Migraine Headaches - Popular Alternative and Traditional Pain Relief

To learn about identifying migraines and migraine headache treatment, keep reading.

An Introduction to the Causes of Migraines

A migraine is a headache that prevents you from continuing with your normal everyday activities. It's a common condition and affects up to 15 percent of the population. Women appear to be more vulnerable than men, and it's thought that a predisposition to migraines runs in families.

While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, it's believed to start when serotonin is released into the bloodstream. But, what triggers that serotonin release? Some experts chalk it up to stress, others to poor diet and still others to everything from environmental stimulants to hormones.

Identifying a Migraine

Symptoms of a migraine include intense throbbing pain on one side of the head, visual disturbances like distorted vision or flashing lights, nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, smells or sounds, stiff neck and a lack of ability to concentrate.

How Migraines are Treated

The most common migraine headache treatment is an acetaminophen which is administered after the headache has occurred. Other drugs used include triptans or ergotamines.

Unfortunately, using drugs to address the pain of a migraine is not an effective treatment method. Instead, people suffering from them should focus on preventive care.

The most common triggers for migraines are actually certain foods such as coffee, alcohol, processed foods, fast food nitrites and even cheeses. While eliminating trigger foods, sufferers should also focus on improving their magnesium and Vitamin B levels.

The next most effective method of reducing the instance of migraines is by reducing daily stress levels. Try to exercise every day and engage in relaxation or meditation breathing. You could sign up for a Yoga class or simply relax each day to a meditative tape.

Butterbur

When taken twice a day over a period of time, Butterbur root has been proven to be effective in preventing migraines. However, because certain kinds of butterbur root can be toxic to the kidneys and liver, you should look for a variety that's approved for long-term use. Common side effects of butterbur include itchy or dry eyes, diarrhea and nausea.

Feverfew

Though originally intended to treat colds and flus, feverfew has caught on as an effective migraine headache treatment. It's also used to help with menopausal symptoms.

Because of this, feverfew can help reduce the instance of migraines and is an effective migraine headache treatment. Though rare, feverfew can cause mouth ulcers and indigestion.

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