Migraines are debilitating and have an enormous impact of the United States health care system. The American Journal of Managed Care indicates that migraines account for approximately three million emergency room visits a year. Medications, hospital visits, primary physician care, laboratory and diagnostic services add up to approximately $17 billion annually. One of the primary preventative treatments for migraines is beta-blocker medication.
Identification
Predrome, auras, headache and prodrome are the primary phases of a migraine. The symptoms experienced vary by person and specific type of migraine. The predrome describes the beginning of symptoms that often involves extreme sensitivity to light, noise or smell. Auras are visual manifestations that may involve color distortions, zigzag lines, blurry vision or blindness. The headache phase may be silent or involve intense head pain. The prodrome describes the recovery period that may include a sense of nausea or vomiting. Given that sleep is the most effective abortive migraine treatment, the prodrome may include a period of fatigue.
Migraines Types
Migraines with and without aura are the two primary types of migraine listed by the National Headache Foundation. The secondary migraine subtypes are identified by the main symptom of the migraine. For example, ophthalmoplegic migraines consist of extreme eye pain that may last a few minutes to several months, and hemiplegic migraineurs experience partial paralysis usually localized to one side of the body. Migraines without head pain are termed silent migraines. Retinal, abdominal and basilar artery migraines describe the localization of blood vessel spasms that produce migraines.
Beta-Blockers
The Mayo Clinic indicates that beta-blockers modulate nerve impulse response to the epinephrine hormone. Inhibiting epinephrine forces the heart to beat less forcefully and slower. This lowers overall blood pressure, opens blood vessels and improves blood flow throughout the body. The overall impact of beta-blockers is to reduce the heart's need for oxygen and blood.
Benefits
The Mayo Clinic and National Migraine Association indicate that beta-blockers are a highly effective treatment for migraine prevention with several other positive effects. Beta-blockers lower blood pressure. In patients who have had a heart attack, beta-blockers minimize chest pain and prevent future heart attacks by regulating the heart beat. Occasionally, beta-blockers are used to treat tremor disorders.
Side Effects
The National Migraine Association lists several possible side effects that require medical attention. Difficulty breathing, depression, confusion and dizziness are common side effects. Rare side effects may include an irregular heartbeat and joint swelling. These rare side effects are more likely in the case of overuse or overdose.
