Migraine Headaches Explained

Migraine Headaches Explained

by Bette L. Hall CMA, NHC

Migraine headache has the longest history of not being understood and there are more women who suffer from this disorder than men. Boys and girls are affected equally until they reach puberty and the migraine incidence increases in girls. Young women are three times as likely to have a migraine than men. 1

The suffering from migraine headaches can be traced back 9000 years during a time when the treatment was trepanation–the practice of drilling a hole in the skull to relieve pressure on the brain.

By the time the new millennium came around, the controversy was whether or not a migraine is vascular or neurological and there is no data to discredit either theory. And so…the neurovascular hypothesis was born. 2

Now it is known that migraine headaches are a “complicated complex issue involving hormonal balance, neurochemicals, and metabolic integrity,” according to Dr. Dzugan.3 The new hypothesis is the Neurohormonal and Metabolic Dysbalance conclusion.

From May 2001 until May 2004 a scientific study was conducted on 23 patients who had tried without success to prevent or treat migraine by the use of various medications for anywhere from 2 to 36 years. The 21 women and 2 men ranged in age from 29 to 66. 100% of these patients had the concurrent illness of fatigue and 95.7% suffered from depression. 3

The treatment consisted of four entertwined components that cannot be separated.

Hormone Restoration which consisted of pregnenolone, DHEA, triestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Correction of the ratio between calcium and magnesium.

Resetting the pineal gland by use of melatonin.

The use of probiotics to restore normal intestinal flora.

All of the patients responded to migraine management during the study–100% success rate. Ultimately the concurrent illness of fatigue, insomnia, and depression were resolved. There were no complications or side effects and their quality of life was remarkably improved. 3

According to the Life Extension Foundation, drugs rsed to treat Migraine:

• Anti-nausea drugs
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Anti-inflammatories
• Ergot
• Steroids
• Tranquilizers
• Narcotic Pain Relievers
• Serotonin Promoters

According to the Life Extension Foundation, drugs used to prevent migraine:

• Beta-Blockers
• Calcium Channel Blockers
• Antidepressants
• Serotonin Blockers
• Anticonvulsants

There is hope in sight. Don’t let your migraines go untreated. You don’t have to suffer from the debilitating pain anymore. Contact your primary care physician and discuss your options. Also, lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Many people find relief from exercising and by giving up cigarettes. Get a good nights sleep and try some stress reduction techniques.

Reference:
1. MayoClinic.com Tools for Healthier Lives. “Migraine Headache.”

2. Current Vascular Pharmacology, 2003, Pgs. 1, 71-84 71 “Migraine: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Treatment and Future Trends” Carlos M. Villalón*, David Centurión, Luis Felipe Valdivia, Peter de Vries1 and Pramod R. Saxena1

3. Life Extension Magazine: The Ultimate Source for New Health and Medical Findings September 2004. “An Innovative New Treatment for Migraine” By Dr. Sergey A. Dzugan Pgs 65-73