MIGRAINE HEADACHES

A condition commonly found in persons age 30 years and younger with an incidence rate of up to 80%. It is more common in women then men.

 

Causes:
Though 70% have a familial history of the disease the actual cause is unknown

Symptoms:
Headaches often start on one side of your head. They cause moderate to severe pain that is throbbing or pulsing that may radiate around your entire head or to your neck. Sometimes the pain may alternate between the two sides of your head or involve both sides simulataneously. Pain often persists for hours to days and does not usually subside within 10-15 minutes. The pain is often accompanied by nausea and vomitting. Aura such as flashing or bright lights often occur prior to the onset of the headaches.

Aggravating factors:

Physical activity, exposure to bright sunlight/lights, heat, loud noises
Those suffering from attacks will often seek quiet, cool and dark places to rest to alleviate the symptoms. You may feel exhausted, weak and confused after a migraine.
This can last up to a day.

Precipitating factors:

Certain foods such as chocolate, cheese, fatty foods, onions, msg and tomatoes
Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine
Strong odors such as onions, exhaust fumes
Lack of sleep and stress
Exposure to hot weather, bright sunlight and flashing lights

New alternatives in treatment for migraines:

Avoid the above-mentioned aggravating and precipitating factors
Use of prophylactic medication to prevent migraine attacks
Use of medication for symptomatic relief such as anti-emetics
Use of pain-relievers

New alternatives in treatment for migraines:
Botulinum (a type of muscle relaxant) has been approved by the US FDA for treatment of several conditions and for wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines and eyebrow furrows. Botulinum is also effective for the treatment of chronic migraines that are a result of muscle tension around the forehead and occipital region(Tension Migraine). Botulinum injections every 4 months are recommended as prophylaxis to prevent migraine attacks (with the additional benefit of wrinkle removal).