Migraine Guide

Migraine Relief Gadget

2006-06-27T13:50:00.000+03:00

'Portable' Magnetic Device Helps Prevent Migraines

A new study, coming out of the Ohio State University Medical Center, has shown that a TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulator) is effective in stopping migraines before they attack. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a potentially useful clinical modality, uses an alternating magnetic field to influence electrical activity of the brain through magnetic induction. Till now, its usefulness has been thought to apply only to schizophrenia and treatment resistant depression.

From the Ohio State press release:

The device, called TMS, interrupts the aura phase of the migraine, often described as electrical storms in the brain, before they lead to headaches. Auras are neural disturbances that signal the onset of migraine headaches. People who suffer from migraine headaches often describe "seeing" showers of shooting stars, zigzagging lines and flashing lights, and experiencing loss of vision, weakness, tingling or confusion. What typically follows these initial symptoms is intense throbbing head pain, nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Yousef Mohammad, a neurologist at OSU Medical Center who presented the results, says that the patients in this study reported a significant reduction in nausea, noise and light sensitivity post treatment.

"Perhaps the most significant effect of using the TMS device was on the two-hour symptom assessment, with 84 percent of the episodes in patients using the TMS occurring without noise sensitivity. Work functioning also improved, and there were no side effects reported," Mohammad said.

The stimulator sends a strong electric current through a metal coil, which creates an intense magnetic field for about one millisecond. This magnetic pulse, when held against a person's head, creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain, interrupting the aura before it results in a throbbing headache...

"In our study sample, 69 percent of the TMS-related headaches reported to have either no or mild pain at the two-hour post-treatment point compared to 48 percent of the placebo group. In addition, 42 percent of the TMS-treated patients graded their headache response, without symptoms, as very good or excellent compared to 26 percent for the placebo group. These are very encouraging results."

It was previously believed that migraine headaches start with vascular constriction, which results in an aura, followed by vascular dilation that will lead to a throbbing headache. However, in the late 1990s it was instead suggested that neuronal electrical hyperexcitability resulted in a throbbing headache. This new understanding of the migraine mechanism has assisted with the development of the TMS device.

The device may be as portable as a bazooka, but at least your coworkers will take your headaches more seriously if you whip this bad boy out in front of them.

The press release...

Website of Neuralieve Inc., a Sunnyvale, CA company, the maker of the above device...

This Article thanks to MedGadget

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Electronic Pulse

2006-06-22T23:06:00.000+03:00

An electronic device may help 'zap' away migraine pain before it starts, US research suggests.

The hand-held device creates a short-lived electromagnetic field which 'interrupts' the migraine.

At the American Headache Society meeting researchers said the device was effective in treating nausea, noise and light sensitivity.

UK experts said the findings were interesting but warned it needed to be tested in a much larger study.

People who suffer from migraine headaches often describe seeing showers of shooting stars, zigzagging lines and flashing lights, and experiencing loss of vision, weakness, tingling or confusion.

These neural disturbances or 'auras' signal the onset of migraine headaches.

"Perhaps the most significant effect of using the TMS device was 84% of the episodes in patients using the TMS occurring without noise sensitivity"
Dr Yousef Mohammad, lead researcher

The device, called TMS, delivers a strong electric current through a metal coil, which creates an intense magnetic field for about one millisecond.

The theory is that the electrical charge interrupts the aura phase of the migraine before it leads to headaches.

Currently patients are treated with painkillers or triptans - the first group of drugs designed to treat the causes of migraine rather than the symptoms.

In 23 patients who were treated with the TMS device, 69% reported to have either no or mild pain two hours after treatment compared with 48% of the placebo group.

And 42% of the TMS-treated patients graded their lack of symptoms as very good or excellent compared to 26% for placebo.

The vast majority TMS-treated patients had no noise sensitivity and over half had no light sensitivity.

Nausea

Nausea was also reduced in 88% of TMS-patients compared with 56% of patients treated with a dummy device.

Lead researcher Dr Yousef Mohammad, a neurologist at Ohio State University Medical Center said: "Perhaps the most significant effect of using the TMS device was on the two-hour symptom assessment, with 84% of the episodes in patients using the TMS occurring without noise sensitivity.

"Work functioning also improved, and there were no side effects reported," he said.

A second study of 12 patients found it was feasible for people to use self-administer the electric current using the device at the onset of migraine.

The researchers are now planning a further study in a larger number of patients.

Ann Turner, director of the Migraine Action Association said: "The Association welcomes this new approach to migraine treatment and the results of this initial trial are encouraging.

"However more research in a wider population is required before it can be considered as an addition to the treatment options available to migraine sufferers generally."

Dr Andrew Dowson, director of headache services at Kings College Hospital said the device wouldn't be regarded as 'mainstream medicine' but that it was interesting.

He added that migraines used to be thought of as a problem with constriction of blood vessels but more recently it had become apparent that neural pathways were also involved.

"Since the triptan drugs were developed there hasn't been a big breakthrough in the treatment of migraines and this type of research is the only way we are going to find the next breakthrough.

"The results are somewhat modest though and it's a small study. I would like to see a study done in a much bigger population."

An article on Feverfew and Migraine Frequency

2006-06-21T17:24:00.000+03:00

Here's a Reuter's article on Feverfew studies... enjoy:

Feverfew Extract Reduces Migraine Frequency

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Nov 29 - A feverfew extract obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide (MIG-99) appears particularly effective in migraine prevention, German researchers report in the November issue of Cephalalgia.

As lead investigator Dr. Hans-Christoph Diener told Reuters Health, "Feverfew in the form of MIG-99 is an effective and safe prophylactic treatment of frequent migraine attacks"

Dr. Diener of the University of Essen and colleagues note that feverfew has traditionally been used to treat migraine, and placebo-controlled trials of the powdered herb have shown promising results.

However, tests using ethanol extracts have been less successful, and the MIG-99 formulation was developed in order to provide an enriched and stable product.

To evaluate the agent, the researchers conducted a double-blind trial in 170 migraine patients. At baseline, migraine frequency was a mean of 4.76 attacks over a 4-week period.

The subjects were then randomized to MIG-99 6.25 mg, three times a day or to placebo for up to 16 weeks.

In the active treatment group, migraine frequency fell by 1.9 attacks per month. In the placebo patients, the corresponding decrease was 1.3 per month.

Possible medication-related adverse events occurred in about 8.4% of MIG-99 patients and 10.2% of placebo patients.

The researchers point out that logistic regression analysis of responder rates gave an odds ratio in favor of MIG-99 of 3.4, and they conclude that the extract is effective and has a favorable benefit-risk ratio.

By David Douglas

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Feverfew Herb

2006-06-21T17:06:00.000+03:00

Feverfew Leaf is a good non-drug preventative treatment you may want to explore. Its main uses are for migraines and arthritis. Studies at the London Migraine Clinic have increased interest in this herb. This herb continues to undergo extensive scientific investigation of the parthenolide content, and how it normalizes the function of platelets in the blood system by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing serotonin release from platelets and blocking the formation of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Seventy percent of the patients in these studies report fewer attacks of migraines and less painful attacks. Researchers believe that Feverfew prevents the spasms of blood vessels in the head that trigger migraines. This herb also relieves the inflammation associated with arthritis.

Other benefits include:

Relief from nausea and vomiting
Improvement of digestion
More restful sleep
Relief of dizziness, brain, and nerve pressure.

In regards to dose, NaturalLife, a reputable dietary supplement company, suggested one 380mg capsule, three times a day. Best results are obtained with continuous use.

Migraine Relief: Some personal tips for Migraine Sufferers

2006-06-18T13:29:00.000+03:00

I think sometimes, one just needs to have a checklist of things to go through when a migraine starts.

Some of the things I think about, when the pain starts, are:

Have I been drinking enough water?
Did I have any MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate)?
Have I been consuming any processed cheese?
How much sleep did I get last night/this afternoon?
Would a neck massage help?
Perhaps I should have my feet massaged...
Am I stressed out?
Is the brightness on my computer screen too high?
Is there too much direct lighting in the room I am in?
Is it too cold? Too hot maybe?
Am i angry? Sad? Over-excited?
Was there a loud sound that might have shocked me?
Is the Qur'an recitation's volume set too high?
Have I smelled any obnoxious perfume lately?
Is the family preparing food using spices that might irritate my senses?

There are many things one can ask themselves when a migraine starts. They call this bio-feedback. I'll be covering some of these topics as time goes on, insha Allah.

Perhaps this list of questions might be re-ordered according to areas of importance. If you suffer normally, please leave me a list of things you investigate at the beginning of your migraine attack.

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Fish Oil

2006-05-17T07:01:00.000+03:00

Fish Oil !?

ForeverWell is doing some amazing research on Migraine and the gut brain. There's growing evidence supporting long term belief that migraine is a brain disorder coupled with the work showing a second brain in the gut might cause some to look at proper neuropeptide production by the digestive system as a root cause of the factors leading to migraine.

As ForeverWell says:

Gut Brain Therapy combines the treatment techniques and philosophies of modern and traditional medicine, creating a 'best of both worlds' migraine treatment strategy. We utilize leading edge medical research from some of the nations finest universities and also incorporate ancient healing traditions and philosophies. This combination enables us to look at chronic disease in general and migraine in particular in new and powerful way.

One company doing just that has recently published an outcome based study in which they focus primarily on healing and improving digestive dysfunction that they believe on some level is occurring in most migraine sufferers. They also provide nutritional support to the liver and kidney believing that these organs are critical in balancing internal function.

This natural migraine prevention approach has shown very positive results in their initial study. Interestingly some of the comments from study participants included that while on the nutritional supplements they found that the migraines they experienced were less severe and that a lower dose of various pain treatments seemed to be more effective.

Some 80% of the 40 study participants reported good to dramatic benefit from this approach. 20% had no benefit. In 60% of the cases the participants quality of life rating was in the 80 to 100 range indicating a virtually migraine free condition.

Some people that've used ForeverWell's Product:

"I have not felt this good in at least 20 years. Never before have I seen products work this effectively and do what they claim to do"… Virginia R. from Vienna, Virginia

"I have more energy and can finally live without worrying about my migraines"… Amy S. Wichita, Kansas

"I had become a prisoner of my pain and I'm truly grateful to have found a key to unlock my prison doors"… Corliss L. from Hobbs, New Mexico

"I used to have at least three migraines a month, lasting from 3-7 days. After taking the products for only two weeks… I was free of migraines!"… Vicki T. from Tacoma, Washington

There is a book called "The Second Brain" by Michael Gershon, MD. He is at Columbia University in New York and seems to be the leading authority in neurogastroenterology. The book is quite fascinating and perhaps does explain why ForeverWell has been getting great results with migraine by treating the gut.

For More Information:

1. Take a look at The Second Brain : A Groundbreaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestine (Paperback)
OR The Second Brain : The Scientific Basis of Gut Instinct and a Groundbreaking New Understanding of Nervous Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines (Hardcover) and how it supports and points to the possibilities that healing the gut could help the brain.

2. Review Gary Zaloga, MD’s book Nutrition in Critical Care (Hardcover) and how small chain peptides may provide a pharmacological explanation of ForeverWell’s preliminary success.

Contact Information:
Tom Staverosky, President
Jim Sensenig, ND, Chief Medical Officer
800-619-5969 or 610-374-5258
tstaverosky@verizon.net

A great article on Acupuncture

2006-05-16T11:31:00.000+03:00

You Might Just Feel A Bit of a Prick...
By: Ray Cunningham

But that sensation won't last too long!

People are surprised to find that acupuncture is relatively painless. Whilst the needle is penetrating the skin, there could be in a slight sensation of pain, but this is not usual. Sometimes, but not often, there could be an electric, "shooting" sensation if a nerve is hit. Sometimes, a sharp sensation if the needle is in the vicinity of a vein, or artery. If this happens this is the possibility of a small bruise in that the adjacent area, but this is really of little consequence, compared with the many attributes and advantages of acupuncture.

I one of the reasons for lack of pain, is because our needles are very fine, only about twice the fitness of a human hair. Totally unlike the hypodermic needles used in conventional medicine to inject liquids or take a sample of blood. These are hollow and of course have a greater bore than acupuncture needles. Ours are solid, flexible and much, much thinner. Patients are often very surprised at how flexible the acupuncture needle is and wonder that it can penetrate the skin and underlying flesh in a straight line. Because of the tiny diameter of the needles and the skill of the acupuncturist, this is not difficult. It is possible to penetrate much harder material, than the human skin, with one of these needles, without bending it.

Acupuncture is a very safe and mostly comfortable, form of effective, alternative medicine. Any discomfort that may occur on an occasional basis is more than made up for by its therapeutic activity.

The word 'acupuncture' comes from two Latin words: 'acus', meaning 'needle' and 'punctura', meaning 'to penetrate'. Thus, the word 'acupuncture' means 'to penetrate with a needle'.

Acupuncture, is a potent and efficacious, alternative to many of the treatments of western medicine, Acupuncture hails from China. Its origin goes back several thousand years.It is based on the premise, that there are energy patterns, or energy flows, throughout the body and these are necessary to maintain health and well-being of the organism. He is when these energy flows are disturbed that people become sick. Acupuncture often restores the body's balance of these meridians and corrects the energy flow.

A treatment of acupuncture normally lasts from 30 to 40 minutes and is very relaxing. A number of very fine needles, usually 1 to to 10, are inserted in specific spots on the skin. These are called acupuncture points.

There are a often matched with organs of the body. Almost all acupuncture points lie along acupuncture meridians although there are several off meridian points which are utilised by the experienced acupuncturist. And each acupuncture point can treat many diseases, as it influences many organs of the body.

Acupuncture has also been used in animals to great effect. If you own a beloved animal, try acupuncture. Seek out the veterinarian who uses alternative medicine and who may also use such other natural aids, as homeopathy, herbalism and aromatherapy, etc, on animals. You might be surprised by the beneficial results, on your precious four legged friends. Using alternative medicine in animals is even more convincing, as there cannot be any suspicion of the 'placebo' effect, which is sometimes found in humans, who are taking medicaments.

About the author:
Ray Cunningham is an owner of two diplomas of acupuncture. One from Australia. The other from Hong Kong.
At the moment he resides in Central Florida, U.S.A.. For more information, on acupuncture and alternative medicine, go to his website at: http://alternative-health-4.us

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Chiropractic

2006-05-11T14:11:00.000+03:00

Chiropractic methods employ a holistic approach to pain relief through massage, spinal manipulation and periodic adjustment of joints and soft tissue. Though many who suffer from Migraine are unable to find relief with chiropractic treatment, some have quite positive results. I think you should explore all non-drug options openmindedly. If you enjoy positive results, stick with what you're doing, if not, then maybe it's time to move on.
There are several studies that also show promise. Take a look at the follow example:

One hundred and twenty-seven migraine patients (at least one migraine per month) were divided into two groups for comparison.

Group 1 received chiropractic adjustments at specific vertebral subluxations determined by the treating practitioner
Group 2 served as controls and received inactive treatment (electrical stimulation with no current delivered).

Subjects receiving chiropractic adjustments reported substantial improvement. They had fewer migraines, shorter durations in migraines, less disability and lower use of medication for their migraines following two months of treatment. One in five participants reported a 90% reduction in migraines, and half reported a significant decrease in the severity of their migraines.

If you're tired of:

Migraine headaches ruining your day
Conventional over-the-counter medications proving less than effective
Conventional over-the-counter medications being often accompanied by dangerous side effects

Try to fight the pain from another angle. To find out more about the potential benefits of chiropractic care, schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic.

Reference:

Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Feb. 2000: Vol. 23, No. 2, pp91-95.

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Acupuncture

2006-05-08T12:41:00.000+03:00

Acupuncture involves insertion and manipulation of fine needles at various, prescribed body- pressure points. Results for Migraineurs are somewhat mixed with acupuncture. But for may of us, Acupuncture offers relief and a better quality of life which may be worth exploring.
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture there are many areas of Western medicine, rigorously controlled research and carefully documented experience that allow fairly definitive answers to questions of diagnosis and treatment of any given malady.

Although the quality of research in acupuncture is now better meeting the requirements of Western medicine, we still can rarely answer questions based on a Western scientific-evidence-based model. The reasons for which lie in the nature of the two systems themselves. Allah doesn't always reveal to us by which means he heals us, but only gives answers to the questions that we pose through experimentations. In November of 1997 the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convened a conference on acupuncture to determine what answers we do have from a rigorous scientific standpoint.

Read or download (PDF, 160K) the Consensus Statement on Acupuncture

The distinct methods used by oriental medicine have long posed problems of understanding and accreditation for Western practitioners seeking to verify the efficacy of acupuncture. Western allopathic medicine treats diagnoses, and diagnoses are often established by fairly objective impersonal standards. The conventional Western medical model, by treating specific and "objective" diagnoses, can easily design studies which permit statistical inferences about the benefits of an intervention.

For more information I recommend visiting the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture website at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org.

I also found an article about a study in which a mock acupuncture treatment was performed on a group of people, while another group was given actual treatment through acupuncture and yet a third group was not given any at all. You'd be surprised of the resutls. I'll put that article up here insha Allah.

Have you tried Acupuncture for your Migraines? Let me know if it helped.

Alternative Migraine Treatments: Introduction

2006-05-08T11:57:00.000+03:00

Even with medical treatment you may still find yourself banging your head against the wall from persistent Migraine attacks, asking Allah to cure you.. Many find them self's turning to alternative treatments out of frustration when they are having limited success with prescription drugs and other approved medical treatments. I personally am not a big fan of conventional treatment methods through painkillers, though decongestants can help if your Migraine is sinus-related. The following series will introduce you to some of the better alternative or non-drug therapies. These treatments offer many of us additional relief, but are NOT an excuse to abandoned approved medical care, and remember, no matter what method you use, it's Allah who bestows cure upon the sick.. Rather they will offer you an opportunity to gain more control over your Migraine disease management. They will work better if integrated into your overall care, and you should always advise your attending physician of every non-drug treatment you are experimenting with. Keep in mind, that even so-called natural remedies are drugs too, and some can affect other prescription drugs you may be on, related to Migraine or other illnesses you may also suffer from. In addition, OTC or herbal/vitamins can sometimes cause serious illness or interfere with prescription drug effectiveness.

A number of non-drug approaches are sometimes used to relieve headache and/or Migraine pain. These alternative methods may help to reduce or relieve headache pain, but usually do not treat all of the Migraine associated symptoms. They are often used along with attack-abortive or preventive measures. Remember, these are treatments and not cures.

Migraine News: Frequent Headaches in Children

2006-05-06T22:33:00.000+03:00

I was reading an article on the Reuters News Agency's website which appeared initially in the Pediatrics medical journal. It addressed the fact that frequent or severe headaches in childhood are associated with notable pain, mental health issues and functional limitations.

"Headaches are common among children and adolescents, particularly migraine and tension-type headaches," Dr. Tara W. Strine and colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, write. "They contribute to missed school days, affect children's peer and family relationships, and significantly impact children's quality of life, often times into adulthood."

The researchers evaluated 9,264 children between the ages of 4 and 17 years who were part of the National Health Interview Survey. They based their study on responses to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

They found that about 6.7 percent of the children experienced frequent or severe headaches during the previous 12 months. These children tended to be older, white, non-Hispanic and living in or near poverty. I'm not sure how that might apply here in Saudi Arabia, or back home in Miami, but that's a pretty significant amount of kids.

Compared with children without headaches, children with headaches were:

· 3.5 times more likely to have a high level of emotional symptoms

· 2.5 times more likely to have conduct problems

· 2.6 times more likely to have symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention

· 1.7 times more likely to have peer problems.

High levels of impairments were 2.7 times more frequent in children with headaches, which suggests potential mental health issues. These children were also 2.9 times more likely than children without headaches to be upset or distressed by their difficulties and to have these difficulties interfere with their home life, friendships, classroom learning, and leisure activities, Dr. Strine's team notes.

Overall, 82.2 percent of children with headaches and 77.6 percent of those without had visited a general physician in the previous 12 months. Children with headaches were also significantly more likely to have visited a mental health professional (17.9 percent versus 5.7 percent) or a general physician (9.9 percent versus 3.9 percent) in the previous year because of emotional or behavioral problems.

The authors note that 5.6 percent of the children with headaches and 1.9 percent of those without headaches were currently receiving special education services for emotional or behavioral problems.

Now, I personally have been having migraines since I was in Kindergarten. I think that sometimes people look for excuses to say that a kid has a disorder or that a kid has an excuse not to excel in their studies. It seems these types of people are trying to find, or create, at least one disorder in everybody around them. In the end, they find a disorder in themselves and that's the end of their parade. I don't think one should hastily diagnose a child with a disorder, but parents and teachers should be aware of those children that might suffer from migraines or tension-headaches. I predict, and Allah knows best of the future, that soon we will find adult-related heart diseases due to stress, in our future elementary-schoolers. Perhaps we might find middle-schoolers having panic attacks. Perhaps high-schoolers will have heart-attacks? May Allah help us all, and our children, aameen.

"Given the bidirectional relationship between mental health and headaches, both general doctors and mental health professionals should play an integral role in the care of these children," the authors conclude.

SOURCE: Pediatrics, May 2006

New Migraine Medicine?

2006-04-18T02:36:00.000+03:00

Supposedly so. I've been reading up on it and it seems there are about to be 20 different drugs coming out soon to help us Migraineurs! There hasn't been a new migraine medicine out since 10 years! Allahu Akbar!

I'll try ti get some more information on release dates (if that term fits) or any other info on samples and what not, insha Allah

Headache Symptoms

2006-04-13T12:32:00.000+03:00

What Are the Symptoms of the Different Types of Head Pain?

Migraine:

throbbing, intense pain, generally moderate to severe
usually one-sided, though the pain can move from side to side, and sometimes affects both sides
pain is often near the eye of the affected side
often disabling
may last hours, days, or even weeks
in some instances, the Migraine may continue long enough to require an emergency room visit, or even hospitalization, so that stronger medications can be given to break the cycle. (status migrainous)
often accompanied by visual disturbances and/or extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
"Classic Migraine," experienced by about 20% of Migraineurs is preceded by warning signs called an "aura"
Migraines without the aura are termed "Common Migraine"

Tension Headache:

constant, dull pain, usually mild to moderate pain
not incapacitating
pain is often accompanied by muscle tightness in the shoulders and neck
often on both sides of the head
may last an hour, a week, or anywhere in between
the pain is often described as a band of pain around the head or "like a vise"

Sinus/Allergy Headache:

pain generally mild to moderate
centered around sinuses, above and below eyes
pressure often makes teeth ache as well
may be accompanied by feeling of pressure
behind the eyes
often relieved by decongestants,
antihistimines, or other allergy medications.
often seasonal
studies have
shown that the majority of self-diagnosed sinus headaches are
actually Migraine.

Cluster Headache:

severe, sharp, stabbing pain
usually on one side of the head, centered around the eye
almost always severely incapacitating
occur in clusters of 1 - 4 headaches a day for several weeks, lasting 10 minutes to two hours each, then stopping for months
on the affected side, the eye tears, and the nose is often stuffy or runny
most frequent among men
occur most often in the fall and spring

Another Migraine

2006-04-13T03:59:00.000+03:00

Another migraine, it's been going on for the last like three days... may Allaah cure me of it.

I don't like taking painkillers, I prefer a goot massage or some scented lavendar candles or some tea, I'll be covering those things in coming posts insha Allaah.

Food Tips to help fight Migraines

2006-04-11T00:32:00.000+03:00

Scientists still aren't sure what causes migraines. But they do know
that people who get them have blood vessels that overreact to various
triggers--frequently food--causing constriction and then dilation of
the arteries that supply blood to the brain. The result is a pulsing,
often incapacitating pain that is sometimes accompanied by nausea,
vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

The trigger could be a glass of soda, a bite of cheese, even that
delicious samosa from your local Halal Deli. The chemicals they
contain set off a reaction in the supersensitive central nervous system
that's behind these debilitating headaches. And since there are no
treatments that can desensitize you, your best bet at evading a
migraine is to avoid what triggers it. Here's how to eat for maximum
relief.

Know what makes you hurt.

Some scientists believe that migraine-triggering foods contain
chemicals that constrict arteries, while others believe they set off an
allergic reaction. Whatever the mechanism behind it, a food-triggered
migraine usually occurs shortly after you eat.

To avoid the pain, you need to know--and skip--the foods that initiate
it. To find your worst offenders, keep a diary that lists when your
headaches occur, how severe they are, additional symptoms, what you've
eaten, sleep patterns, menstrual cycles, and any other pertinent
factors, including food cravings. Studies show that if you're just
dying for a hot dog, a banana, yogurt, or sweets, it could be a signal
that a headache is less than 72 hours away.

Try not to miss a meal.

Fasting or skipping a meal can cause a dip in blood sugar and bring on
a headache. To keep your blood sugar constant and minimize the effects
of a missed meal, try eating frequent mini-meals and snacks throughout
the day.

P.S. I'll be talking about some of the things that can help those dilated blood vessels up in your head in coming entries, insha Allah...

Until then:

Don't stress yourself out
Stay cool if exposed to heat for prolonged periods
If you have highblood pressure, watch the salts
Stay away from processed foods as much as possible

A great Article on Migraine Triggers

2006-04-11T00:22:00.000+03:00

Crunching numbers at the Congressional Budget Office might give most of us a

headache. But for budget analyst Geoff Gerhardt, the problem is
munching, not crunching. According to his calculations, ham plus cheese
equals a classic migraine.

"It's like being hit by a truck," says Gerhardt, who has had migraines for more than 15 years. "Four to five hours after

eating processed meats or certain kinds of cheese, I start having
trouble with my vision. Then I get a strong pain in one temple or the
other, accompanied by nausea and loss of balance."

Seymour Diamond, MD, founder of The Diamond Headache
Clinic in Chicago, says more than a quarter of migraine sufferers have
specific triggers, including food. "One of the most common triggers is
aged cheese," Diamond tells WebMD.

Hold the Cheese, Please

The trouble with aged cheese is that it's high in

tyramine, a substance that forms from the breakdown of protein in
certain foods. The longer a food ages, the greater the tyramine content
is. For people with a sensitivity to tyramine, The Cleveland Clinic
warns against the following types of cheese:

Blue cheeses
Brie
Cheddar
Stilton
Feta
Gorgonzola
Mozzarella
Muenster
Parmesan
Swiss
Processed cheese

Other foods high in tyramine include processed meats,

pickles, onions, olives, certain types of beans, raisins, nuts,
avocados, canned soups, and red wine.

Doctors concede it can be difficult to avoid all of

these foods. Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, MD, a neurologist with The
Cleveland Clinic Florida, says some of his tyramine-sensitive patients
prefer to take their chances. "They want to drink wine even if they
know it will give them a headache. In that case, I recommend a
preventive dose of medication before dinner." He stresses that patients
should discuss this idea with their doctors before trying it.

Avoid Additives

Certain food additives, including nitrites and some

food colorings, are also common headache triggers. Like tyramine, these
additives may increase blood flow to the brain causing headaches in
some people.

"We don't understand exactly why this happens," Galvez-Jimenez tells WebMD, "but it has to do with changes in blood vessels."

Unlike classic migraines which affects are also
triggered by a substance and are felt on one side of the head,
headaches induced by additives or other substances are usually sensed
on both sides of the head:

Occur within a specific time after substance intake
Disappears when a substance is eliminated or within a specific time thereafter

Monosodium glutamate-induced headaches, previously

known as Chinese restaurant syndrome, occur within an hour after
ingestion of MSG and can cause at least two of the following:

Pressure in the chest or face
Burning sensation in the chest, neck, or shoulders
Dizziness
Abdominal discomfort

Experts continue to debate the effects of MSG, an

additive found in soy sauce, Chinese foods and many packaged foods.
"MSG is a big one," says Galvez-Jimenez.

But Diamond, who is currently executive chairman of the

National Headache Foundation, says new research may show MSG is not a
typical trigger after all.

Beware of "Brain Freeze"

Most of us have experienced that brief stab of severe

pain that comes with eating or drinking something too cold. Previously
called ice cream headaches or "brain freeze," this sensation usually
lasts less than five minutes. This type of headache is usually felt in
the middle of the forehead, but for migraine sufferers this pain can be
felt in areas that are affected during a migraine. For people prone to
migraines, it can be the beginning of a full-fledged attack.

"You eat ice cream or another cold food and the next

thing you know, boom, a migraine starts," Galvez-Jimenez says.
According to The Cleveland Clinic, more than 90% of migraine sufferers
say they have to be cautious with cold foods and drinks.

Don't Skip Meals

While many people have sensitivities to particular foods, others develop headaches when they don't eat.

"Anything that disrupts your body's normal stability

can cause a headache," Diamond tells WebMD. That includes oversleeping
and skipping meals.

"It's always important for me to eat the right foods at

the right times," says marketing manager Jeff Patton. "That means
eating lots of protein in the morning and having lunch on time. If I
skip either meal, I get a headache. Then I get crabby and I can't
focus, so it affects my work. It's extremely annoying."

But recognizing the link between headaches and skipped
meals doesn't make it any easier for Patton to eat according to a
regular schedule. "I still get headaches every day," he says, "because
I get distracted at work and I don't eat right."

Patton's headaches usually disappear soon after he
eats, so he rarely turns to aspirin or other medication. "By eating, I
treat the cause rather than the symptom," he says.

Identify Your Triggers

If you get headaches when you skip meals, the
connection may be obvious. But if your headaches start after meals, it
can be difficult to determine exactly which foods are to blame.

Diamond suggests setting aside some time for an experiment. "Isolate a time, eat the food in question, wait for a reaction, repeat and see if it happens on more than one occasion."

That's how beauty consultant Nicole Ehrhart pinpointed
her triggers, including cheese and chocolate. "I've been a headache
sufferer my whole life," she tells WebMD. "Through trial and error, I
figured out which foods to stay away from."

Keeping a headache diary is another way to spot
connections between your headaches and your diet. "One of the first
things I tell my patients is to do a food diary," Galvez-Jimenez says.
"Map out when your headaches start and what you have eaten that day and
the day before."

This more structured approach helped Gerhardt zero-in
on processed meats and cheese. "For six months, I made notes about what
I ate at every meal, particularly on days when I got a headache. It's
not an exact science, but I started to see some patterns. Now that I
know which foods to avoid, I get fewer migraines."

If you decide to try a headache diary, be diligent in

recording what you eat, particularly aged cheese and foods containing
additives, as well as the following possible dietary triggers:

Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) and other artificial sweeteners; foods with meat tenderizers or yeast or yeast extracts
Caffeine in even in small amounts can trigger a migraine in some people
Chocolate, cocoa, and foods containing nuts
Alcoholic beverages especially red wine, beer, and sherry
Aged, canned, cured, or processed meats such as chicken livers
and other organ meats, and sardines. Also foods prepared with nitrates
or tyramine can cause problems.
Cultured dairy products such as sour cream or buttermilk
Dried fruits including figs, raisins, and dates
Breads and crackers containing cheese including pizza
Cheese: Blue, Gouda, Gruyere, provolone, and Stilton
Smoked or dried fish
Canned soups, or soups made from bouillon or based with MSG

While you may be able to identify and avoid triggers on

your own, consider getting help if your headaches don't improve. "If
you find yourself losing time from social activities or work, or if
your headaches persist over several days, see a doctor," Diamond says.
"There are medications to relieve [food-induced] headaches, so no one
should suffer without help."

Published March 15, 2004 on WebMD By Sherry Rauh

Migraine FAQ

2006-04-11T00:20:00.000+03:00

Did you know that over thirty two million Americans suffer from migraines?

Most of them don't even know it. This FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on Migraines might help you find out if you're afflicted.
Of course, a proper diagnosis from your doctor will help you know for sure

Question: How do I know if the pain I am feeling is actually caused by a migraine--and not another type of headache?

Answer: You are not alone in your confusion--migraines are often
mistaken for other types of headaches. But here are some guidelines for
distinguishing between them: A migraine usually gives rise to throbbing
that affects just one side of the head. Dull, pounding pain on both

sides of the skull often indicates a tension headache (of which stress
may be the source). A cluster headache (often precipitated by drinking
alcohol or smoking) is marked by discomfort near the eye, while a sinus
headache generally lays claim to gnawing pain in the sinus region below
the eyes, above the nose, and in the forehead. (The latter often
increases in severity over the day and may be spurred by a respiratory
infection.)

Question: Why do I often get migraines around my period?

Answer: About 70 percent of women who get migraines can predict their
onset around their menstrual cycle because of fluctuating hormones. In
addition, as women approach menopause, estrogen levels fall--and
headache incidence increases. (However, on a happier note, with the end
of menopause the headaches generally taper off.)

Question: Are migraines hereditary?

Answer: Yes, migraines do run in the family. In fact, if one of your
parents suffers from these headaches, you have a 50 percent chance of
being afflicted, too. If both Mom and Dad are migraineurs, you have a
75 percent chance of inheriting their headache misery. And even if a
distant relative like your Great Aunt Bertha falls prey, you have a 20
percent chance of getting them, too.

Question: What are typical migraine food triggers?

Answer: The usual suspects include chocolate, processed meats, aged
cheese, alcohol, pickled and marinated foods, citrus fruits, bananas,
and monosodium glutamate (MSG). Substances in these particular foods
trigger the painful headaches. For instance, chocolate contains
vasoactive amines, which can bring on a headache by dilating blood
vessels. Processed meats contain additives called nitrates that also
cause blood vessels to swell.

Food triggers are tricky because they may only cause problems 10 to 20
percent of the time that you eat them. Keep a migraine journal that
records your triggers (food and otherwise) and be patient when it comes
to uncovering the culprit.

Question: Is an "aura" the telltale sign of a migraine?

Answer: Many individuals wrongly consider an aura--marked by light
flashes, zigzag lines, shimmering lights, or numbness and tingling in
the arm and face--to be the indicative symptom of migraines when less
than one-third of sufferers actually experience it. Nausea and
sensitivity to light can also accompany a migraine. While these
symptoms can often be part of migraine, they do not dictate whether you
have one. It's important to remember that there is no
one-migraine-fits-all description.

Question: How long do migraines generally last?

Answer: These headaches can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and hit,
on average, twice a month. The attacks tend to occur in three phases:
pre-headache (which can endure for several hours), the headache itself,
and post-headache (which can drag on for up to 2 days and include
nausea, fatigue, and mood swings).

Question: How are migraines treated?

Answer: "Abortive" drugs, taken at the onset of a migraine, can be
effective against these headaches. One such class of these drugs is the
triptans, which are available in tablet, dissolvable wafer, injectable,
and nasal spray forms. The triptans relieve pain by mimicking the
neurotransmitter serotonin. Some headache specialists are using Botox
in their practices. The anti-wrinkle med is injected into the forehead,
temples, or back of the head, temporarily paralyzing the muscles and
causing them to relax. To find out about these therapies and others,
talk to your doctor.

Question: Will exercise--like going for a brisk walk or jog--help alleviate migraine symptoms?

Answer: No, exercise cannot stop a migraine in progress. In fact, working out could very well worsen your migraine.

Question: Does weather really bring on a migraine?

Answer: In a recent study, researchers looked at the headache
journals of 77 migraine sufferers and found that half of the volunteers
experienced migraines triggered by the weather.

The biggest precipitating factors:

cold dry weather (22 percent); hot, humid
weather (12 percent); high or low barometric pressure (13 percent); and
changes in weather patterns (14 percent).

Question: Do migraines afflict men or women more frequently?

Answer: Call it unfair, but three times more women experience
migraines than men. The hormonal component may account for the
difference.

For more information check out National Headache Foundation's Web site

What's a migraine?

2006-04-10T23:45:00.000+03:00

Migraine is a neurologic disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling headache. Migraine is the most common type of vascular headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, hypersensitivity to light (photophobia) and hypersensitivity to sound (phonophobia). The word "migraine" comes from the Greek construction "hemikranion" (ημικρανίον, pain affecting one side of the head).

I suffer greatly from Migraines, my friends and family are a witnesses to that. But, when somebody has such a crippling ailment, what are they to do? Who will buy the groceries my wife needs to prepare the food? Who will attend class, at the Islamic University, for me in the mornings? Who will attend the almost daily Lessons at Shaikh Ubaid's Masjid? And on goes the list of activities and responsibilities that one is hindered from due to these excrutiating Migraine attacks.

So my hope with this blog is to shed some light on what it is like to go through Migraines, for those family members of Magraine sufferers that may not fully understand the gravity of such pains. Also to provide some beneficial knowledge based on studies, as well as advice from my own experiences in dealing with Migraines, and others whom I know suffer so regularly.

By the way, some FYI for you: Do you know what a sufferer from migraines is called?

He/She's called a Migraineur, try that for a new vocabulary word!

I might also be able to provide some translations (Arabic to English) of Scholarly Works similar to Zaad al-Mad`aad by Shaikhul-Islaam Ibn al-Qayyim (a very prominent Scholar of Islam and Medicine) in which he mentions many of the foods as well as herbs that can help with Migraine pain.

Stay tuned, may Allah cure all those who suffer from Migraines and other ailments...
Aameen