Every man is the builder of a Temple called his body, nor can he get off by hammering marble instead. Henry David Thoreau
What is a Migraine Headache?
One typical migraine symptom is intense pulsing pain that occurs near the temple area on one side of the person's head. There are many other symptoms that accompany migraines that you should be aware of. Sensitivity to sound and light, nausea, and vomiting are all fairly common symptoms associated with migraines.
Over 28 million Americans suffer from migraine, nearly 10% of the population. It inflicts women three times more than men, but children and adolescents can experience them as well. Despite its commonality, nearly half never see a physician about the condition. Attacks last anywhere from a few hours to three full days, and with longer attacks victims suffer subsidiary effects for longer periods.
The exact causes of migraines aren't known. For many years it was suspected they were the result of dilation of blood vessels, but contemporary research leans to other explanations. Though there's no general consensus, many researchers believe the condition is a genetic disorder, affecting how certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) interact with nerve cells.
A puzzling condition, the complexity is increased by the fact that migraines come in two different types. The first type, the so-called 'classical migraine', is associated with something professionals term an 'aura'. Nothing to do with mystical fields around the body, it refers to the symptoms sufferers experience before the onset of a migraine.
For these migraine victims, it's common to have visual hallucinations such as seeing bright spots, flashing lights or even to suffer loss of vision. Once they occur, the migraine is usually not far behind. When these pre-cursor symptoms are absent, the sufferer fits in the second class of migraine cases.
What brings on migraines is equally complex and at least as mysterious. Those who have experienced lack of sleep can be at higher risk, though getting too much sleep has been correlated with a higher incidence. Attacks are often associated with eating certain foods, such as cheese, while skipping meals increases the risk, as well. Getting that balance right is a continual challenge.
Certain hormonal factors are believed to influence the onset and severity of attacks. One piece of evidence is the much higher incidence among women than men, roughly 17% as opposed to 6% according to one study. In addition, studies have shown a connection between contraceptive pills and migraines. Estrogen is a component of birth control pills and affects blood vessels.
Simple everyday activities, such as walking up stairs or other intensive physical exertion, can trigger an attack. Other triggers can involve extreme heat or cold, loud noises or flickering lights. Stress is a factor. Often, migraines occur more frequently when there is a combination of these triggers. Keeping a diary of when attacks occur, and the internal and external circumstances at the time, can help sufferers make lifestyle changes.
Migraine sufferers have many more treatment options today than they did in the past. Even with the different treatment available options, there has been no one treatment that has proven to be a cure. Acetaminophen can be effective in some cases. Triptans as well as other prescribed medicines are effective in more difficult to treat cases.
Aspirin also interferes with the creation of blood clots (prostaglandins play a part there, too).
Merck's Investigational Migraine Treatment Telcagepant Improved Pain And Migraine-Associated Symptoms In Phase III Study
Merck & Co., Inc. announced that, in a Phase III clinical trial, telcagepant (formerly MK-0974), its investigational oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, significantly improved relief of migraine pain and migraine-associated symptoms two hours after dosing compared to placebo.
FDA Approves First Generic Divalproex Sodium To Treat Seizures, Migraine Headaches And Bipolar Disorder
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Depakote delayed-release tablets (divalproex sodium). Depakote is approved by the FDA for the treatment of seizures, bipolar disorder and migraine headaches. "Generic drugs undergo a rigorous scientific review to ensure that they will provide the patient with the same amount of high quality, safe and effective drug as the name brand product," said Gary J.
News Tips From The Journal Of Neuroscience
1. Hodgkin CHuxley Model of Backpropagating Spikes Yuguo Yu, Yousheng Shu, and David A. McCormick Axon potentials recorded in somata of pyramidal neurons in vivo have a fast rising phase and variable threshold, contrary to predictions of the HodgkinCHuxley model. Some have suggested that this difference is due to cooperativity among sodium channels, resulting in many channels opening simultaneously. Yu et al.
In many cases, the pain is diffuse, making it difficult to report even the location accurately. Treatment is often in the form of ordinary aspirin, but that wonder drug isn't suitable for everyone, since it can irritate the stomach lining. Ergots used to be the typical treatment for migraine patients, but to a large extent that has given way to triptans. Also try sitting in a quiet room or using gentle massage to alleviate painful headaches. Complicating the situation is the often incompetent and illogical way the FDA approves research and marketing, before the drugs can even be brought to the consumer. Triptans do not cure all migraines but they are very effective at reducing the throbbing and intense pain associated with migraines.
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