Migraine Headaches

HH 382
By: Fei Zhao, Kacey Barberini,
Shelly Gumpert , RaeLea Olson, See
Xiong, and Wei Bing
What is a migraine?

 A migraine is now recognized as a chronic

illness, not simply as a headache.
 In general, there are four symptom phases to a
migraine (although they may not all occur in
every patient)
– The pro-drome phase
– Auras phase
– The attack phase
– The post-drome phase
 There are two types of migraine --- migraine with
aura and migraine without aura.
Causes
What causes a migraine is not completely understood and
can vary from person to person

 Certain types of foods such as MSG, caffeine, red wine and

chocolate
 Hormonal changes, especially for woman during the menstrual cycle
 Changes in the weather
 Muscular tension
 Bright or fluorescent lights or sunlight, loud noises strong odors
 Migraines can also be triggered by emotional factors, including not
only negative feelings like frustration, anxiety or depression, but also
by relaxation and positive feelings such as excitement.
 Changes in serotonin levels in the brain.
– Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, causes the blood vessels to become
more narrow (vasoconstriction) and may affect a person's sensitivity to
pain.
 About 80% of people with migraine headaches have a family history
of migraines, which suggests that migraines have a genetic basis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of migraine headaches could occur in various
combinations, and will vary from person to person

 The pain from a migraine can range anywhere from pounding or throbbing
pain it often begins as a dull ache and develops into a throbbing pain.
 The pain can often be worsened by physical activity
 The location of the migraine can be either in the front of the head, at the
temples, behind one eye or all over the head
 Other symptoms:
. sensitivity to light, noise, or odors
.nausea and vomiting, stomach upset
. loss of appetite
. sensation of being very warm or cold
. paleness
. fatigue
. dizziness
. blurred vision
. diarrhea
. fever (very rare)
Warning Signs
It is common to sense a migraine before it starts.

 Common warning signs include nausea, vomiting

and sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
 Often one may see an “aura” of flashing lights or
colors
 Tunnel vision is also possible
 The warning signs may last about 15 – 30
minutes and are followed by the pain of the
migraine itself
Treatment

 Doctor prescribed medications such as imitrex

have significantly helped many suffers
 The use of over the counter drugs such as
Excedrin migraine have also been helpful to
many
 Keeping a headache log book and learning what
triggers to avoid or look for prior to a migraine
 Using the triggers or warning signs as a form of
preventive medicine, catching the headache
before it starts could be the best form of
treatment
Alternative Treatments
 Acupuncture involves insertion and manipulation of fine needles at various,
prescribed body- pressure points.
 Biofeedback Biofeedback encompasses a range of relaxation therapies
designed to control the body's response to stress. Techniques include deep
breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization.
 Chiropractic methods employ a holistic approach to pain relief through
massage, spinal manipulation and periodic adjustment of joints and soft
tissue.
 Aromatherapy - Rosemary is generally held to be the best essential oil to
use, although aromatherapists also recommend peppermint and chamomile.
 Red Pepper- A report in environmental Nutrition showed it helps relieve the
pain of cluster headaches, extremely severe pain on one side of the head.
– Headache sufferers rubbed a red pepper mixture inside their nostrils and outside
their nose. 75% reported less pain and fewer headaches.
– Use – in food, season to taste. External use – mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of
warm vegetable oil and rub it into the affected area. Side affect – burning
sensation, but will subside within a week.
– Safety – red pepper should not be given to children under age 2.
Preventative Tips

Preventing Migraines comes from taking

charge with yourself and your lifestyle
Monitoring headache patterns, observing
dietary patterns, and working toward
lifestyle changes can be effective in
preventing migraines
 Undergoing Behavioral Treatments, such
as learning biofeedback
Preventative Tips cont.

 Possible foods to avoid  Lifestyle changes to

– Cheese consider
– Chocolate – Maintain regular sleep
– Eggs patterns
– Onions – Exercise regularly
– Mustard – Eat regular meals
– Red Wine – Reduce/Limit Stress
– Cultured or fermented – Avoid “known” triggers
foods (i.e. certain foods)
– Coffee or tea with caffeine – Establish daily routines
– Alcoholic Beverages that help reduce migraine
attacks
– Foods with additives such
as nitrites, MSG, or
aspartame
Preventative Tips cont.

 Behavioral Treatments  Monitoring Headaches

– Biofeedback therapy – a
technique where people
learn to gain control of
their body’s internal
functions
– Specifically learning to
sense changes in the
body’s activity, and using
relaxation and other
techniques to control the
body’s responses
– Use a headache diary
• Note triggers
• Track progress
• Frequency
• Severity
• Disability
• Identify patterns
Headache Assessment Quiz
1. Have moderate to severe pain? Never Rarely Usually Always

2. Have pulsating, pounding or throbbing pain? Never Rarely Usually Always

3. Have worse pain on one side of your head? Never Rarely Usually Always

4. Have worse pain when you move or bend over? Never Rarely Usually Always

5. Have nausea? Never Rarely Usually Always

6. Have sensitivity to or are bothered by light? Never Rarely Usually Always

7. Have sensitivity to or are bothered by sound? Never Rarely Usually Always

8. Need to limit or avoid daily activities? Never Rarely Usually Always

9. Want to lie down in a quiet, dark room? Never Rarely Usually Always

10. See visual disturbances, spots, or light flashes? Never Rarely Usually Always
Assessment Quiz cont.

 If you answered “usually” or “always” to 3 or

more questions, your headaches could actually be
migraines
 Of course one can never be sure unless speaking
to your standard doctor first

Source: www.imitrex.com
Websites sited

www.webmd.com
www.achenet.org/prevention/2.php
http://www.greatlakespaincenter
.com/migraine.htm