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Contents

Disclaimer ....................................................................................................................................... 4

How Headache Destroyer Works! ...................................................................................... 5

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 9

Understanding the Basics of Headache ........................................................................ 10

What is a Headache? .......................................................................................................... 10

What are the General Symptoms? .............................................................................. 12

The Different Types of Headache ............................................................................... 13

Tension Headache .......................................................................................................... 14

Cluster Headache ........................................................................................................... 17

Migraine .............................................................................................................................. 19

Sinus Headache ............................................................................................................... 19

Chronic Daily Headache ............................................................................................. 22

Menstrual Headache ..................................................................................................... 24

So Which One Do You Have? ....................................................................................... 25

In Depth Study of Migraines .............................................................................................. 25

What is Migraine? ............................................................................................................... 26

Types of Migraines ............................................................................................................. 28

Symptoms................................................................................................................................ 30

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Triggers..................................................................................................................................... 32

Migraine Treatment Routine ......................................................................................... 33

Treatment for Migraine- Curing Them One and All .............................................. 35

Nutraceuticals ....................................................................................................................... 36

Magnesium ........................................................................................................................ 36

Coenzyme Q10 ................................................................................................................. 37

Riboflavin ........................................................................................................................... 38

Butterbur ............................................................................................................................. 38

Feverfew .............................................................................................................................. 39

Marijuana ............................................................................................................................ 40

Biofeedback ............................................................................................................................ 41

Acupuncture .......................................................................................................................... 42

Oxygen Therapy.............................................................................................................. 44

Some Other Easy Remedies ................................................................................................ 45

Sleep and Relaxation ..................................................................................................... 45

Eating Right and Exercising ...................................................................................... 45

Ice Packs, Hot Water Bottles and Massages ...................................................... 45

Aromatherapy .................................................................................................................. 46

Herbs and Teas ................................................................................................................ 46

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Some Last Thoughts................................................................................................................ 47

Disclaimer

© Author, 2014

No part of this eBook may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form,

or by any means, including mechanical or electronic, without prior written

permission from the author.

While the author has made every effort to ensure that the ideas, guidelines

and information presented in this eBook are completely reliable, they should

be used at the reader’s discretion. The author cannot and will not be held

responsible for any personal or commercial damage arising from the

application or misinterpretation of information presented herein.

The sole purpose of this book is to educate. The author assumes no

responsibility whatsoever on behalf of any reader of this eBook. Therefore,

the reader is to proceed at their own risk.

All Rights Reserved.

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How Headache Destroyer Works!

There is nothing worse than waking up to a headache. Or sitting in the

middle of an important official meeting and feeling the dreaded symptoms

of a migraine coming on. Or driving home tired after a hectic day and

realizing that you have that aching pain in your head again! One of the most

common ailments and also the most draining one, headache is plaguing our

society like an unending infestation. Be it a child or an adult, man or woman,

you hear almost everyone complaining of the nagging pain at some point or

another.

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What’s worse is that the condition is worsening and there seems to be

absolutely no cure. Just temporary relief after the intake of a painkiller and

the pain comes right back after a few hours or days. Does this means that

there is no treatment for headaches?

Even though medical science has been progressing in leaps and bounds, is

there nothing that can be done about a mere headache? If you are among

those who have been suffering from headaches for a while now, it means

you too have resigned yourself to the fact that there is not much that can be

done. The most you can do is pop a pill and pray for the best.

And this is exactly where you are wrong. Headache, no matter what kind it

may be is curable and can be gotten rid of completely. Whether you are

suffering from a cluster headache or a tension headache, a migraine or

chronic daily headaches, all can be treated. Understand the fact that the type

of headache may vary, but in actually the root cause of why the headache

occurs in the first place stays the same. This is the reason that through what

I am offering you, you will be able to get rid of your headache in no time.

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So how does this book help you? It explains the science behind headaches

and then provides you with solutions that are inexpensive, effective and

long lasting. I will not ask you to take my word for it. Instead, I recommend

that you try reading the first few chapters of the book. You will not only

become engrossed in the easy to understand science of headaches, but you

will realize that yes, it really is possible to beat the headache forever. Here is

what you will find in this guide:

 All about headaches, what they are, what are their various types, the
individual symptoms and which one might you be afflicted with

 Focus on the understanding of migraines and what you need to know


about them in order for proper treatment

 Some easy remedies that will ensure that headaches do not disrupt
your day and daily chores anymore

The one thing this guide will not suggest is that you waste your money on

expensive and useless over-the-counter or prescription drugs. You have

already used them for years with no avail. We all know that the only thing

the drugs do is suppress the problem without providing any real healing.

Convinced enough to start reading? I promise you that by the time you will

finish, you will have gained enough knowledge about headaches and their

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treatment options to remain headache free. So let us begin understanding

headaches.

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Introduction
Have you been a patient of headaches for as long as you can remember?

Can’t remember the time when you didn’t have a headache at least every

alternate day? The condition can become debilitating because it hinders your

normal routine. For some people, headaches are just inconveniences that

seem to be constantly with them, while others complain of excruciating pain

in one entire side of their head. Most people start by trying to ignore the

headache but when it gets worse, the only thing they can think of doing is

either taking a nap or taking medication. But is that really the solution? Do

you really think these expensive medications are providing some real relief

to you?

Before beginning with trying to understand headaches, I want you to realize

one thing. All headaches, other than migraines, are symptoms. Only a

migraine is an actual disease, the rest are a symptom of some sort of physical

or mental condition. This is the reason why you need to determine the root

cause of the headache so that you are better able to treat it.

Another thing that you have to accept is the fact that headaches cannot be

cured. They can be controlled, they can be treated and they can be alleviated,

but they cannot be cured. The only reason to make sure that you do not suffer

from headaches every day is to discover the cause of your headache, prevent
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that from happening and use some effective remedies for your type of

headache.

This is the reason why I stress on the idea that you need to familiarize

yourself with the science behind headaches so that you are able to help

yourself. Do not rely on so called effective medication, instead take the

situation in your own hands and rid yourself of headaches. Read on to learn

more.

Understanding the Basics of Headache

So what are headaches? What causes them? Why is it that some people suffer

from constant, extreme pains while others never even know what it is like to

experience the slowly building pressure of a headache? These are some

questions all headache patients think about. Below are some answers that

might ease your confusion and help you understand your physical condition

better.

What is a Headache?

Medically termed as cephalalgia, headache is a continuous pain in any part

of the head or neck region. The pain that you feel in your head is not really

in the brain because your brain does not have any pain receptors. Rather, the

pain takes place due to other structures around the brain that are sensitive

to pain. According to experts, the tissues, blood vessels, brain chemicals and

nerve all work together to give the sensation of pain in the head. The ache in

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your head can also be the result of sensations in the meninges, the

membranous covering the spine and brain.

Research suggests that the inflammation of bones and muscles of the skull,

eyes, sinuses, ears, as well as the meninges around the brain and spinal cord,

veins, arteries and nerves can lead to the development of a headache. The

pain originating from these problems can be mild, constant, intense, sharp

or throbbing.

Strangely enough, scientists are still unable to exactly pinpoint as to where

the pain occurs when there is a headache. They suggest that this is because

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the head, brain and spine are such complexly detailed organs that a complete

study and understating is still far away. But it is generally accepted that a

headache is a pain that occurs around the brain and spinal cord.

What are the General Symptoms?

Although there are differing symptoms for various types of headaches, there

are some common symptoms that can differentiate a headache from any

other pain or injury. These signs and symptoms include:

 A constant pain or ache in the head or neck region


 Dizziness or vertigo
 When the pain is severe it could lead to nausea and vomiting
 People develop sensitivity to light, sounds and certain smells
 Stomachaches also occur at times
 Spots in vision
 Blurry vision or watery eyes
 Weakness or a sense of fatigue and tiredness

These are only some of the general signs and symptoms of a headache that

people develop. These symptoms vary from person to person depending on

what kind of a headache they might have. Understand the fact that not all

headaches are the same, even though the root cause as mentioned above is

the same.

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Here are the different types of headaches and all the information that you

can need about them.

The Different Types of Headache

There are many different types of headaches but they are divided into two

main umbrella kinds, primary and secondary headaches.

Primary headaches are ones that occur because of the over-activity or some

other problem with the structures around your head or spinal cord. The

main reason why a primary headache takes place can vary from some kind

of abnormal chemical activity in the brain, some kind of strain to the muscles

of neck or head, or some kind of disruption in the blood vessels surrounding

the brain. The headache could be a result of either one or combination of

these reasons.

Certain scientific studies show that there are individuals who may have

more of a likelihood of a primary headache because of the genes they

inherited from their parents. Most primary headaches do not have any

underlying problem behind them like a tension headache, migraine or

cluster headache.

Secondary headaches are ones that always have an underlying problem

behind them, meaning they are an indication of some other serious problem

or disease. The seriousness of the disease could vary from the kind of

headache you have. Secondary headaches include sinus headache, rebound

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headache etc. The intensity and duration of secondary headaches again vary

with the cause that they may be hinting at.

Below I have mentioned all the commonly occurring headaches, their causes,

symptoms and what are the easiest ways you can try to get rid of them in as

little as 30 seconds. The last chapter of the book will give you some more

easy solutions that you can try when trying to treat these headaches.

Tension Headache

The most commonly occurring headaches, tension headaches are the ones

that plague about 90% of the all the people who experience pain in their head

and neck region. It can rightly be said that almost everyone experiences a

tension headache at some point in their life, because of one reason or the

other.

Tension headaches start from as early as the teenage years and the intensity

of the pain may rise in age for certain ethnic groups. For most people, tension

headache ranges from mild to moderate capacity. Studies show that tension

headache is more prevalent among women than men.

Even though tension headaches are the most common among people from

all parts of the world, it has been studied extensively. One reason can be the

fact that though the pain can be debilitating for some individuals, the

condition is not life threatening nor too serious for most sufferers.

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Symptoms

Below are all the signs and symptoms of tension headaches.

 Tension headaches do not occur suddenly. They take place over time,
which means that the pain starts off as slight discomfort and can then

progress on to moderate tightness, ache or pressure on both sides of

the head, temples and neck. The pain can also be at the base, front or

sides of the head. In most cases, the pain normally worsens over time.

Tightness can also be experienced in the facial muscles and jaws.

 The pain feels like there is pressure on the head and neck. There is
also a sensation of tightness, constriction or a feeling that the neck,

shoulders or head is being squeezed.

 Tension headaches mostly occur after a long day of work, some


stressful situation, after examinations or even vacations. For most

individuals, the pain is not debilitating, but it can become a

hindrance for optimum performance.

 Tension migraine is what leads to stiffness in the neck and shoulders.


 Though not common, it can turn into a daily occurrence or even turn
into a chronic daily headache.

 If left untreated, the condition can worsen over time and drugs or
other medication could be rendered useless.

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Causes

So what are the factors that lead to tensions headaches? Even though no

concrete evidence exists as to why tension headaches occur, there are some

factors that contribute to its development. Here are some common stressors.

Stress

Stress is considered to be the most common reason why tension headaches

take place. When you are under a lot of stress and pressure, then it might

lead to a tension headache. These can also turn into stress headaches as

people become more and more anxious because of the situation they are in.

Eyestrain

Lack of proper lighting, over bright lights or constant use of electronic items

like computers, cell phones, and video games can lead to eye strain. When

you are exposed to eye strain constantly, tension headaches can result.

Poor Posture

Not standing up straight, slouching or having bad posture while sitting or

lying can lead to the development of tension headaches. This is because the

muscles of the head, neck, shoulder and upper back region are strained,

resulting in inflammation or irritation.

Some other factors that can lead to tension headaches are lack of sleep, over

exertion or anxiety.

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Cluster Headache

Another kind of primary headache, cluster headaches are more often present

among men than woman. They are also thought to be one of the worst kinds

of headaches there are. Some experts claim that it is a variant of migraine.

The pain can be sharp and intense, spreading over hours or days at one time

and then disappearing suddenly. It can recur again. Cluster headaches have

a cyclical pattern which is where it gets its name from. The best news about

cluster headaches is that it occurs very rarely among individuals.

Symptoms

Here are the signs and symptoms of a cluster headache:

 The most common symptom of the cluster headache is that it strikes


suddenly in the middle of the night. The pain is sharp and intense in

one localized part of the head.

 The feeling is one of burning or stinging that continues on for either as


short as 10 minutes or as long as 2 hours.

 The pain mostly occurs in one part of the head, which is why some
people confuse it with migraine. When the intensity of the pain

increases, it can extend below the head towards the eye and the nose.

This leads to watering of the eye. The eye also reddens in most cases.

Effected eyelid also starts drooping.

 The pain can also radiate towards the neck and shoulder.

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 The nasal passage becomes stuffed or runny on the side of the face
where there is pain.

 The affected side of the face may become swollen. The skin changes
color and becomes pale because of the intensity of the pain.

 Restlessness is also common for individuals who suffer from cluster


headaches. Most sufferers do not lie down as that only increases the

pain.

 The pain tends to last from 5 to 12 weeks, and then disappears for a
while. Some people have an episodic condition, where the pain may

last anywhere between 1 week to 12 months and then disappear for a

whole year before recurring again.

Causes

Even though experts are not sure as to what the actual cause might be

behind cluster headaches, some research suggests that the pain may be

related to some kind of abnormality in the hypothalamus. This would

explain why the cluster headache occurs with such precise clockwork mode.

There are no triggers that lead to a cluster headache like migraine. Keep in

mind though that use of certain medication and alcohol only increases the

intensity of the cluster headache. Smoking, use of recreational drugs and a

family history of cluster headaches might also increase your chances of

developing the condition.

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Migraine

Migraine is the second most prevalent headache of all. Studies show that the

development of the condition starts from childhood in some people, but for

most migraine headaches start in their 20’s or 30’s and become more

infrequent as a person ages. If a person has not developed a migraine before

the age of 40 then the likelihood of the condition taking place are relatively

low.

Yet, migraine is still a rising concern for health experts because it can alter

the daily life for most people due to its intensity. Research suggests that the

disease is common worldwide with 10-15% of adults suffering in America

and other European countries. Like tension headaches, migraines too are

more prevalent among women than men.

The one most important thing that you need to understand about migraine

is that unlike other headaches, a migraine is not a symptom but an actual

disease. Some people are more at risk of developing a migraine because of

their genetic makeup.

Migraine is discussed in more detail in the next chapter.

Sinus Headache

The pain that takes place in the forehead, cheekbones and bridge of the nose

is called sinus headache. Sinuses are present in your cheekbone, bridge of

the nose and forehead. These passages become inflamed due to some allergic

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reaction, infection or tumor which results in the production of mucus. The

presence of mucus can lead to blocking of these passages which leads to

pressure on the sinuses. This is the pain that you experience, known as sinus

headache.

According to people who experience these headaches, the pain only worsens

with movement or sudden head tearing. In most cases, the pain does not

occur alone but instead comes on in combination with nasal discharge, sore

throat, cough, fever, a sense of fullness in ears and some facial swelling.

Keep in mind though that sinus headaches are often mixed up with

migraines or tension headaches, leading to inaccurate diagnosis. This is the

reason why it is important to have proper diagnosis before beginning any

kind of treatment.

Symptoms

Here are all the symptoms that are associated with sinus headaches:

 Pressure and pain in the cheeks, cheekbones, brow, bridge of the nose,
forehead and under the eyes.

 Increase in pain when the person bends down or moves their head
suddenly.

 Discharge from the nose either in the form of mucus or blood.


 A feeling of achiness in the teeth and jaw area.

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 Stuffed or runny nose, sore throat, ear ache, fever, cough, sense of
tiredness or constant fatigue.

 Deadening taste buds and inability to smell things because of blocked


sinuses.

 Lymph nodes also swell in the neck if the sinus occurs because of some
kind of infection. This leads to the headache, as well as a sore throat

and ear ache caused by the infection.

Remember, even though most symptoms for sinus headaches and migraines

are similar, sinus headaches are never accompanied by nausea, vomiting,

increased pain because of bright light or too much noise. In most cases,

external effects are ineffective on sinus headaches.

Causes

The basic cause of sinus headache is mostly caused by infection or viral, like

the flu. The cold you catch always restricts the nasal passage because of

swelling and that too can lead to a sinus blockage. Allergic reactions like hay

fever etc., may also lead to sinus headaches. Fungal infections have also

known to cause sinusitis which leads to the headache.

The best part about sinus headaches in most cases is that it does not last too

long. As soon as the infection ends, the pain disappears.

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Chronic Daily Headache

Not referring to any one kind of headache, chronic daily headache is the

name given to the headache disorder that takes place among people who

have headaches almost every day. This condition is considered to be one of

the worst kinds of headaches there are because it can affect the whole life of

the sufferer, affecting the general quality of life.

If you have headaches more than 15 days a month, then you are suffering

from chronic daily headaches. This condition can include headaches like

cluster headaches, migraines and tension headaches. Research suggests that

1 in 20 people have chronic daily headaches and the numbers of individuals

suffering from this condition are increasing every day. The symptoms are

more prevalent among women than men and also exist among children.

This kind of headache is divided into two kinds of headaches, medication

overuse headache or transformed migraine. Medication overuse headache

occurs because of the use of painkiller medicines. Also known as rebound

headaches, they are discussed in detail in the next chapter.

Transformed migraines are the types of chronic daily headaches that not

only increase in intensity, but also become more frequent with the passage

of time. It comes to a point where the pain spreads over a 24 hour period and

the patient never seems to go without having the ache in the background.

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The problem with transformed migraine is that it develops over a long time

of migraine occurrence. According to some experts, the reason why

transformed migraine takes place is that people who already suffer from

migraine are scarred by this pain, so much so that a certain ache is left in

their brain that runs through constantly. This can be because of some

damage to the brain. It is still not clear why chronic daily headaches turn

into transformed migraines.

Symptoms

Below are the symptoms of chronic daily headaches.

 The pain has to take place at least 15 or more a month, every month for
it to be considered chronic daily headache. The pain should also not be

because of any injury or other headache condition.

 The chronic daily headaches can last less or more than 4 hours
depending on the condition of the patient.

 The pain is not sharp, but rather a dull, constant throbbing in the head,
temples and back of the head.

 Some other signs that manifest along with the pain include feelings of
tiredness, fatigue, irritability, inability to sleep and restlessness.

 Medication seems to make the condition worse instead of better.

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Causes

Even though there is no known cause of the chronic daily headaches, below

are some speculations as to why they occur:

 It could be that your brain is unable to suppress pain signals due to


some abnormality or injury.

 An infection could be taking root like meningitis.


 Blood vessels or tissues surrounding the brain could have become
inflamed or irritated.

 Brain injury or tumor can also lead to the development of the


condition.

 Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances or excess use of pain


medication can also cause chronic daily headaches.

Menstrual Headache

Menstrual headaches aren’t very common. They normally take place a day

or two before a woman’s period starts. They are mostly caused because of a

woman’s sensitivity to the increased or decreased levels of estrogen just

before the start of menstruation. This is one of the primary reasons why

migraine too is common among women.

Another reason why this headache occurs is because of the release of

prostaglandin from the uterus. But this headache takes place one or two days

after the period has started.

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The pain can take place in the entire head or neck, or it can occur like a

migraine, attacking only one side of the head and face. This varies from

woman to woman. Women who already have migraine are likely to

experience menstrual migraine.

So Which One Do You Have?

So now that you know what the various kinds of headaches are, which one

do you think you have? This is important because it would help make proper

diagnoses so that proper treatment can be started. Once you have decided

which kind of headache you suffer from, you can decide what is the best

treatment option for you.

There are many easy remedies suggested later on in the book and you can

check them out to see what works best for you.

In Depth Study of Migraines

Research suggests that currently 60 million Americans suffer from migraines

alone. Yet only 14 million of them are properly and accurately diagnosed.

Also known as vascular headache, migraines are one of the worst types of

headaches and are twice more likely to occur in women than in men. It is

thought of as one of the most debilitating conditions that not only plague the

United States but the whole world. This is the reason why it is a must that

you understand the specifics of migraine as well as make accurate diagnosis

about whether or not you have the condition. Then if you discover that you

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do have the condition, you will need to start treatment as soon as possible,

before it deteriorates further.

So the question that comes to mind, if you aren’t already sure about what a

migraine is, is ‘what is a migraine and why does it occur in the first place?’

Also what is the reason that some people have it while others never

experience it all their lives?

What is Migraine?

The first thing that you need to know, and which I have already mentioned

above, is that unlike other headaches, a migraine is not a symptom, rather it

is a disease. The headache during migraine is recurring and could last for

hours and sometimes days.

In most cases, migraines are easy to diagnose because of their specific

symptoms and characteristics. Many people attribute any severe headache

with migraine but the truth is that a migraine has some distinct features that

do not occur with any other kind of headache.

Migraine in simple words is a severe throbbing in one part of the head, left

or right. The pain is normally affected by bright lights, sounds and smells.

Even though most patients have pain in one side of their head, some

experience the pain bilaterally, meaning in both parts of the head. Most

patients state that the pain gets worse with physical activity or exertion.

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Even though extensive research has been conducted on migraines, experts

are unable to come to one conclusion as to why migraines take place in the

first place. But generally it is considered that migraines occur due to some

physiological factors. Experts believe that one reason can be that there is

some kind of fluctuation in the neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain

that send messages from one brain cell to the other.

Since the migraine headache is also known as vascular headache, it refers to

the constriction or expansion of blood vessels in the head and neck region.

What happens is when the blood vessels become narrow; they cause visual

auras, also known as the early warning signs of an oncoming headache. Then

as soon as the vessels dilate again, the pain hits and sets off. The reason as to

why this action takes place is still unknown.

Another general conception among migraine experts is that migraines may

be genetic and people who have a family history of migraines are more likely

to develop the condition compared to those who do not.

So does that mean that there is only one kind of migraine and everyone goes

through the same condition? It is true that the general symptoms of

migraines are the same, but there are certain types of migraines that differ in

terms of intensity and certain characteristics from individual to individual.

Here is all the information for you.

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Types of Migraines

Migraine, for the ease of understanding the condition and treatment, has

been divided into two major types. Classical, now known as migraine with

aura, and nonclassical, now referred to as migraine without aura.

Migraine with aura is one where there are some physiological symptoms

before the onset of the pain. Aura is the word used for these physical

manifestations before the pain. They are like the alarm bell indicating that

migraine is about to set in. The aura can take place an hour before the pain

attacks and could be as long as 15 minutes to 60 minutes. The auras can either

be visual or can be of other senses. An interesting thing to note is that the

auras occur among only 20% to 30% of all migraine sufferers. Some visual

auras include:

 Distorted vision
 Blind spots
 Flashing light or dots before the eyes
 Manifestation of jagged or wavy lines
 Distortion of size or shape of various objects
 Temporary blindness

As mentioned above, auras are not just visual. Some other auras that people

experience include funny smells, ringing in the ears, and weakness in the

side of the body where the migraine would affect the head.

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The migraine without aura is very common. The severity of the pain and its

duration may be the same as migraine with aura, with the only difference

being that people do not experience any prior physical manifestations or

warnings of the upcoming attack.

Migraines are also categorized as chronic and episodic, where chronic pain

is one where a migraine occurs 15 or more times per month for an

individual, while episodic pain can range from 1 to 5 attacks of migraine

per month, lasting for less or more than 4 hours. It is very rare though that

a migraine lasts less than 4 hours per session.

Research suggests that chronic migraine is prevalent among 3.2 million

Americans. Keep in mind though that chronic migraine is only diagnosed

when the migraine occurs more than 15 times a month, lasting for more

than 4 hours, recurring consecutively for at least 3 months.

There are also some other rare kinds of migraine like the rebound migraine,

hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and some others. Here is some short

detail about these migraines:

 Rebound migraine: Also known as transformed or simply as

rebound migraine, it is a disorder that starts on early in life. What

happens is that the pain starts in the teenage years and becomes so

frequent that the patient develops chronic daily headaches. The use

of medication to the point where overuse occurs, leading to an

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increase in the intensity and duration of the pain, instead of

decreasing the disorder. This is why they are referred to as rebound

headaches. This also happens because the patients become so used

to the drugs that when they do not take them, withdrawal

symptoms lead to the development of pain.

 Hemiplegic migraine: The headache leads to a condition of

paralysis. Temporary numbness, visionary changes, or even nerve

and/or sensory changes occur on one side of the body. They are not

an indication of a stroke and need to be realized as such.

 Retinal Migraine: This kind of migraine can lead to either a

temporary or partial loss of vision to one eye. The loss of vision also

becomes permanent in some cases.

Symptoms

So what are the symptoms of migraines? And how can you decide whether

what you are suffering from is a migraine or some other kind of headache?

Here are all the signs and symptoms of migraines:

 Patients describe migraine as a pain in one part of the head, mostly,


that is like a constant rising throbbing that seems to increase for a while

and then decreases. The pain lasts from 4 to 72 hours.

 Even though the pain is basically in the head, it can radiate to the neck,
shoulder and upper back region.

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 Most patients are sensitive to light, sounds and smells of differing
kinds.

 Dizziness, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also common


migraine symptoms. Most patients do not vomit, but almost all

experience varying degrees of nausea.

 Migraine pain without the aura is mostly sudden. A person can be fine
when they sleep but wake up with the pain that escalates quickly.

 The pain varies in intensity but is mostly debilitating enough to


disrupt normal, daily routines for most patients. The pain only seems

to increase with time, before decreasing and disappearing completely.

 Exercise or any kind or vigorous activity only leads to further


enhancement of the pain.

 Most patients, because of the intensity of the pain, become fatigued


and pale. Patients also either feel too hot, or too cold.

 There is a feeling of great anxiety and restlessness when migraine


attack is at its peak.

 Weakness and lightheadedness is also common among migraine


patients.

These are the common symptoms of migraines, but keep in mind that the

signs change from individual to individual depending on what kind of

migraine headache they may have.

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Triggers

Triggers are the situations, objects or actions that lead to the onset of a

migraine attack. These too are specific to migraines and if there is something

that causes you to have a headache, then it means you are suffering from a

migraine. Below are some of the most common triggers associated with

migraines.

 Stress is one of the most common triggers for migraines. The migraine
could start both before and after a stressful situation. Emotional and

physical stress both lead to migraine manifestation.

 Changes in the weather, from hot to cold or vice versa can also lead to
the development of a migraine attack. Likewise, if you go from high to

low altitude or participate in activities like scuba diving or flying, a

migraine can result.

 Certain odors also give way to migraine for some people. For example,
a sharp perfume could result in a migraine for people who are sensitive

to sharp odors.

 Lack or excess sleep is another great trigger of migraines.


 People who skip meals experience a sudden decrease in their blood
sugar and migraines takes place because of that.

 Bright lights or activities that put strain on the eyes in the dark can also
lead to migraine attacks.

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 Caffeine use that is too high or too low than your normal consumption
can lead to migraine headaches.

 Hormonal changes that take place due to a drop in estrogen levels


before menstruation or change that occurs due to birth control pills can

also give way to migraine.

 Smoke, use of recreational drugs or certain medications also lead to the


building up of a migraine headache.

Just like with symptoms, migraine triggers also vary from person to person.

Most experts suggest that the best way to deal with migraines is to find out

what the triggers are and controlling them. Once you know what your

triggers are, you can make sure that you stay away from them and get rid of

the migraine before it even starts.

Migraine Treatment Routine

The one most effective ways of treating migraine is to ensure that you catch

it before it gets into its full blown state. By trying this method, you can make

sure that your migraine condition does not get to the point where it hinders

your daily activities. Here is what you will need to do:

1. Make a goal for yourself. This means that you will need to decide the

amount of time that you will get rid of the migraine pain, without its

recurrence. For example, if your pain normally lasts 4 hours, you

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should aim to get rid of it in 2 hours. Even though you may not be able

to accomplish your goal, you will have the motivation to try.

2. Realize what happens in a migraine. As soon as you understand this

fact, it will be easier for you to single out the pre-migraine symptoms.

You will become more aware of your body, as well as mood and be

able to notice the changes that come before the migraine starts. When

you are able to pick out the symptoms, you will be able to treat them

early and become headache free relatively quickly.

3. Focus on the triggers and then reverse them. Since it is a migraine that

you are experiencing, it means that it occurred because of some kind

of trigger. Discover what that is and eliminate it. For example, if you

have the migraine because you missed a meal, all you will need to do

to ease the condition, is to eat.

4. Keep the drugs under control. Keep a keen eye on how much drugs

you ingest. It is safest to limit the use of medication because not only

do they cause dependency, they also sometimes increase the migraine

headache. With time, your migraine can turn into a chronic daily

headache if you don’t limit the number of medicines you take.

5. Take preventive measures as soon as the pain sets in. Do not wait for

the intensity of the pain to rise, because it will only get worse, and that

is the last thing you need. So take all the preventive measures in

advance.

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Make this routine a habit. In due time you will notice that you are better

able to manage your migraine effectively.

Treatment for Migraine- Curing Them One and All

There are many medical treatments for migraines, but most patients

complain that everything that works is temporary and the effects don’t last

long. You would be surprised to know that as yet there is no absolute cure

for migraine or any other kind of headache. This is perhaps the exact reason

why so many people turn to alternative treatments to cure various types of

headaches.

Before getting on to the explanation of these treatment options, there is one

thing that needs to be cleared up. The vitamin, minerals, herbs and physical

therapies mentioned here might not work for your individual headache case.

All people react differently to different therapies, which is why it cannot be

assured that what works for one person, might work the same way for the

other. So before you give up on alternative therapy treatments, make sure

that you try a few of them and see what might be affective for you.

This chapter of the book refers to some of the most commonly and effectively

used treatment options for migraine. Here are some of the things that you

can try.

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Nutraceuticals

Never heard of them? Well, that is not surprising at all. The term was

invented in 1989 by Stephen L. DeFelice, who created the Foundation of

Innovation Medicine. It is a combination of the word “nutrition” and

“pharmaceutical”. The treatment uses all natural products like essential

vitamins, minerals and other food items to cure any kind of disease.

One of the major reasons why people opt for nutraceuticals is that unlike

conventional medicines, these do not have any kind of toxic side effects.

Even though few researches have been carried out on the effectiveness of

this treatment method, results suggest that there is far more to look at.

Studies show that most products are safe and work well for migraines, as

well as other kinds of headaches.

There are 3 kinds of minerals/ vitamins and three kinds of herbs/ plants that

are used in the nutraceutical treatment; magnesium, coenzyme Q10,

riboflavin (vitamin B2), butterbur, feverfew and marijuana. There are some

other things used as well, but these are the ones used most commonly. Here

is some information about why they are beneficial for migraines and other

headaches.

Magnesium

Even though it had not been determined before, research has now proven

the fact that deficiency of magnesium can lead to the development of

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migraines. Studies also show that this deficiency is mostly found among

women, who end up developing a menstrual migraine. Some studies show

that lack of migraine can also lead to tension related headaches. This clearly

depicts that people who have low levels of magnesium are likely to develop

migraines and headaches.

If you are looking for natural solutions for migraines, they are found in dark

green, leafy veggies, seafood, nuts, whole-grains and legumes. If you don’t

want to go through a long period of misery caused by the headache, you can

also add migraine supplements in your diet. Keep in mind though that when

taking magnesium supplements, you need to get ones that are manufactured

of magnesium oxide and not magnesium sulphate.

The supplements are also not meant to be taken for more than a few months

at a time, as there is still no knowledge about the long term use of

magnesium pills. These supplements can be taken either orally or

intravenously. When it comes to oral intake, the doses prescribed are 400-

600 mg per day. The supplement is believed to be one of the most ideal

treatments for menstrual migraines.

Coenzyme Q10

Again, not too many studies have been carried out on the use of coenzyme

Q10. The few that have been conducted give positive results. This is because

the enzyme works with the mitochondrial electron transport chain and

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allows the production of energy. Another reason why it is believed to work

is because of its antioxidant properties. Researchers claim that the use of

CoQ10 can lead to reduction in migraine attacks, without any noticeable side

effects. Research also indicates that the use of this enzyme is especially

beneficial for pediatric migraines. The doses for adults were 150 mg per day,

while for pediatric care it ranges from 1-3 mg per day. There are generally

no side effects of the CoQ10.

Riboflavin

Commonly known as vitamin B, riboflavin are responsible for the stability

of the membrane and for the maintenance of cellular functions that are

related to energy levels. This is the reason why the supplements are

prescribed to migraine patients because they tend to prevent migraines from

taking place. The usual dosage is 400 mg per day. Keep in mind though that

the treatment does not last more than 6 months at any one time. There are

mostly limited to no side effects of riboflavin, though some patients may

experience polyuria or diarrhea.

Butterbur

This may seem like a natural plant to use, but please understand that the

plant itself from which this butterbur root is extracted, petasites hybridus is

an extremely poisonous one. Many studies suggest that the extract is ideal

for the treatment of migraines. In earlier times, the plant was used in low

quantities for the treatment of fever, wounds, spasms and pain. Even though
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most experts are not clear about how the extract helps with migraines, it is

commonly accepted that it can be because of a reduction in the inflammatory

cascade that takes place during the headache.

The one thing you need to remember about butterbur is that only those

supplements can be used that are PA-free. The most prescribed form of the

extract is known as Petadolex, which when taken in quantities of 100 mg per

day, show results that are far greater than allopathic medicine. When

research was conducted on the drug’s use, it was seen that 91% of the

patients saw significant changes in their conditions after 4 months of using

the drug.

Some experts recommend the daily use of 150 mg per day for more affective

results.

Feverfew

Feverfew has been around for a long time. It was taken as an infusion and

was the perfect treatment for headaches, toothaches, arthritis, fever,

inflammation and infertility. The capsule of the feverfew comes from the

plant Tancetum parthenium, which is dried and then stored in a capsule

form.

Experts believe that feverfew works by releasing the hormone serotonin,

which acts as an inhibition for platelet aggression. It also works as an anti-

inflammatory agent. Since not many studies have been carried out on the

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weed, it cannot be clearly stated whether or not the drug is completely

effective. Users claim that it has benefited them when ingested in 250 mg

capsules per day. Keep in mind though that feverfew works slowly, which

means that you will need to take it for at least 6-8 weeks before seeing any

significant results.

There is one thing you have to remember; feverfew cannot be taken by

pregnant women. This is because the weed may result in uterine

contractions which can lead to either a preterm labor or a miscarriage. Also

note that individuals who suffer from some kind of allergies may develop

some reaction. Therefore, if you intend to start taking feverfew, you will not

only need to ask your medical health expert, you will also have to be careful

to keep an eye on side effects.

Marijuana

Cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana, was a prescribed medicine

for headaches up till the 19th century. Even though this theory now causes

too many controversies, many experts still adhere to the idea that cannabis

does help migraine sufferers. Many independent studies confirm this idea

that when taken in controlled amounts, marijuana can work effectively for

migraines.

What’s more, many studies claim that cannabis is not just good for

migraines, but various other headaches like cluster headaches and chronic

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headaches. Again, the question that is left answerable is what is the amount

of cannabis that should be used to treat the pain but not disrupt normal

cognitive functioning? You will need to get in touch with your medical

health expert before you start using the weed for your headache condition.

These were some of the most commonly used nutraceutical products that are

known for their efficiency and effectiveness. Below is some information on

how physical therapies can also aid in treating migraines and other

headaches.

Biofeedback

A procedure used for various kinds of pain disorders, biofeedback is a

treatment option where the individual is taught to control their own

physiological processes like their heart rate, brainwaves, skin conductance,

pain perception and muscle tone. Research suggests that the treatment

works well for migraines and other kinds of headaches. The whole idea

behind the theory of biofeedback is that once a person becomes aware of

bodily functions that are seemingly not in his/her control, changes of taking

control increase significantly. In simple words, through the use of your mind

and will power, you can get rid of the pain!

A series of exercises are used in order to allow the headache patient to

become aware of their internal functioning. This includes everything like

deep breathing practices, muscle relaxation techniques, mindful meditation

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and guided imagery. Studies have shown that biofeedback works well for

children and adults alike.

Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that works well for headaches

and migraines. Coming from Chinese origins, acupuncture became common

in the west only in recent times. The purpose of acupuncture is to make sure

that the body attains a balance, a level of equilibrium. Mostly used for pain

disorders, acupuncture works particularly well for headaches and

migraines. Many experts claim that instead of relying on allopathic drugs,

migraine sufferers should immediately seek acupuncture. Studies show that

11 sessions of acupuncture that are spread over six weeks are likely to work

more effectively than the use of blood pressure drugs like beta-blockers.

Therefore, why not try using acupuncture? Isn’t it better to opt for a

treatment that leaves no side effects? The choice of course lies in your hands.

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Oxygen Therapy
Interestingly enough,

oxygen therapy is more

beneficial for cluster

headaches than migraines.

It is perhaps one of the

safest and easiest thing that

a patient would need to do;

inhale pure oxygen through

a mask. Keep in mind

though, that experts say

that if the headache does

not disappear within 20

minutes of the treatment,

then the therapy needs to be stopped.

These were some of the most widely used alternative treatments for

migraines and headaches. You will need to experiment with them to see

what works best for you. Please understand that if you are allergic to any of

the herbs or plants, or if some therapy leads to unexpected side effects, then

you need to stop the treatment immediately. Also make sure that before

beginning any of the treatments, consult with a medical health expert as that

would ensure the safety of your health and well being.

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Some Other Easy Remedies

When it comes to medical science, there are many prescription and over-the-

counter drugs available that can be used for the treatment of migraines and

other kinds of headaches. But what these medications do is suppress the

symptoms, without providing any long lasting results. There are some other

treatments that you can try for headaches and migraines other than the

medications you already use. Here are some more options for you. Try them

and see what works best for you.

Sleep and Relaxation

For many migraine sufferers, rest and sleep does the trick. A dark room,

away from noise and odors can be more beneficial than any prescription

drug. All you would need to do is take a nap or go to sleep for 3-4 hours. By

the time you wake up, the pain would have disappeared.

Eating Right and Exercising

This may sound too simplistic, but it makes a huge impact on any kind of

headache. Most headaches take place because of an unhealthy diet and lack

of physical exercise. Once you incorporate these two things in your life, you

will notice a visible improvement in your headache condition.

Ice Packs, Hot Water Bottles and Massages

Ice packs and hot water bottles are a kind of immediate relief provider. All

you would need to do is apply one or the other to your head, neck and upper

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back to soothe the pain. The great thing about these treatments is that they

reduce stress and help relax the muscles in these regions.

Massages are another thing that you can try for the headaches. They are

some of the best and most effective therapies for any kind of body pain,

especially headaches. What a massage does is reduce muscle strain and

reduce stress levels. This way a person is able to relax. Even if the pain does

not diminish completely, it does reduce in intensity. You can also try hot oil

massages to see if they work for your headaches.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is said to be very effective for most kinds of headaches. You

can either see a specialist or try it at home. All that you will need to do is

take a sniff at some calming essential oils and feel them drain the headache

out of your system.

Herbs and Teas

There are many herbs that truly contain miraculous powers. The best part is

that they are very easy to use. All you will have to do is make some tea with

them and drink up. Some of the most effective herbs for headaches include

ginger, peppermint, cinnamon and betel leaves. Just make sure that you are

not allergic to any of the herbs before you decide to drink them.

Try all of these remedies to see what works for your kind of headache.

Remember, you will have to experiment a little to achieve best results.

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Some Last Thoughts

So this was all about headaches and how you can fight them. Please

understand that until and unless you are aware of the kind of pain you suffer

from, you will not be able to treat it. This is the reason that instead of

immediately popping a pill, you need to discover the root cause of the pain

so that you know what category of headache it falls into. Once that is

discovered, it becomes easy for the patient to realize what needs to be done

in order to eliminate the conditions that lead to the onset of the pain, and if

the pain starts, what methods to use to get rid of it.

Remember, precaution is better than cure. Do not let your body become

deteriorated by the use of chemically ridden medications. Instead, try to use

as many natural methods as you can to get rid of any kind of headache. This

will ensure that you live a life that is of the highest quality. Stay aware as

that is the only way to stay safe. Do not ignore your headache symptoms as

that only enhances the problem. The very best of luck and good health to

you!

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