Migraines are a debilitating condition that affect approximately 11 out of 100 people. Women are affected more often than men, and most people get their first migraine attack between the ages of 10 and 46. They tend to run in families. Migraine attacks can be a chronic problem and are a risk factor for stroke.
Migraine Symptoms
A migraine differs from a normal headache in intensity as well as symptoms. A common headache will respond to simple over-the-counter pain relievers. A migraine is more intense, often worse on one side of the head and includes sensitivities to light and sound. It may cause nausea or vomiting. Some migraine sufferers experience visual disturbances such as flashing lights or floating lines just before a migraine.
Causes of Migraine
There are many causes of migraines. Some women experience migraines during hormonal changes due to their menstrual cycle. Other people have food sensitivities to ingredients such as MSG that can trigger migraines. Anxiety, stress, lack of sleep and low blood sugar can all trigger a migraine. There are so many potential triggers for migraines that they can be difficult to prevent and treat.
Conventional Treatments
Migraine treatments fall into three categories: those that reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, those that reduce the severity of a migraine, and those that treat specific symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription painkillers and anti-nausea drugs are used to reduce the severity of an attack and to treat symptoms once a migraine has started.
If you have frequent migraines, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants, beta blockers, seizure medications or serotonin inhibitors depending upon the suspected causes and type of migraines you experience.
Is Vitamin E an Effective Treatment for Migraine?
Vitamin E may significantly reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks when taken in combination with conventional medications, according to a preliminary study published by Dr. Sirichai Chayasirisobhon in the May 2006 issue of Headache. During the study, 12 patients with a long-term history of migraines that did not respond to several conventional treatments were given an antioxidant combination of vitamin E, pine bark extract and vitamin C. Participants reported a reduction in the number of migraine attacks from 44 to 26 over a three-month period. They also reported that their migraines were less severe. Before the study, the average severity of participants' migraines was 7.5 out of 10. When evaluated after the three-month study, participants rated their migraines at 5.5 out of 10.
Warning
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may protect your cells against free radicals. It also assists in immune function. If your doctor has prescribed a blood pressure medication to prevent migraine attacks, be sure to discuss vitamin E with her before you begin taking it. Vitamin E can cause serious complications when taken with blood thinners.
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