Nutrition & Headaches

Nutrition & Migraines

Headaches are a common complaint to everyone however, the severity of headaches such as migraines are hard to comprehend unless you have fell victim. More than 28 million Americans, three times more woman than men, suffer from migraine headaches. Although all headaches can be irritating, migraines can be debilitating.

When serotonin, a biochemical substances stored in blood, is released, blood vessels narrow. As the kidneys expel this biochemical, the level in the brain is depleted, which causes blood vessels to expand. This expansion of the vessels causes pain around the nerves, which can lead to a migraine. There are several types of migraines, however the common and classic migraines are the most common, hence the names. Common headaches may begin with tiredness, cravings, and/or irritability and usually develops pain on one side of the head. Classic migraines develop in four stages: prodrome, aura, headache, postheadachhe.

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration occur during the prodrome stage, the first of the four stages. The prodrome stage begins approximately twenty-four hours prior to the auras stage. The auras stage may begin with flashes of light, blind spots, and/or tingling of the arm/leg(s). These symptoms occur about 15 to 30 minutes before the headache actually begins. Once the actual headache sets in severe throbbing takes place on either one side of the head or both. The throbbing pain is often worsen by light and/or sound and may be accompanied by nausea. Migraines can differ from person to person and may even differ from day to day for one person. Common symptoms of a classical migraine include:

* Sensitivity to light

* Sensitivity to sound

* Throbbing pains on one or both sides of head

* Vomiting

* Nausea

* Diarrhea

* Blurred vision

* Lightheadedness

* Tender scalp

* Stiff or tender neck

* Confusion

* Tiredness

The fourth stage is postheadache, which includes but is not limited to exhaustion and fatigue.

Although there is still no cure, migraine management has improved over the years. Pain relievers, which stop pain once it has started, should be taken as soon as signs or symptoms of a migraine develop. Over-the-counter pain relievers include Advil, Motrin, and Excedrin Migraine. If over-the-counter medications do not relief the pain, doctors can prescribe a stronger version of the same drug. Imitrex is a type of triptan, which are designed to cause the blood vessels to relax. Triptans are available in nasal sparys, self-injections, or oral treatments. Dry Abramowicz suggests, "The nasal spray forms of sumatriptan (Imitrix) and xolmitriptan (ZoMig) have a faster onset of action than all the oral triptans and probably deserve wider use."

Preventative medications help reduce or prevent a migraine headache. Antidepressants, cardiovascular drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) are just a few types of preventive medicines used for migraines. One type of antidepressant used for preventing migraines is tricyclics. Although this antidepressant seems to be highly effective, it often causes side effects such as constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual problems, and weight gain. All antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with enlarged prostate or heart problems.

Alternative medicines have even become a source of relief. Acupuncture which uses very thin needles causes little or no pain. Biofeedback uses special equipment to teach you how to control your responses. For people who have tight muscles around their back, neck, and shoulders, a massage could help relief head pain. Techniques such as lying in a dark room with a cold compress on the forehead and putting pressure on the temples are even techniques that reduce pain. Avoiding smoking and second hand smoke, loud noise, strong odors, and high altitudes can help prevent migraines. Other prevention methods include rest and relaxation, exercise regularly, muscle relaxation exercises, and keeping a diary. Keeping a diary could help you determine what triggers your migraines. Make note of when the headache starts, how long it last, what provides relief. Keep track of the foods you eat and any unusual stress.

Since the age of thirteen, I have experienced migraines in a range of severity. My most recent episode was the worse that I have had in four years. After the seventh day of pain, I decided to go see my doctor, hoping for some relief. One thing my doctor suggested is that I keep a diary of my headaches. Although I could not remember everything, I went back to the day the pain started and noted daily activities and the severity of pain.

July 28tth, 9:30 pm - Head started throbbing. There were no warning signs (no spots, no tingling). I took two Tylenol PM and went to bed

July 29th 6-7 am - Woke up with a normal headache. Proceeded to get ready for work...the more I moved around, the more the throbbing increased.

July 29th 3:00 pm - My head was so heavy I could not hold it up. I was experiencing sensitivity to light and sound. I left work early. Took 750 mg Hydrocodine and went to bed.

July 30th - Slight headache throughout day however bearable

Aug 1st - Slight headache throughout day however bearable. Food consumption consisted of a Chinese dish

Aug 2nd - Woke up with mild headache. By 11 am, my head was throbbing on both sides.. Left work early. Took 750 mg of HydroCodine at 1pm and slept until 5pm. Still had throbbing pain, took 750 mg more of HydroCodine, and slept from 6 pm until next morning.

Aug 3rd - Called into work. Stayed in bed until 11:30 am. Woke up with throbbing headache and felt nauseas. Out of desperation, went to doctor. Doctor prescribed ZoMig, a type of triptan for the headache and Promethazine for the nausea. ZoMig could be taken every three hours but should not exceed 4 days. Took medicine, went back to bed around 5:30 pm, and slept until next morning.

Aug 4th - Woke with a mild headache but very nauseas. Took medicine. Left work around 4, slept from 7 pm until next day

Aug 5th - Took ZoMig. Headache remained