.
 Travel Tip Number 4- Stay out of the heat. And the cold.
Extreme temperatures are a migraine sufferer’s worst enemies. Hot, dry weather can lead to severe dehydration, a common migraine trigger. Freezing climates, on the other hand, may result in stiff joints, sinus congestion, and flu symptoms, not to mention dehydration caused by indoor heating. If you do find yourself in extreme weather, remember to drink plenty of water and dress accordingly.
Don’t go trigger-happy
If you’ve been loyally contributing to your headache diary, then you are conscious of the many migraine headache triggers you need to avoid. Enjoy a carefree and laid-back summer vacation, but continue to beware of lurking migraine-inducing stimuli. Don’t be tempted to try exotic, spicy culinary dishes, unless somebody “in the know” can tell you exactly what ingredients are included. Never skip meals. Before your trip, prepare yourself an emergency snack kit. You never know when you might find yourself in a restaurant that has nothing but “off-limit” items on their menu, especially if you’re on a non-gluten diet.
Like this? Read more:
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?
20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers
Sources:
Planning a Vacation for Migraine Sufferers | Better Innovations Blog
Travel Tips for Migraine Sufferers
Tags: chronic illness, headache, headache triggers, health, Migraine, summer vacation, travel, wellness
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Monday, June 20th, 2011
Success in Spite of Migraine Headaches
Celebrities with Chronic Headache Pain
The symptoms of migraine headaches are debilitating; stabbing head pain, nausea, stomach cramping and migraine auras can leave you feeling weak, tired, and depressed long after the migraine attack has abated. While a migraine attack can last for days, the psychological aftermath can be everlasting; many migraineurs struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, uncertainty and despair because of their illness.
Top 10 Headache Symptoms that Point to Migraines
However, many successful, vibrant personalities have suffered from chronic migraines. Some of the most influential people throughout history have been migraine sufferers, including such movers and shakers as Einstein, John F. Kennedy, and Van Gough, whose “auras” are visible in some of his most famous works. Today, celebrity migraineurs such as Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross and Friends’ Lisa Kudrow contribute to migraine awareness, in the hope of one day finding a cure for migraines.
Below is our list of the 30 most famous migraine patients throughout history and today:
Film and TV Stars
Marcia Cross
Marcia Cross suffered from severe chronic migraines before 10 years before she learned to prevent migraine attacks by changing her diet, combatting stress, and getting enough sleep. Today, she is a spokesperson for the popular migraine treatment, Imitrex.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck, star of The Town, spent Memorial Day, 2006 in a hospital, recovering from a migraine attack. 4 Headaches that Require Emergency Intervention
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, aka Wolverine, has had his bouts of migraine symptoms. 6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg, whose claim to fame began with her starring role in Steven Spielberg’s The
Color Purple, suffers from chronic migraines.
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow suffered childhood migraines that diminished, as she got older. Coincidentally, her father, Lee Kudrow, is a migraine specialist, who helped with the implementation of lidocaine as a migraine treatment,
Star Jones
Star Jones, former host of The View, lost over 160 pounds after having gastric bypass surgery. Scientists say that weight loss surgery often leads to alleviated migraine symptoms, but there has been no word from Star confirming that hypothesis. Weight Loss Surgery May Reduce Migraines
Virginia Madsen
Virginia Madsen, who co-starred with Paul Giamatti in the blockbuster, Sideways, claims that Botox injections have cured her of her migraine pain. Still on the Fence about Botox for Headache Relief? Read what Scientists and Skeptics have to Say
Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth plays Glinda the good witch on Broadway’s Wicked, but offstage, migraines and nausea leave her feeling more like the green Wicked Witch of the West.
Elle Macpherson
Supermodel Elle Macpherson tries to stay hydrated in order to avoid dry skin, in addition to thwarting migraine attacks. 15 Tricks for Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Migraines
James Cromwell
The man who played Farmer Hoggett on Babe is one of many Hollywood movie stars who suffer from frequent migraines.
Elizabeth Taylor
Liz Taylor suffered from chronic pain, in additional to migraines. The much-adored superstar experienced so many debilitating and life-threatening illnesses that she required hospitalization over 70 times before passing away of heart failure in March of 2011. Brain Tumor, Stroke and 8 other Illnesses you probably don’t have
Musicians
Elvis Presley
The famous crooner once known as the king of rock and roll was also a frequent pill popper, which eventually led to his demise. Elvis suffered from numerous ailments, including migraines.
Carly Simon
Famous singer/songwriter Carly Simon learned how to decrease the frequency of her migraine attacks by cutting out certain food triggers, such as coffee, from her diet. Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
Loretta Lynn
Country music legend Loretta Lynn revealed in her book, Coal Miner’s Daughter, that she began suffering from migraines since the age of seventeen and that her father was also a migraine sufferer.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson had to cancel a few shows back in 2008 when she started feeling head pain and vertigo from vestibular migraines.
In Sports
Dwyane Wade
NBA star Dwyane wade has had his issues with migraines on and off the basketball court. While wearing tinted glasses help to relieve some of the pain symptoms during an attack, his teammates have expressed displeasure at the Miami Heat player’s pattern of wearing eyewear during a game, claiming that it puts other players at a disadvantage. Migraines Caused by Eye Strain? Tinted Glasses can Help
Percy Harvin
The Vikings’ Percy Harvin had to miss a lot of team practice due to chronic migraine attacks, but he claims that his doctors have cured him of his pain symptoms and that he hasn’t felt better in years. He attributes his well-being to weaning off certain headache triggers in his diet and physical therapy.
Freddie Ljungberg
Swedish soccer player Freddie Ljungerb had to be carried off the field when he started experiencing a severe migraine attack during a match. 5 Sports-Related Migraines You Never Heard Of
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Legendary NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced in 2009 that he has leukemia, in addition to being a chronic migraine sufferer.
Serena Williams
Tennis star Serena Williams, who experiences frequent migraine headaches, is a spokesperson for the “RALLY for Menstrual Migraine” campaign. Treatments for Menstrual Migraines
Terrell Davis
Terrel Davis didn’t let migraines stop him from performing in the 1998 Super Bowl XXXII. He played his best, despite throbbing head pain and visual distortions.
Historical Figures
Vincent Van Gogh
Had Vincent Van Gogh not suffered from migraines with aura, would he have ever painted the infamous Starry Nights? Migraines with Aura may Signal Birth Defect in Heart
John F. Kennedy
In addition to battling the beginnings of the Cold War, former president of the USA John F. Kennedy also had his battles with migraines.
Napoleon Bonaparte
French conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte might have been a man of peace had he not suffered from migraine headaches, perhaps. Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection proves that migraine patients are as vital and capable as non-headache sufferers are, seeing as he, himself, was a chronic migraineur.
Lewis Carroll
Was the famed “Alice in Wonderland” novelist daydreaming of little white rabbits and lazy caterpillars while recovering from a migraine attack?
Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson, who was one of the United States’ founding fathers and 3rd president, experienced severe migraine headaches throughout his lifetime.
Robert E. Lee
General Robert E. Lee led our country through one of its bloodiest battles while suffering his own battles with migraines.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, the Roman general whose exploits inspired history’s greatest artists and playwrights, would have benefited from using a migraine diary, had he known of its benefits for preventing migraine attacks. 10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud knew that sometimes, a headache is not just a headache; it can be a debilitating migraine headache.
Read more about migraine prevention:
6 Migraine Myth-conceptions
5 Sports-Related Migraines You Never Heard Of
Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent
Sources:
Kristin Chenoweth’s Migraine Puts Pause On Emmys Celebration
You Are In Good Company! Famous Migraineurs
Celebs Who Cope With Migraines
Migraine Publicity
Migraine Celebrities
How Actress Virginia Madsen Found Migraine Relief | Lifescript.com
Tags: Celebrities with Chronic Headache, cure for migraines, Marcia Cross migraines, migraine attack, migraine auras, migraine awareness, migraine treatment, migraineurs, symptoms of migraine headaches, vestibular migraines
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Friday, June 17th, 2011
Drink 64 oz. of Water to prevent Headaches
Many food triggers cause migraine attacks, but did you know that not drinking enough water is also a sure-fire way to invite migraine headaches? Chronic dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Even if you drink plenty of water, you stand a chance of suffering from severe dehydration. Some symptoms of chronic dehydration are dry, cracked lips, flaky skin, and reduced skin elasticity.
If you drink 64 ounces of water each day and still dehydrate easily, then you need to consume more electrolytes. There are many popular sports drinks and other electrolyte supplements in the stores, but you can make your own version of Gatorade with the handy recipe included at the end of this article.
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
Listed below are 15 tips for getting your recommended dose of H20 every day:
- Good morning, now drink! Keep a water bottle handy next to your bed, and you’re more likely to remember to have that first morning gulp as soon as you wake up.
- Don’t even think about it. Make a ritual of having a drink of water every time you sit down to work, walk into the kitchen to fix something to eat, or answer the telephone. If you associate everyday actions with drinking a glassful of water, then you are going to get your daily supply of H20 without even trying.
- Just a spoonful of lemon…Can’t tolerate the taste of sink water? Add a few squeezes of fresh lemon juice to make it more palatable. In a pinch, you can substitute a few teaspoons of bottled lemon juice.
- Kick the caffeine habit. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and colas don’t hydrate you. Rather, they make you lose more water every time you urinate. Instead, have a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea, or even just a steaming mug of hot water with lemon and fresh mint leaves. You’ll be trading in a bad habit for a better one, and boosting your daily water intake at the same time! Talk about a win-win scenario.
- Start spreading the news. Tell your friends about your new 64-ounce-per-day water challenge. Maybe they’ll want to join in with you? Taking on a new habit is easier when you do it with friends and family.
- Fly with it. Take a cue from the Fly Lady, and purchase a good sturdy water bottle that will meet all your needs. Don’t have time to shop around? She’s already done the work for you. Her stainless steel water bottle fits in standard car cup holders, has a wide mouth for adding ice cubes, doesn’t sweat all over the place, has interchangeable carrying straps, and is top-rack dishwater safe. Functional, durable, ecological, and for $12.95, it won’t break your wallet
 Take it with you. Now that you’ve purchased your own personal water jug, don’t leave home without it! Do you live in a two-story house? Don’t leave your water bottle behind. Make a point of carrying it with you before you go up or down the stairs.- Take baby sips. Do you have a hard time swallowing big gulps of water? Purchase a package of straws, and slip one into a nice tall glass of water. Ask any kid- straws make drinks taste better!
- Have a water sandwich. That is, sandwich meals and snacks between sips of water. Take a drink before and after each bite, or at least before and after each meal. Not only will it encourage you to drink more water, but you’ll also feel full quicker and eat less!
- Pure and simple does it. Do you live in a hard-water area? Don’t waste money on bottled water. Install a water filter for healthy, clean-tasting water every time you turn on the tap.
- Fill ‘er up! Any time you pass by a water fountain while you’re out and about, grab your water bottle, and help yourself to a refill.
- Have a drink with that shake. Every time you sweat, you lose bodily fluids, and that could lead to severe dehydration. Remember to replenish your water supply before and after workouts.
- When the heat is on, turn up the volume. During the hot summer months of July and August, aim to drink more water than usual, especially if you live in an area that is prone to heat waves. The summer season usually sees a spike in hospital visits resulting from dehydration, so avoid becoming a victim at all costs.
- Feeling nauseous? One of the symptoms of chronic migraines is the frequent need to vomit. If you suffer from extreme nausea, or any other condition that causes vomiting, remember to replenish your body with fluids in order to avoid dehydration. A cup of hot water seeped with fresh ginger might even quell that sick-to-the-stomach feeling.
- Gator-who? Save money and cut back on food coloring: make your own sports drink. It’s easy! This recipe includes a natural form of potassium chloride, orange juice.
- First, mix ¼ cup of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of salt with ¼ cup of hot water to dissolve.
- Add ¼ cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3 ½ cups of ice-cold water.
- That’s it! Eight ounces of this electrolyte sports drink has 50 calories and 110 mg of sodium.
More good reads:
6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms
Best 10 Hospitals in the USA for Chronic Migraine Patients
Sources:
Chronic dehydration as migraine trigger
Water & 20 Tips For Getting Your 8 Glasses Daily
9 Tips: How to Drink More Water
12 Tips to Drink 8 Cups a Day
Tags: avoid migraines, dehydration migraines, electrolytes dehydration, migraine attacks, migraine headaches, migraine trigger, prevent Headaches
Posted in Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
“It’s just Stress” and other Fallacies
The truth about Migraines
Migraines are debilitating neurological disorder that interferes with daily life, in and outside of the home. Chronic migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of disability, and account for millions of hospital visits to ER every year. Migraine symptoms, such as pulsating head pain, intense nausea and stomach cramping, acute sensitivity to strong scents, loud noise and bright lighting, make life unbearable for the migraine sufferer.
Still, families, friends and coworkers of migraine patients have difficulty relating, as there are many incorrect stereotypes and misconceptions that surround migraine illness, regardless of the best efforts of migraine awareness groups, such as M.A.G.N.U.M. and the World Headache Alliance, and online migraine support sites such as Migraine.com, Help for Headaches and WebMD- Migraines. (See Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients.)
Below is a list of 6 oft-repeated myths about migraines:
Migraine Myth #1: Migraines are like any other headaches.
Not true. Clenched muscles, usually in the upper back, shoulders, and neck regions, cause tension headaches. Common stress headache pain can range from mild to moderately severe; over-the-counter pain medications are sufficient treatments for the common headache.
Migraine headaches are a neurological illness. Constricted blood vessels cause migraine headaches, and the pain fluctuates between moderate to debilitating. The triggers that cause migraines are numerous: food, weather, stress, hormones, light, scents and sleep disturbances. Only a neurologist who specializes in migraine therapy can recommend proper treatment. Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?
Migraine Myth #2: There’s no real cure for migraines.
Actually, there’s no one cure for migraines. Many factors need consideration when finding an effective migraine treatment; the task can sometimes seem fruitless. Don’t let pessimism keep you from finding migraine headache relief. Seek a qualified neurologist who specializes with migraines, and stay informed by frequently visiting online migraine forums and blogs. Alternative Migraine Treatments: Thinking outside of the Botox
Migraine Myth #3: Stress only triggers stress headaches, not migraines.
Stress is the leading cause of all headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. So how does one tell the difference between a migraine attack and a stress headache? Migraine pain attacks one side of the head only. Tension headaches are described as a tight band circling the head.
Migraine Myth #4: Migraines are associated with mental illness.
There is a high correlation between migraines, depression and anxiety, but that does not mean that all migraine patients have emotional disorders or need antidepressants. There is currently no proof that mental illness of any kind causes migraines. However, one must take into account the emotional strain chronic migraine sufferers experience. It is common for migraine patients to go through phases or depression, nervousness or anxiety while learning to cope with their condition. Stop Your Next Panic Attack in 4 Simple Steps
Migraine Myth #5: Migraine attacks always impair your ability to function.
The symptoms of migraines can range from moderate to severe. At its worst, migraine pain can be excruciating to the point that the only option is to take your medication and wait out the storm in a dark, quiet room. The fact that you are able to withstand head pain while running errands, working at the computer or trying to relax doesn’t contradict the nature of migraines, nor does it mean that you must endure the suffering. Top 10 Headache Symptoms that Point to Migraines
Migraine Myth #6: Migraineurs are usually hypochondriacs.
This is probably the most hurtful notion of all, because it forces the migraine sufferer to bear the burden of proof. Short of carrying around a brain scan imaging report, there’s little one can do prove to a skeptic that your headache symptoms are not imaginary. You can’t see a migraine; the debilitating symptoms are unobservable to all except a qualified neurologist. But the proof is available through multiple medical reports, scientific breakthroughs and social statistics.
Read more about migraine stigma and coping mechanisms:
Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Sources:
http://www.netplaces.com/migraines/migraine-basics/migraine-myths-and-misconceptions.htm
Tags: cause migraine, chronic migraine headaches, chronic migraines, headache relief, headache triggers, Migraine, migraine causes, migraine drugs, migraine headache symptoms, migraine medications, migraine news, migraine pain, migraine pain relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatments, Migraines, prevent migraines
Posted in Migraines | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
Looking Beyond the Pain
Do you know the difference between migraine headaches and common headache symptoms? If you experience head pain often, it’s important to know if you are suffering from chronic migraines, which may warrant a trip to the emergency room.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common, and they are caused by constricted muscles in the shoulders, neck and head; neck pain often accompanies a tension headache.
Migraines
Migraines, however, are a neurological disorder, and are caused by engorgement of the blood vessels. There is a high correlation between stroke, heart attack and chronic migraine patients. Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
If you experience any of these migraine symptoms with your headaches, please visit a neurologist immediately:
1) Head pain: Migraine head pain can occur on either side of the head, or on both sides at once, and the severity can alternate between moderate and excruciating. Pain duration can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. 7 Headache Categories:Which Type of Headache do you Have?
2) Throbbing or palpitating: Migraineurs often describe their symptoms as intense, pulsating waves of pain; this is caused dilated blood vessels, which allow unrestricted blood flow to the brain, creating the characteristic throbbing sensation. Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?
3) Stomach upset: Migraine patients often complain of severe stomach problems during a migraine attack. Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea are all common migraine headache symptoms.
4) Alternating between hot and cold: Hot and cold flashes occur as a result of poor circulation. Patients may have cold feet at times.
5) Light sensitivity: A particularly debilitating side effect of chronic migraines is the intense pain caused by bright lights, stark white surfaces and contrasting patterns of black and white. For this reason, severe migraine headache patients require a very dark room in order to recuperate from an attack. Migraines Caused by Eye Strain? Tinted Glasses can Help
6) Interference with daily life: Regular activities that most people take for granted can become practically impossible for people who get frequent migraines. Driving to work, shopping for groceries, celebrating a birthday party- all these things get put on hold when a migraine threatens to storm. Migraine Pain, Portrayed through Art and Poetry
7) Fatigue: Stress, chronic pain, inactivity, feelings of depression- all these combine to create mental exhaustion. Is Gluten Sensitivity Giving You a Headache?
8) Auras: Auras are a phenomenon which herald an advancing migraine. Symptoms of migraine auras are flashing, darting light hallucinations, blind spots, blurred vision, nausea and dizziness. Auras can occur before the headache, or arrive at the same time. Migraines with Aura may Signal Birth Defect in Heart
9) Fever: It’s not usual for a fever to accompany a migraine, but it is not unlikely, either.
10) Feebleness: After several years, chronic migraines can leave one feeling frail, disconsolate and weary. Unless an effective migraine treatment is sought out, long-term migraine relief is not possible.
Get help for your migraines. Below is a list of valuable information about migraine medications, coping mechanisms and support groups:
10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
Top 4 Headache Treatments
Sources:
http://www.mybrainpain.com/migraines-headaches-numbers/top-10-symptoms-of-migraines.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55043
Tags: causes migraines, cluster migraines, dizziness, fatigue, head pain, headache symptoms, heart attack, light sensitivity, migraine headache symptoms, migraine headaches, migraine relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, migraines medications, migraines with auras, migraineurs, nausea, neck pain, neurological, neurologist, occular migraines, sinus headaches, stress, stroke, tension headaches
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Monday, May 30th, 2011
Web Pages and Blogs that Provide Support
Millions of Americans suffer from chronic migraine headaches. So why do you feel all alone? Your closest family members and friends don’t always understand the depth of your pain, but know that there are vast communities out there who can help you understand your migraine symptoms, share their experiences with migraine remedies and provide emotional support.
 When Alice had a migraine, she found even the pretty things were too much to bear. Here are 20 excellent migraine resources, listed in alphabetical order, including non-profit headache research sites, personal blogs and chronic migraine patient forums:
1) ACPA – American Chronic Pain Association: To provide support to patients diagnosed with chronic migraines and to their families, to help them find appropriate healthcare, education and to raise public awareness about migraines.
2) American Pain Society: Another excellent resource for finding out about recent advances in migraine treatment and other pain management tools.
3) Blog Carnival: A rotating collaboration of blogs which address health issues such as migraine headaches.
4) The Daily Headache: Blogger Kerrie Smyres writes about the issues migraineurs want to know about, including research, opinions and forum.
5) Head Wise: Migraine blogger Steph shares some inspiring life stories about her battle with migraines.
6) Help for Headaches: Managed by leading migraine expert Teri Robert, author of “Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches,” Help for Headaches is a great landing base for all topics related to migraines and other headache symptoms. Robert’s posts can also be viewed on Migraine.com and Health Central’s My Migraine Connection.
7) LiveJournal: Online migraine patient support group.
8) MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association: Their mission is to raise public awareness about migraines as a debilitating neurological illness. Find out how you can help.
9) Meetup: Find out about local migraine support groups, and meet other headache sufferers in your area.
10) Migraine.com: Join the largest virtual community of migraine patients and experts on the web. Migraine.com features articles written by some of the top experts in migraine treatment, education and social issues, including the Migraine Girl, Teri Robert, Diana Lee, Prof. Joanna Kempner and Dr. Whyte.
11) The Migraine Action Association: Formerly a British association, this website features quarterly newsletters, a telephone hotline and current migraine information.
12) Migraine Chick: You’ve seen her pics on some of our blog posts. Blogger and artist Deborah Leigh shares her unique, thought-provoking attitude about the social impact of migraines on our culture.
13) MigrainePage.com: Online community of migraine sufferers. Participate in chat discussions, forums or the online migraine journal.
14) Migraine Puppet: Anecdotes about life and pain management, and an updated list of blog posts by fellow migraine patients.
15) Migrainista: Unique, nostalgic and sometimes controversial insights by blogger Migrainista.
16) The National Headache Foundation: The world’s largest non-profit voluntary organization for finding migraine treatment clinics, resources and local community programs.
17) Painfully Speaking: Blogger Jessica opens up about her battles with chronic headache pain and anxiety.
18) Somebody Heal Me: Famous blogger Diana Lee writes about chronic pain management and headaches, and shares her database of sites, blogs and organizations which deal with a variety of health issues.
19) WebMD- Migraines: WebMD is a comprehensive website which provides health tips, information, slideshows and support for medical issues from A to Z; their migraine page is particularly helpful.
20) WHA- World Headache Alliance: Migraine news, global headache awareness activities and links to support groups.
Some good reads:
Migraines Caused by Eye Strain? Tinted Glasses can Help
Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
7 Headache Categories:Which Type of Headache do you Have?
Tags: causes migraines, chronic migraine headaches, chronic pain, Headaches, Help for Headaches, migraine pain, migraine relief, migraine remedies, migraine symptoms, migraine treatments, Migraine.com, Migraines, Teri Robert
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Let’s get real about chronic migraines.
“I wish I had a dime for every time somebody told me to take a few aspirins and get some rest,” is the motto of many migraine headache sufferers these days.
People have been complaining about chronic headache pain since the historic Babylonian times of 3000 BC, but we haven’t gotten any better at recognizing it as a real neurological illness, and not some convenient get-out-of-jail alternative to swallowing a few Advil’s and getting back to work. (If only it were that easy.)
Many chronic migraine patients say they feel misunderstood, and that their friends and family treat them like hypochondriacs. They get well-meaning advice like,
“Learn to relax,”
“Stop eating chocolate,”
“take some sinus medication.”
Sometimes these suggestions are useful and helpful, as there are some things that we can do to prevent migraines. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of things which we seem to have no control over, triggers which keep the migraine attacks coming.
One myth that needs to be dispelled about migraine sufferers
is the idea that they usually feel fine…except for when they get
a really bad headache.
A recent study has been conducted to raise migraine awareness and, hopefully, some sympathy; led by Dr. Jung E. Park, a neurological resident at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the focus was on the stigma surrounding migraine headaches, a neurological disorder which causes grief and pain to the sufferer.
Certain neurological diseases are empirically evident; somebody who’s suffered a stroke doesn’t need to explain to friends and family that she’s not feeling well. But chronic migraine sufferers experience strong social stigma from friends, family and coworkers, as their neurological illness displays no outward symptoms, only the pain they feel inside. Migraine patients, who are also neurologically impaired, feel that they constantly have to justify their inability to commit to social engagements or time-sensitive work assignments. (For example, read about NBA basketball player, Dwyane Wade’s battle with migraines.)
The research led by Dr. Park, to be featured at the American Headache Society (AHS) in Los Angeles, is the first of its kind to take a stab at understanding the sense of loss and rejection felt by chronic migraine sufferers at the hands of their close friends, family, spouses and coworkers.
- Using the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness, researchers compared the stigma felt by chronic migraine headache patients with that of individuals who suffer from non-chronic neurological illnesses, such as stroke, Parkinson’s and sporadic migraine headaches.
- The study used a control group of 246 migraine patients from the Jefferson Headache Clinic.
- Half of the headache sufferers who participated in the research experienced ongoing chronic migraines, while the other half complained of occasional migraine attacks.
- Chronic migraine sufferers were found to be most deeply and personally impacted by their condition than sufferers of episodic migraines or other neurological disorders combined.
- Many patients feel pressure to carry on with their wifely, motherly and other social duties, despite their illness, and often suffer stress and family disharmony when they are unable to follow through, sometimes leading to divorce.
Chronic migraine sufferers experience social stigma from
friends, family and coworkers,
as their neurological illness displays no outward symptoms,
only the pain they feel inside
One myth that needs to be dispelled about migraine sufferers is the idea that they usually feel fine…except for when they get a bad headache. Throbbing head pain is only one of several migraine symptoms, including nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, disorientation and extreme sensitivity to light, noise and scents. Women, who are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men, are also at high risk for suffering from a stroke if they also experience migraines. (Read Women who get Migraines are also Likely to get This.)
Another myth that surrounds migraines is that it only occurs in low-income areas, and that higher class or better educated individuals are less likely to fall victim to chronic headaches. The truth is, chronic migraine sufferers have a harder time keeping a good job, as they frequently need to call in sick or show up tardy. And when they do make it to work, their job performance suffers.
Jason Rosenberg, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at John Hopkins Medicine, sees firsthand the affect that migraines have on his patients at the Johns Hopkins Headache Center. “This perception of migraine as some sort of a character weakness is very common,” he admits. “Patients themselves will de-legitimize the condition.”
Hopefully, the Jefferson Headache Clinic study will prompt more extensive research into the societal prejudices surrounding migraines, and eventually dismiss the notion that you can get rid of a migraine headache easily with just a few pills, a glass of milk and a 20-minute nap.
Sources:
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/2866/1/A-Brief-History-Of-Migraines.html
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/pain/articles/2010/06/25/for-migraine-sufferers-stigma-adds-to-burden
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/16/migraine-stigma_n_862255.html
http://www.americanheadachesociety.org/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2875076/
Tags: chronic headache pain, chronic pain, migraine headache sufferers
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Thursday, May 12th, 2011
Migraine headache sufferers have been telling us for years that they could predict the weather every time a headache threatens to attack; scientific studies have proven what many chronic migraine headache patients already know to be true: that barometric changes have a strong impact on migraine pain.
Still, the myth that migraine headache patients can foretell weather conditions is only partially true. While headache sufferers are almost always correct in predicting that a change in the weather is about to occur, they can’t tell you if it’s going to rain, snow or if a heat wave looms ahead.
New England study solves the mystery
According to research by the New England Center for Headache in Stamford, Connecticut, most people who get chronic migraine attacks think they know which type of weather changes triggers their headaches, but they are usually incorrect. What they are able to sense is that a barometric pressure change is taking place.
- In this study, 77 headache patients attending the New England migraine clinic were asked to fill out a questionnaire asking them if they believed weather changes had any effect on their headaches, and to specify which type of weather changes was likely to trigger headaches.
- Migraine headache patients were asked to keep a headache diary for up to 2 years, including information like how often they get migraines, when they occur, how strong the pain symptoms were and how long they lasted.
- Patients’ responses were compared to live weather reports and actual patterns in the weather where they lived.
- Of the test participants, 62% reported that they strongly believed that their headaches were caused by the weather, at least once.
- Researchers were able to confirm that only 50% were authentically sensitive to weather changes, while 1 in 10 incorrectly attributed their migraine headaches to the weather.
- 26% responded to changes in humidity, 14% to changes in weather patterns, and 13% to barometric pressure fluctuations.
“We’re realizing more and more that change – or fluctuation – is a major factor in Migraine triggers,
whether it’s a change in sleep patterns,
estrogen levels or weather.”
-Marcelo E. Bigal, M.D., Ph.D
Leaving out the weather factor, it’s really change of any type that strongly affects migraine patients, weather it be PMS, lighting or a coming storm. The hat most chronic migraine pain sufferers wear says, “sensitive.” Migraine sufferers are sensitive to stimuli that non-headache sufferers are able to ignore.
Symptoms of migraine headaches include throbbing, debilitating head pain, nausea, strong sensitivity to noise, light and scents, feebleness and light flashes. Some patients experience migraines with auras, exhibiting some of the same symptoms as somebody having a stroke, including speech impairment, non-responsiveness and dizziness. Migraine patients are often able to prevent attacks by identifying certain headache triggers, but there’s little any chronic pain sufferer can do to avoid symptoms caused by the weather.
11 Headache Triggers you Never Thought Of
Health experts advise migraineurs to take pain medication at the first symptoms of a coming headache, so that they can hopefully avoid a full-fledged migraine attack that could leave them incapacitated for days.
For more information about preventing migraines, read:
Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers
Migraine Headaches Send Millions to the Emergency Rooms
Sources:
BBC, American Headache Society, New England Center for Headache, WebMD
Tags: barometric changes migraines, chronic migraine attacks, chronic migraine headache patients, headache triggers, migraine headache, migraines with aura, preventing migraines, symptoms of migraine headaches, weather changes headaches
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