Migraines

You see the spots.  The pounding starts.  It’s WAY too bright in here.  You are in the throes of a migraine.   Migraines are something of a medical conundrum.  Doctors have discovered that migraine sufferers typically have triggers but why those factors bring on monster hard-to-treat headaches is still unknown.  Roughly 18% of women and 6% of men experience migraines.  Common causes of migraines are:

  • Hormonal shifts
  • Tyramine (found in aged and fermented food)
  • Sleep Deficiency
  • Stress
  • Missed meals
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Medications
  • Alcohol
  • Nitrites (found in deli meats)
  • Tannins
  • Caffeine
  • Smoking or exposure to smoke
  • Prolonged exposure to computer screens
  • Fluorescent lights

A surprising trigger recently discovered is chewing gum.  An Israeli study showed a significant reduction of migraine headaches in teens who quit chewing gum.  Gum chewing may trigger overuse of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  People generally chew gum well after the flavor is gone putting additional stress on the TMJ area (already the most used joint in the body).  While the study only included teenagers, it makes sense that migraine-suffering adults could reap the same benefits from gum abstinence.  Additionally, bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common trigger for migraines and this supports the TMJ theory.

Common migraine symptoms include vision disturbances, tunnel vision, eye pain, yawning, lack of concentration and nausea.

If you feel a migraine coming on, there are a few things you can try.

  • Rest in a dark room.  Light tends to aggravate migraines.  Sleep if possible.
  • Have a cup of coffee. Caffeine unconstricts blood vessels and may provide some relief.
  • Have a spicy meal.  Capsaicin is a natural painkiller.
  • Lay a cold compress across your eyes.  The cold should calm inflammation.
  • Consider herbal supplements such as feverfew, Coenzyme Q10, and butterbur.

The options are limited once a migraine starts but the key to avoiding them is preventative treatment.  Pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), acetaminophen, triptans or ergotamines can be effective tools for migraine prevention.  Non-medical therapies include stress management, behavioral therapy, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, accupressure and elimination diets to determine food/drink triggers.  Migraine sufferers may also want to consider adopting a gluten-free diet.  One study suggests that acute migraine sufferers may have an increased sensitivity to gluten.

Consult with your physician to discuss treatment options that may be right for you.

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