Migraine Mysteries Unveiled: From Causes to Cure
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intense headache accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. It affects approximately 12% of the global population, making it one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide.
Causes of Migraine:
The exact cause of migraine is not yet known, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine attack include:
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger a migraine attack.
Food and Drink: Some foods such as chocolate, cheese, and caffeine can trigger a migraine attack. Alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, can also trigger an attack.
Environmental Factors: Changes in weather conditions, loud noises, and bright lights can trigger a migraine attack.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger a migraine attack.
Genetics: A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of developing migraines.
The Biochemistry of Migraine:
Migraine is characterized by a series of events that occur in the brain, known as the migraine cascade. The cascade involves a complex interplay of several biochemical pathways, including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and ion channels.
Neurotransmitters: The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. During a migraine attack, the levels of 5-HT are reduced, leading to changes in blood vessel tone, inflammation, and pain. Triptans, a class of drugs used to treat migraines, work by binding to 5-HT receptors and increasing 5-HT levels, thereby reversing the cascade.
Neuropeptides: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has also been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. CGRP is released from trigeminal nerve fibers during a migraine attack, leading to vasodilation, inflammation, and pain. Monoclonal antibodies that target CGRP or its receptor have been developed as a new class of migraine treatments.
Ion Channels: Ion channels are proteins that allow the flow of ions in and out of cells. Two ion channels, the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) and the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, have been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. VGCCs play a key role in the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, while TRP channels are involved in pain and temperature sensation. Drugs that target VGCCs and TRP channels are being investigated as potential migraine treatments.
Medications for Migraine:
There are several medications available to treat migraine, and they work in different ways. The choice of medication depends on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.
Acute medications: These are medications taken at the onset of a migraine attack to relieve pain and other symptoms. Examples of acute medications include triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. A new form of medication named (ZAVZPRET nasal spray, CGRP receptor antagonist) by Pfizer has just received FDA approval.
Preventive medications: These are medications taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Examples of preventive medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antidepressants.
Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections can be used to prevent chronic migraines in people who have not responded to other treatments.
Relief from Migraine:
There are several non-medical ways to relieve the symptoms of migraine. These include:
Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and relieve the symptoms of migraine.
Ice packs: Placing an ice pack on the head can help to reduce the pain and discomfort of a migraine attack.
Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain foods and drinks, environmental factors, and stress can help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Functional medicine: Holistic mind-body health techniques have not only been shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of migraine attacks but also frequency of such attacks. Call us for a detailed conversation with our intake professionals and book an appointment with our holistic mind-body Functional Medicine experts.
Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help to prevent migraine attacks.
Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While the exact cause of migraine is not yet known, there are several factors that can trigger a migraine attack. Medications, relaxation techniques, ice packs, and avoiding triggers are some of the ways to relieve the symptoms of migraine. If you suffer from frequent or severe migraine attacks, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with migraines, substance abuse, addiction, self-harming tendencies, suicidal behavior, chronic mental illness like depression, anxiety, delusional episodes, etc., neurological diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, brain trauma, cognitive deficiency, or undergoing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 or The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services which can greatly help you with holistic mind-body healing.
References:
Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., & Diamond, M. (2007). Migraine: epidemiology, impact, and risk factors for progression. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 47(1), 7-15.
Dodick, D. W. (2018). A review of migraine triggers: potential pitfalls for clinical practice. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(2), 338-348.
Marmura, M. J., & Silberstein, S. D. (2015). Complementary and alternative treatment for migraine. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 21(4), 1018-1031.
Goadsby, P. J., Holland, P. R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C., & Akerman, S. (2017). Pathophysiology of migraine: a disorder of sensory processing. Physiological Reviews, 97(2), 553-622.
Edvinsson, L. (2019). The trigeminovascular pathway: role of CGRP and CGRP receptors in migraine. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 59(S2), 25-43.
Giniatullin, R., & Nistri, A. (2018). Desensitization of TRPV1 channels by capsaicin in sensory neurons requires a key extracellular cysteine residue. Pain, 159(9), 1815-1824.
Tfelt-Hansen, P., & Olesen, J. (2019). Possible targets and future pharmacological treatment of migraine.
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