About Migraines
Migraines are more than just bad headaches. They are a chronic and severe condition characterized by debilitating pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, visual disturbances, and a host of other neurological abnormalities. Sufferers of migraines usually begin experiencing symptoms either in childhood or early adulthood. A migraine episode typically lasts between 4 to 72 hours and the frequency of occurrence varies from several times a month to much less frequently depending on the individual. It is estimated that as many as 30 million Americans experience migraines, yet many people are unaware that they have the condition and others are frequently misdiagnosed.
Migraines and the Brain
It is widely recognized that migraines can cause extreme pain and immobilization in sufferers. Migraines have also been shown to cause lessened cognitive abilities in patients that experience repeated episodes. However, it may be surprising to learn that migraines can also cause brain damage.
Neuroscientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found evidence that migraines can cause adverse changes in the brain. In a 2007 study conducted on mice, the scientists used imaging technologies to witness the physiological effects of migraines on the brain. They found that migraines cause parts of the brain to be starved of oxygen and harmed in ways very similar to the damage incurred by a stroke. As the migraine unfolds, the brain tries to recover its chemical balance in an effort that uses immense amounts of energy. Arteries expand to supply the brain with the extra blood it needs. However, despite the increased blood flow, some areas of the brain still cannot get enough oxygen, and as a result the neurons die.
Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004), found an increased amount of brain lesions in migraine patients. These findings, as well as associated studies have led many professionals to classify migraines as a brain disorder.
Treatment and Prevention
There are two classes of drugs prescribed for migraines: pain-relieving and preventative. Some of the pain-relieving drugs include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), triptans, ergotamine, anti-nausea meds, butalbitol, and opiates. Triptans are considered the drug of choice for many people who suffer from severe migraines due to their ability to relieve the pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound that are often experienced.
Preventative drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in addition to increasing the effectiveness of some of the pain-relievers. Cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs, cyproheptadine and Botox type A are used as migraine preventative medications according to the Mayo Clinic.
Self-care measures such as regular exercise, muscle relaxation techniques, and adequate sleep can also help to ease migraine pain and prevent occurrences. Certain foods, smells and stressful conditions can trigger migraine episodes. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help prevent migraines.
The clinical implications of migraine studies have demonstrated the necessity for people who suffer from migraines to do all they can to prevent the headaches. Avoiding triggers and taking migraine medications can help prevent episodes and therefore the risk of brain damage and debilitating pain.
