Posts Tagged ‘Migraine’
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
“I feel a killer of a migraine coming up,” you say offhandedly, but consistent research suggests that if you get frequent migraines with aura, your mortality rate might be higher than non-migraineurs. Find out why migraine headache sufferers are more likely to suffer from stroke or heart attack, and what you can do about it.

December 1993- woman dies of migraine symptoms
Amanda Livingstone, age 25, went to two different doctors, complaining of severe headache, uncontrolled vomiting, and visual distortions. Both times, doctors diagnosed her with migraine headaches and instructed her to take painkillers. After one week of debilitating headaches, Amanda went into a coma and died of brain hemorrhage. Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might be alive today.
October 2011- woman dies of migraine symptoms
In Malaga, Spain, prosecutors are investigating the death of a 30-year-old woman who had been receiving treatments for migraines and hypertension for the past year. On October 13, after numerous visits to the hospital and referrals to migraine specialists, she died of brain hemorrhage. Had doctors ordered a brain scan, she might also be alive today.

Studies confirm high mortality rate among migraine sufferers
According to numerous scientific studies, there is a high correlation between migraine with aura and increased risk for stroke and heart disease.
University of Iceland study, 2010
The following study on migraine with aura included over 18,000 men and women from Reykjavik, Iceland, and followed them for a 40-year period.
Scientists categorized headache symptoms into three groups- migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and non-migraine headaches.
- By the end of the study, over 10,000 participants had died.
- Out of the 10,000 fatalities, approximately 4,000 resulted from cardiovascular illness.
- Compared with non-headache sufferers, patients of migraine with aura have a higher mortality rate, and are more likely to die of heart attack or stroke, say researchers.
- Sufferers of migraines without aura and non-migraine headaches are no more likely to die of stroke or heart disease than individuals who don’t get chronic headaches at all.
- Scientists concluded that migraine auras are the most common risk factor among headache sufferers.
Harvard University study, 2011
This more recent study on migraines and mortality determined that people who suffer migraines with aura have a higher mortality risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). The same researcher, Dr. Tobias Kurth, also determined in his study on Migraine and stroke that women who suffer active migraine with aura are twice as likely to suffer hemorrhagic stroke as women who get migraine headaches without the prodrome phase that includes aura.

What are the symptoms of stroke and heart attack?
If you suffer from chronic migraine headaches, then health experts recommend you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of stroke and heart attack, so that you may recognize the beginning stages head-on and seek emergency care immediately.
To determine if somebody is suffering from a stroke, think FAST:
- Face: Ask the person in question to smile- is one side of the face looks droopier than the other side, that person might be having a stroke. Numbness may occur on one side of the body in the face, arms, and legs.
- Arms: Ask her to hold up both arms, and note if one arm drifts downward. Loss of coordination, dizziness, and difficulty walking are symptoms of stroke.
- Speech: Is his speech garbled, nonsensical, or incomprehensible? Stroke victims may have difficulty understanding what people are saying and communicating with them. (Note- speech difficulties are also a symptom of migraine aura.)
- Time: Take note of the time when first symptoms occurred, and call 911 emergency services right away. An FDA-approved medication may prevent long-term damage, but only if a doctor is available to administer it during the first three hours of symptoms.
Prevent Suffering a Stroke- Follow these 5 Simple Rules

Heart attack symptoms:
- Chest pain that may also spread to the rest of the upper body, including face, shoulders, back, and arms
- Stomach pain that mimics heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
If you suspect you might be suffering a heart attack, but don’t have all of the symptoms described, call 911 anyways. Not all heart attack sufferers experience all the symptoms at the same level of severity.

Prevention
The best way to prevent suffering heart disease or stroke is by lowering your risks. If you smoke, then quit. Exercise regularly, even for just 30 minutes each day, and at a comfortable pace. If you’re significantly overweight, then try to control your weight by following a sensible diet. Keep checking your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, then seek treatment; not only will you feel better, but the decreased stress will also lower your mortality rate.
Read more about migraine symptoms:
When Migraine Aura with Aphasia leaves you Lost for Words
Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere
Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity
Sources:
Migraine and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis- PubMed- NCBI
Migraine with aura and risk of cardiovascular and all cause mortality in men and women: prospective cohort study- PubMed- NCBI
Migraine and stroke: a complex association with clinical implications- PubMed- NCBI
Woman died after migraine diagnosis
Probe into death of woman diagnosed with migraine
Migraine With Aura Linked to Increased Mortality From Stroke and Heart Disease
National Stroke Association: Stroke Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms: Know what’s a medical emergency
Image credits, from top:
OrdinaryExtraordinary, Deborah Leigh (Migraine Chick), quinn.anya, 19melissa68, Micah Taylor, ANDI2..
Tags: chronic headaches, Migraine, migraine headache, migraine heart attack, migraine mortality, migraine stroke, migraine symptoms, migraine with aura, Migraines hypertension, migraines with aura, Prodome Posted in Migraine Headache Symptoms | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Complex migraine with aura, like the basilar migraine, causes stroke-like symptoms that literally take your words away- aphasia is one of several disturbing symptoms of migraine aura. Learn all about aphasic migraine causes and treatments.

A migraine attack is not just a headache
Millions of people suffer debilitating migraine headaches, but few non-migraineurs understand that the throbbing headache, as disabling as it is, is one of many migraine symptoms. When migraine attacks strike, they often cause stomach-clenching nausea, uncontrolled vomiting, diarrhea, sharp sensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents, fatigue, and irritability. So debilitating is migraine illness that many long-time chronic migraine sufferers have difficulty keeping a job, performing daily chores, and making appointments. Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities of migraine illness.
Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Migraine aura- an assault on the senses
Migraines are split into two general categories- migraines with aura (MA), and migraines without aura. An aura happens in the prodrome phase of a migraine attack- the minutes leading up to a migraine. Auras serve as a warning to the patient of the impending migraine, and usually occur about fifteen minutes before the migraine strikes. Migraine auras can cause visual hallucinations, usually described as bright flickering lights, glowing crescent-shaped forms, and rainbow zigzag images. Other migraine aura symptoms are vertigo (dizziness), olfactory hallucinations (imagined burnt scents), temporary partial paralysis, and aphasia.
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Aphasia- what is it?
Aphasia is defined as a communication disorder that impairs one’s ability to process language, both in written and spoken words. People with aphasia have trouble putting words together to speak or write, understanding what others are saying, and comprehending what they read. When they try to speak, words come out garbled and unintelligible. This does not mean they are unintelligent- aphasia usually results from damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. Many stroke victims suffer aphasia causing partial or complete loss of speech.
Strange but True: Migraines can Give You a British Accent
Aphasic migraines
Migraines that cause aura with aphasia are usually complex basilar migraines caused by a disorder of a major artery at the brainstem or base of the brain. TV reporter Serene Branson suffered a complex migraine (also called a complicated migraine) with aura on the air while covering the Grammys. Spectators believed her to be having a stroke, so common are the symptoms of migraine aura aphasia. Other names for basilar migraines are:
- Basilar artery migraines
- Basilar migraine headache
- Basilar-type migraine
- Bickerstaff syndrome
- Brainstem migraine
- Vertebro-basilar migraine
Complex Migraine Behind CBS Reporter’s On-Air Health Scare
Symptoms of complex migraine often include pounding headache, blurred vision, temporary partial blindness, temporary partial paralysis on one side, loss of muscular strength, difficulty walking in a straight line, and garbled speech.
Aphasia treatments
If you suffer any of the symptoms of aphasia- difficulty talking clearly or understanding what others are saying- contact emergency services immediately so that a stroke may be ruled out. If migraines are the cause of aphasia, then a headache specialist might prescribe preventative or abortive migraine treatments to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Additionally, natural remedies for migraines may reduce frequency and severity of migraine attacks by at least 50%. Some excellent sources of natural migraine relief include coenzyme Q10, butterbur, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and magnesium.
Read more about migraine with aura:
Migraine Headaches and Dizziness- Stop the Ride, I want to get off!
Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10
Migraine Aura and Hot Flashes- Treat that Hot Head ASAP
What’s that Smell? Migraine Sensitivity and Olfactory Auras
Sources:
Basilar Artery Migraines: Causes, Symptoms, Tests, and Treatments
Aphasia
Aphasia symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment on MedicineNet.com
Aphasia and Migraine- In the Fringes
Migraine Chapter, Migraine With Aura, B.Todd Troost
Tags: Aphasia, Aphasia migraine, Aphasic, Aphasic aura, Aphasic migraine, Basilar migraine, chronic migraines, complex migraine, Complicated migraine, Migraine, Migraine aura aphasia, migraine headache, migraine headache relief, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, migraine relief, migraine remedies, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Migraines, Natural migraine relief, Natural remedies for migraines, what is a migraine, What is aphasia Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
If you suffer from frequent headaches, then you need to see a doctor for migraines right away- You might have migraine headaches, or another form of chronic headaches. Knowing which kind of doctor to see for migraines depends on your migraine headache symptoms, and specific needs for migraine treatment.

What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines?
Part I: Primary Care Physicians
Most chronic headache sufferers begin migraine headache treatment by visiting their primary care physician, or family doctor. This is because they have established a patient history with them, and because they feel comfortable visiting a doctor whose advice they already trust. If your primary care doctor is unable to treat you for migraine headaches, then he will refer you to a specialist.

Even if your family doctor has not received training in migraine illness, he does have a basic set of principles to refer to in diagnosing your condition. These 12 principles for migraine management in primary care are as follows:
- Most headaches are benign, and can be treated by any competent physician.
- By supplying a questionnaire, you can determine to what extent chronic headaches have affected the patient’s quality of life (daily activities, work, etc.). This information is crucial for diagnosing illness and prescribing treatment.
- A physician-patient bond is necessary for providing migraine management.
- Migraine management should be specific to the patient, and tailored to meet his/her needs. Patient should be able to manage migraine treatments self-sufficiently.
Physicians should routinely check up on their patient by reviewing a migraine diary in which the patient records migraine triggers, headache symptoms, foods eaten, and other relevant everyday headache information.
- Schedule re-evaluation check-ups, with special attention given to frequency of migraine drug use, and relative success in providing migraine headache relief.
- Migraine treatment should be adapted continuously to meet the changing needs of the migraine headache patient.
- Urge patients to use prescribed acute migraine medications responsibly, as indicated.
- Prescribe a pain reliever or other rescue treatment as a backup for when standard migraine treatments fail.
- For patients who don’t respond well to migraine medications, or who suffer more than four migraine attacks in one month, prescribe preventative migraine medications, in addition to suggesting certain lifestyle changes that are conducive to better migraine management.
- When prescribing preventative migraine treatments, take into account any comorbid conditions the patient might have.
- Develop a healthy professional relationship with your patient based on trust, mutual agreement, and consideration for the patient’s lifestyle.

When is it time to switch headache doctors?
If you feel that your primary care physician is not meeting your needs, then it might be time to shop around for a doctor that specializes in the field of migraine headaches.
Parts II and III discuss headaches specialists and neurologists.
Read more about migraine treatment:
How to make your own Emergency Migraine Attack Survival Pack
Top 20 Simple Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Migraines
Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines
20 Best Blog Sites for Migraine Information and Inspiration
Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Sources:
Which Doctors Provide Migraine Treatment?
Establishing principles for migraine management in primary care- PubMed NCBI
Image credits, from top:
Ambro, cohdra, photostock, scottchan
Tags: chronic headaches, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, headache relief, Headaches, Headaches everyday, Migraine, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Primary care physicians, what kind of doctor to see for migraines Posted in Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Migraine aura can cause strange migraine headache symptoms like visual distortions, speech slurring, nausea…and hot flashes. With or without throbbing headaches, migraine with aura can be disconcerting. Learn about what causes migraines with aura, and how you can find headache relief.

Migraine headache symptoms
Migraine headaches strike millions of Americans, but overwhelming majorities of migraine sufferers are women, about three to one. Migraine symptoms include throbbing headaches on one side, in addition to other symptoms like sharp eye pain, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light, noise, and smells, and vertigo. Comorbid conditions of migraine illness are depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems.
Also, read What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Migraine aura- with or without headache symptoms
A migraine aura happens about fifteen minutes before a migraine attack. Migraines with aura may or may not result in severe headache, but they are still migraines. Migraine aura symptoms include sudden distorted speech patterns (talking gibberish), distorted sense of spatial awareness, visual hallucinations, temporary partial blindness, olfactory hallucinations, temporary partial paralysis, muscular feebleness, loss of consciousness, dizziness, and nausea. Migraine aura symptoms are often confused with epileptic seizure or stroke.
Migraine auras separate from the migraine prodrome phase, which occurs a few days before a migraine attack. For more info on migraine phases, read The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks

Hot flashes and migraine aura- studies confirm a link
Another migraine aura symptom that sometimes shocks many migraine patients is sudden hot flashes, similar to those experienced during menopause. Migraine “vasomotor” symptoms are hot face, including cheeks, nose, and ears, sweating from the face, and red, flushed cheeks. The vasomotor reaction to migraines is part of migraine aura.
- In 2009, a German study focusing on vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura found a higher incidence of vasomotor changes among migraine with aura (MA) patients than those who did not experience aura with their migraines.
- In 2008, a study conducted by an Italian university focused on increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity and cerebral blood flow among migraine with aura patients. Scientists noted a significant alteration of cerebral autoregulation, including vasomotor reaction, among migraine with aura sufferers
What to do about migraine aura hot flashes:
Women, determine that your hot flashes are not menopausal, or perimenopausal. If your hot headedness is part of migraine aura symptoms, then your best bet is to respond immediately with migraine medication, or natural migraine remedies, such as a supplement containing magnesium, butterbur, and riboflavin, hot/cold packs, or aromatherapy.
Read more about migraines with aura:
Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland
Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?
Sources:
Changes in functional vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura- PubMed NCBI
Increased cerebral vasomotor reactivity in migraine with aura: an autoregulation disorder? A transcranial Doppler and near-infrared spectroscopy study- PubMed NCBI
Migraine with aura- Mayo Clinic
Photo credits, from top:
justDONQUE.images, cohdra
Tags: Causes of migraines, chronic headaches, Complex migraine symptoms, constant headaches, Frequent headaches, Headache back of head, headache causes, headache relief, Headaches everyday, Hot flashes, Migrain, Migraine, migraine aura, migraine headache, migraine headache symptoms, migraine headache treatment, migraine headaches, Migraine headaches symptoms, migraine medications, migraine relief, migraine treatment, migraine triggers, migraine with aura, migranes, Natural Headache Remedies, prodrome, severe headache, stress headaches, Throbbing headache, Vasomotor, What causes migraines Posted in Migraine Headache Symptoms | No Comments »
Monday, November 7th, 2011
Migraines cause throbbing headaches, in addition to nausea and vomiting. Some assume that cyclical vomiting and nausea is caused by migraine headaches, but that is not the case. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) that occurs with abdominal migraines is a separate condition that shares comorbidity with migraine symptoms.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)
Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition that involves repetitive vomiting and nausea over a long period. A person suffering from cyclic vomiting will experience spells of extreme queasiness, stomach cramps, heaving, and vomiting that alternate with “breaks” without symptoms. This can go on for hours, or days. Physicians used to believe that CVS was strictly a pediatric disease, but current research indicates that CVS can strike people of all age groups.
Migraines with CVS
Researchers are unsure as to why CVS occurs with migraine attacks, but they acknowledge that a high percentage of migraine sufferers experience nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting that is typical of cyclic vomiting syndrome. Abdominal migraines cause throbbing head pain, in addition to stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Migraine triggers such as stress and anxiety are also common triggers of CVS.
Abdominal migraines- who gets them?
Although CVS can strike anybody, abdominal migraines in children is most common. Adolescent migraine patients usually complain of stomachaches in place of headaches, sometimes causing cyclical vomiting and/or migraine with aura. As they get older, their abdominal migraine symptoms switch to typical classic migraine symptoms- sharp head pain, neck pain, sensitivity to light, smells, and sounds, and migraines with or without aura. (Read What are Abdominal Migraines?)

Anti- nausea drugs for migraines
Some migraine medications are effective at treating all migraine symptoms at once, including nausea and vomiting. However, prescribed migraine remedies don’t always work as efficiently as they should. If cyclical vomiting is keeping you from digesting your migraine medications, then your headache doctor might prescribe anti-nausea drugs to soothe your stomach and put an end to vomiting.
Note that many of the following anti-nausea drugs come with side effects such as dizziness and fatigue:
- Phenergan
- Thorazine
- Compazine
- Tigan
- Reglan

Natural alternatives to migraine drugs
If long-term use of prescribed migraine medications has not provided any long-term headache relief, then it might be time to try some natural migraine remedies that do not cause side effects such as “brain fog,” chronic fatigue, memory loss, or tinnitus. For nausea, many followers of naturopathic medicine recommend ginger, peppermint, or chamomile teas. Also, supplementing with magnesium and butterbur has resulted in 95% reduction of migraine symptoms for many people who have suffered with chronic migraines for years.

Read more about migraine treatments:
Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies
The Painkilling Power of Ginger: Migraines and Beyond
7 Healing Headache Relief Treatments for Children
Sources:
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome – National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Nausea Drugs for Migraines and Headaches
Migraine- Health- Patient UK
Comorbidity of headache and gastrointestinal complaints. The Head-HUNT Study- PubMed NCBI
Image credits, from top:
QuinnDombrowski, Spencer E Holtaway, suzyq212, Fillmore Photography, Chris Morriss
Tags: Abdominal migraine, Classic migraine, Common migraine, headache, Headaches, Migraine, migraine attacks, migraine headache, migraine nausea, migraine symptoms, migraine with aura, Migraine without aura, Migraines and diarrhea, Migraines in children, Nausea drugs migraines, nausea vomiting, Stomach migraines Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
When you suffer from chronic migraines, your first thought is usually, “How long will my migraine headache last?” Migraine duration depends on the type of migraine symptoms you are experiencing. Use this handy chart to identify types of migraines, and predict how long they will last.

Retinal migraine
- Retinal migraines involve temporary loss of vision in one eye, which can be partial or complete, in addition to a dull aching that begins behind the eye and spreads to the rest of the head.
How long will my migraine headache last? Symptoms of retinal migraine, such as visual distortions and other impairments, typically last from a few minutes to one hour.
Headaches can Cause Blindness- 4 Facts about Ocular Migraines
Basilar artery migraine
- Basilar artery migraine symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, loss of balance, and pain in the back of the head. Basilar artery migraines are typically caused by hormonal fluctuations in young women.
How long will my migraine headache last? Basilar artery migraines are debilitating, and may last for 72 hours.
Basilar Migraines: Do You Have These Symptoms?
Status migrainosus
- Status migrainosus is a very rare kind of migraine that does not go away on its own. If you suffer from a status migrainosus, then you will require hospitalization until your migraine goes away.
- Causes of status migrainosus may include drug interactions or withdrawal.
How long will my migraine headache last? Status migrainosus may last for at least 72 hours.
7 Headache Symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore

Hemiplegic migraine
- Hemiplegic migraine symptoms range from muscular weakness to temporary partial paralysis on one side of the body. Hospitalization is required to rule out stroke.
How long will my migraine headache last? Weakness and head pain from a hemiplegic migraine may last for a few days.
To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care
Ophthalmoplegic migraine
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine symptoms are sharp pain and numbness behind one eye, eye droopiness, and blurred or double vision.
- If muscle paralysis is a factor, then hospitalization is required to rule out a nerve injury or a brain aneurysm.
How long will my migraine headache last? Ophthalmoplegic migraine is rare, but the symptoms may last for two months.
What are the Signs of Migraine Attack? 30 Migraine Symptoms
Cluster headache
- Cluster headaches are not migraines, but they are excruciatingly painful.
- Cluster headache cycles (cluster periods) may happen once or twice per year, although it is possible to be “cluster headache-free” for several years.
- A cluster period can last for one week or a few months.
- Cluster headache symptoms are burning pain on one side of the head that progresses from your temple region to your eye, congestion on one side of the head, excessive nasal discharge, and eye droopiness.
How long will my migraine headache last? Cluster headache pain advances quickly, about 10 minutes from the earliest symptoms, and may last for at least 30 minutes.
Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?
Read more about types of migraines:
Sources:
Image credits, from top:
gagilas, SashaW
Tags: Basilar artery migraine, chronic migraines, Cluster headache, Hemiplegic migraine, How long will my migraine headache last, Migraine, Migraine duration, migraine headache, migraine headaches, Migraine length, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment, Ophthalmoplegic migraine, Pain in the back of the head, Retinal migraine, Status migrainosus, Types of Migraines Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Monday, October 31st, 2011
Throughout the years, scientists have conducted many studies linking chronic migraines with anxiety attacks and panic disorder; other symptoms associated with migraine headaches include phobias, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Anxiety and migraine illness occur together
In a 2009 study, scientists Gregory E. Ratcliffe B.Sc. and Jitender Sareen M.D., F.R.C.P.C. observed the correlation between chronic headaches and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
According to researchers, certain people are more susceptible to mood disorders such as anxiety disorder and depression than others are- and those people are also more likely to experience chronic migraine than people who don’t suffer from anxiety attacks.
Clinical study links migraines with mental disorders
The study, published by General Hospital Psychiatry, focused on over four thousand test subjects from an earlier study on migraines- the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey.
About Eleven percent of German migraine patients suffered from migraine headaches in addition to at least one of several mental disorders, including:
- Chronic depression
- General anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Dysthymia
- Bipolar disorder
- Panic attacks
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse disorders
- Agoraphobia
- General phobias
“Together, migraine and mental disorders cause more impairment than alone,” says lead study author Gregory Ratcliffe, University of Manitoba, Canada. “Patients who have one condition should be assessed for the other so they can be treated holistically. Although it is important to know that both are present, treating one will have an effect on the other.”
Migraines are a recurring nightmare
Scientists also discovered that migraine patients who suffer from anxiety are 40% more likely to suffer from severe depression, as well. Researchers have observed a cyclic relationship between depression, anxiety, and migraine attacks. Depressed individuals begin to experience symptoms of anxiety, which include heart palpitations, nervousness, feelings of despair, and uncontrolled thought patterns. The aftermath of anxiety attacks often includes migraine; among the many symptoms of chronic migraines, depression is one of the most common, and so the cycle continues.

Dealing with anxiety and migraines
Migraine headache specialists recommend the following tips for preventing migraines and anxiety:
Acknowledge the reality of the situation by doing your research. The more you learn about your brain and migraine illness, the sooner you will come to realize that there are perfectly reasonable, scientifically proven explanations for all the symptoms of anxiety you are experiencing.
- Keep track of migraine triggers by keeping a headache journal.
- Practice guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi, all of which focus on quieting the mind.
- Stay regular. Migraines sufferers are very sensitive to fluctuations, so sleep regular hours, eat at regular intervals, and prepare yourself for hormonal changes such as menopause, menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause.
- Seek out alternative natural migraine remedies, such as aromatherapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, restrictive dieting, and natural supplements, such as butterbur, magnesium, and riboflavin.
Read more about preventing migraines:
Sources:
Image credits:
(From top) DerrickT, Rennett Stowe, MikeBlogs, Ev0luti0nary
Tags: anxiety attacks, Anxiety disorder, Bipolar disorder, chronic migraines, depression, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Headaches, Migraine, migraine headaches, migraine remedies, migraine triggers, Migraines, Mood disorders, natural migraine remedies, panic attacks Posted in Stress and Migraines | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Migraine Symptoms caused by Allodynia

Flickr
Migraine headaches caused by long hair? It’s no joke- your neurologist might diagnose allodynia, a type of neuralgia that contributes to migraine symptoms such as cluster headaches or tension headaches. Allodynia strikes fibromyalgia patients and migraineurs, causing throbbing head pain at key pressure points for headaches.
The symptoms of allodynia
Chronic pain sufferers with allodynia experience extreme physical pain from things that don’t hurt others- a light touch, a passing breeze, or even the gentlest amount of pressure. Cutaneous allodynia (CA) refers to an oncoming migraine attack resulting from overactive neurotransmitters. There is a high correlation between migraine headaches and allodynia.
Fluorescent Lights, Migraines, and Incandescent Bulb Mania
Migraine sufferers are more sensitive
When your neurons become overly responsive to certain conditions, we call that “central sensitization.” Like a broken record, your nervous system becomes “sensitized” to frequent migraine attacks, and strives to make it easier to deliver those pain signals every time. Hypersensitive neurotransmitters send messages to the brain, communicating pain signals, constantly becoming more efficient at perceiving pain from the tiniest of stimuli- a pinprick, the scratching of heavy fabric, or even the delicate pull of an earring.
10 Golden Food Rules for Chronic Pain Sufferers
Heavy hair hurts

Flickr
For many migraine patients, the beginning of a migraine attack brings debilitating symptoms, including sharp head pain, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, noise, and scents. For many females, who account for an overwhelming majority of all migraineurs, migraine attacks are preceded by allodynia pain on the scalp, neck, or cheeks. Brushing your hair, wearing a ponytail or braid, or even tossing your hair over your shoulders could result in excruciating head pain. Although not cited as a cure for ponytail headache, cutting the hair to a shorter, less weighty length is a common recommendation by neurologists.
Only your neurologist or other headache specialist can recommend the proper treatment for your migraine headaches. For natural headache remedies, such as magnesium and butterbur, you may also seek advice from an alternative medicine practitioner, or anybody who specializes in neuropathy.

Flickr
Related reading:
Wear a Medical Emergency ID- Save your Breath and your Sanity
Best Twitter Pages to Follow for Migraine Sufferers- Top 40
Sources:
Allodynia in Migraine: Association with Comorbid Pain Conditions
Allodynia Prevalent in Migraine Patients
My Hair Hurts! Migraine and Allodynia
Suffer from Ponytail Headaches? How to Avoid These Nasty Pains in Your Head and on Your Scalp
Ponytail Headache: A Pure Extracranial Headache
Migraine, Allodynia, and Central Sensitization- Migraine.com
Tags: allodynia, cluster headaches, Headaches, Migraine, migraine symptoms, Neuralgia, neurologist, Pressure points for headaches, tension headaches Posted in Migraine Prevention | No Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Common Migraine Triggers and Headaches

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Many non-migraine headache sufferers think that migraine symptoms are all about headaches, but they’re wrong. Signs of a migraine attack include nausea, depression and anxiety, in addition to mild hallucinations and neuralgia. Since chronic migraines differ between patients, migraine remedies also vary between over-the-counter Excedrin for migraines, prescribed migraine relief, and natural headache remedies.
How many migraine triggers are there?
Scientists have named over 100 possible migraine causes (triggers), including those pertaining to food, scents, the weather, hormones, and stress. The best way to determine the culprit behind your migraine headaches is by keeping a migraine diary, and sharing it with a neurologist or other headache expert.

Flickr
7 Headache Symptoms you definitely shouldn’t ignore

Free Digital Photos
Here are some helpful clues that indicate a migraine attack:
- Throbbing head pain, usually limited to one side of the head, but not always
- Pain in the back of the head
- Intense shooting pain behind one eye socket
- Teary eyes, head congestion- similar to sinus headaches
- Stiff aching neck pain
- Depression or anxiety symptoms
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Excitability, euphoria, or hyperactivity
- Agitation, or nervousness
- Dizziness, need to faint
- Frequent need to urinate
Poor sleep, tendency to wake up feeling sluggish instead of refreshed
- Frequent yawning
- Unusual cravings for sweet or salty foods
- Nausea, urge to vomit
- Stomach cramps and diarrhea
- Pale face, washed-out look
- Head pain after physical exertion, typical of “exercise headache”
- Migraine aura, or ocular migraine, including flashing, colored lights, often in zigzagged patterns, bright crescent shapes, or “fireflies” (Free Digital Photos)
- Blind spot- dark “hole” in your field of vision, temporary partial blindness
- Double vision, blurry eyesight
- Hypersensitivity to bright lights, photophobia
- Low tolerance to noise
- Hallucinatory scents
- Partial paralysis, stroke-like symptoms
- Tingling, or pins-and-needles sensations in one arm, or around the mouth and nose on one side of the face
- Cold hands and feet
- Distorted speech, temporarily and suddenly, also similar to stroke symptoms
- Upper torso weakness on one side
- Afterwards, a hangover, and the need to recuperate for hours

Flickr
Read this:
Migraine Aura Video Simulations: You Tube’s Top 10
Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky
Is it a Cluster Headache or a Migraine?
Sources:
18 Signs You’re Having a Migraine – migrainesheadaches – Health.com
Migraine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment – What are the symptoms of migraine headaches on MedicineNet
Migraine: Symptoms – MayoClinic.com
Tags: Headaches, Migraine, migraine causes, migraine headache, migraine nausea, migraine symptoms, migraine triggers, Natural Headache Remedies, ocular migraine symptoms, Ophthalmic migraine, Signs of a migraine attack Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
Best Care Packages for Headache Patients

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Do you know somebody who suffers from chronic migraines? Show them you care by giving them a thoughtful gift package of goodies every headache suffer wants.
More than Words
If you’re close with somebody who gets regular migraine attacks, then you probably understand the agony that they endure. At times, it can be difficult to find the right words to offer comfort, especially when it seems like no amount of words will do. Throbbing headaches, sharp jolts of eye pain, stomach cramps, intense nausea, and frequent vomiting are just a few of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks. Nothing you can say will alleviate their pain, but a few caring gifts will speak louder than any words of sympathy.
What NOT to gift somebody who suffers from chronic migraine headaches:
- Perfume
- Flowers
- Artificially scented candles. A good alternative is a lightly scented candle made from soy or beeswax.
- Potpourri
- Scented soaps, lotions, or powders

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Twenty Great Gifts for Chronic Migraine Headache Sufferers
- 1- Eye covers- Migraine headaches are sometimes caused by bright lights. To relieve head pain, sufferers need to relax in a dark room with a cold or warm cloth over their eyes. Look online for some soothing eye masks that provide relief.
- 2
- Unscented bath products- A warm, sudsy bath is a delightful way to de-stress for at the end of the day. Pick out a line of bath gels, salts, and foaming agents that don’t contain perfumes, as scents are a common migraine trigger. Free Digital Photos
- 3- Aromatherapy oils- For some migraineurs, essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and rosemary provide headache relief. For others, the opposite effect might be true. Before diving into the apothecary section, ask your friend which scents trigger migraines for her.
- 4- Herbal tea collection- You can’t go wrong with a variety pack of caffeine-free teabags.
- 5- Dietary supplements- Instead of asking her if she knows about alternative medicine options, go ahead and buy her a bottle of natural herbs formulated to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine symptoms. Migraine therapies usually contain butterbur, magnesium, riboflavin, and C0Q10. New York Times- Patient Thanks Butterbur for Migraine Relief
- 6- Music CD- Migraine patients benefit from relaxation exercises; order a CD that features calming background music, or instructional meditations.
- 7- Hot/Cold packs- Cold packs relieve swelling and head pain, but sometimes you want soothing heat for muscular aches. Look for a hot/cold pack that does double duty.
- 8- New pillow- Buy her a fluffy pillow for when she is bedridden with headaches. Specialty pillows include body pillows, side sleeping pillows, and neck pillows. 10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden
- 9- New zip-up robe- Most leisure robes and caftans come in one-size-fits-all, so that would be an easy gift to buy.
- 10- Neck massage tool- Neck pain contributes to headaches. Most health stores and techie gadget shops sell a collection of massage tools for the neck and back.
- 11- Cleaning help- A migraine attack can last for day. An elaborate (and much appreciated) gesture would be to hire a cleaning lady for the day.
- 12- Day planner- Having a calendar to track future errands, reminders, and events is an effective way to reduce stress. Free Digital Photos
13- IPad- iTunes offers a wide selection of health apps that are geared towards migraine patients, including headache diaries, stress managements, and more. 20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers
- 14- Window tints- Vinyl window tints are an easy, inexpensive way to darken your room without buying heavy curtains. Wall paper for your windows comes in many attractive designs.
- 15- Tinted sunglasses- Dark sunglasses are effective for deflecting light-induced migraines. Rainbow Colored Sunglasses that Prevent Migraines
- 16- Spa package- Who wouldn’t love a trip to a local spa, complete with massage, sauna, and facial?
17- Gym membership- Yoga and Tai Chi are therapeutic exercises for chronic pain sufferers. Find a gym that has a good selection of fitness classes, and buy her a one-month membership. Blow Off Migraine Pain with 4 Simple Yoga Breathing Exercises!
- 18- Biofeedback session- Biofeedback is a popular alternative migraine treatment that helps pain sufferers learn how to control stress.
- 19- Coupon booklet good for errands, carpooling, laundry, grocery runs, or just a hug.
- 20- Donation to non-profit migraine advocacy organization. Free Digital Photos
- See Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients for some reputable migraine support groups.
Related Reading:
35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer
Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist
Gotta Have Books for Migraineurs- 5 that Stand Out
Sources:
Top Ten Gift Ideas for a Migraine Sufferer
Headache Relief Gifts – Headache and Migraine Center – EverydayHealth.com
Gift Ideas for Headache Sufferers
12 Nice Things You Can Do For Someone In Pain
Tags: can, caregiving, chronic, do, for, gifts, headache relief, Headaches, healthy, in, Migraine, nice, Pain, someone, sufferer, things, you Posted in Migraines | 1 Comment »
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