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If millions of people suffer from migraine headaches, then why is migraine awareness so low?  Below are answers to popular migraine questions, including the difference between tension headaches and migraines, what is a migraine with aura, and how to treat migraine symptoms without painkillers.

1. What’s the difference between tension headaches and migraines?

Tension headaches are caused by muscular strain, and while they can be painful, they are rarely disabling.  Migraine headaches happen when the blood vessels in the head constrict and dilate, causing throbbing pain on one side of the head.  Migraine headaches are excruciating- severe migraine attacks may require days of recuperation.

Unlike tension headaches, migraine attacks may cause other symptoms such as nausea, uncontrolled vomiting, sensitivity to lights, sounds, and scents, faintness, and visual or olfactory hallucinations.

2. What is a migraine with aura?

There are many types of migraines, but most divide into two categories- migraines that occur following an “aura,” and migraines that do not, an aura being a fifteen-minute warning before the onset of a migraine attack.  Auras consist of visual disturbances like bright, flashing lights, blind spots, and distorted spatial awareness, in addition to phantom burning smells and stroke-like symptoms like garbled speech, partial paralysis, and loss of consciousness.

Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?

3. What kind of migraine am I having?

Depending on your symptoms and the location of head pain, you may be experiencing any one of a number of migraine headaches types.

• If you experience pain behind one eye that spreads to the rest of your head, causing temporary loss of vision in that eye, you may be having a retinal migraine.
• If you experience sharp pain behind one eye in addition to numbness, droopiness, and blurred vision, you may be having an ophthalmoplegic migraine.
• If you experience dizziness and pain in the back of the head, you may be having a basilar artery migraine.
• If you experience severe migraine symptoms that don’t go away on their own, you may be having a rare type of migraine called a status migrainosus.
• If you experience muscular weakness and partial paralysis, you may be having a hemiplegic migraine.

Basilar Migraines: Do You Have These Symptoms?

4. What is the difference between cluster headaches and migraines?

Cluster headaches are not in the same category as migraines, but they are equally (in not more) painful.  Cluster headaches occur in “cluster periods,” or cycles, which may last for weeks or months. Cluster headaches begin with burning pain on one side of the head, in the temple region, and quickly spread towards the eye area. Other symptoms are sudden nasal discharge and eye droopiness.

5. At what age is it possible to start having migraines?

People can have migraines at any age- As many as 20% of all migraine patients say they experienced their first migraine before the age of ten, and 50% started having migraines before their 20th birthday.

While childhood headaches are very common, most are not migraine headaches; only about 5% of children experience migraines before the age of 15. The majority of childhood headaches include tension headaches from stress, or sinus headaches from viruses, infections, or cold symptoms.

6. Why do some people get migraines, while others do not?

Migraine sufferers number in the millions, and most of them are women.  Some people get migraines every now and then, some are plagued with weekly- or daily- migraines, and then there are many people who are lucky enough never to experience the excruciating misery that is a migraine attack.

What makes up the sliding scale of migraine severity? In a word, triggers.  Migraine triggers are factors that increase your likeliness of having a migraine.  Some people have only a few migraine triggers, such as foods that give them headaches. To prevent migraines, all they need to do is refrain from eating certain foods, like chocolate or soy sauce.

For many others, migraine triggers are either a complete mystery, decipherable only by an adept headache specialist, or something completely unavoidable, like the weather…or hormones.  As a rule of thumb, the more migraine triggers you have, the more likely you are to suffer ongoing migraine attacks.  The key is to abolish migraine triggers whenever possible, and learn how to cope with the ones that won’t go away.

Manage Migraines in 10 Steps- Put the Ho-Ho back in your Holidays

7. Why do I get migraines very late in the night or early in the morning?

If you wake up first thing in the morning to an astonishingly painful headache, then you could be suffering from hypnic headaches, which last about one hour and often occur because of a bad dream or “night terror.” Similarly, exploding head syndrome, also called “hypnic jerks,” are night terrors that wake you up in the middle of the night, creating the sensation of falling, weird gunshot sounds, involuntary twitches, and brief auras.

8. How can I ease my headaches and migraines without painkillers?

If you’re trying to wean off prescription painkillers, then you’re in luck.  Many healthy alternative therapies and lifestyle changes have helped migraine sufferers reduce their migraine symptoms naturally, effectively, and safely. Here are a few:

• Restrictive diet- by following a diet geared towards eliminating food triggers, you can easily prevent a significant amount of migraine attacks from occurring.  Some have found unexpected relief by switching to a gluten-free diet. By using a migraine diary, you can determine which foods to avoid, in addition to keeping track of your eating habits and any other migraine influences.
• Light exercise- if physical exertion is not a migraine trigger, then you may benefit from a wide variety of exercises that also incorporate meditation and gentle stretches for total peace of mind. Experiment with various types of yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, Pilates, or an indoor Wii program.
• Alternative therapies include acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology, biofeedback, aromatherapy, oxygen therapy, and chiropractic care.
• Herbs and nutrients for migraines are also effective for neurological health that is conducive to migraine management.

9. What are some natural ingredients for migraines?

Numerous double-blind clinical studies have proven that natural ingredients are effective at achieving optimum neurological health and maintaining a healthy response to inflammation.

The most effective natural ingredients include herbs and dietary supplements, starting with butterbur supplements, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and riboflavin (B2).  Other good herbs, roots, and flowers include chamomile, ginger, feverfew, peppermint, and rosemary.

10. When should I go to the doctor about my migraines?

Typical migraines are not harmful or life threatening, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with certain headache symptoms that may indicate a need for immediate emergency care.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call 911 immediately:

• “Thunderclap” headaches, explosive head pain that appears and vanishes quickly, could indicate stroke.
• Any kind of new and unusual headache pattern, particularly if accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, or nausea, requires immediate attention.
• A headache that builds up slowly over weeks could signify a brain tumor.
• Any sudden, excruciating headache that follows physical exercise requires immediate attention.
• Headache accompanied by stiff neck pain should be looked at right away.
• Symptoms including long-lasting headache, fever, and vision problems require immediate attention.

Read more about migraine headache symptoms:

To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care

How long will my Migraine Headache Last? A Migraine Symptom Chart

Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 1

Sources:

Could Your Headache Be a Migraine? – Learn the difference between the two on MedicineNet.com

Headaches in Children and Adolescents on MedicineNet.com

Migraine Headache- Care Guide

Image credits, from top:

Stuart Miles, nuttakit, Arvind Balaraman, Master isolated images, Suat Eman, Danilo Rizzuti

It occurred to me that migraines are as much a part of your life as certain family members that always manage to give you a headache without even trying.  There’s one in every family.  No use pretending they don’t exist.  They’re as real as the migraine headache that is sure to attack next time the weather changes.

Like the arrival of a rude uncle, whenever migraines attack you put on a brave face.  “Sure, come on in,” you say, cracking into a grin.  All the time thinking, How long will you stay this time…?  He spins around, and demands a hug.  You grudgingly agree, and the whiff of his musky aftershave triggers a migraine the size of Texas.

You must come more often…

You make a show of not being disturbed by the first migraine symptoms– dull throbbing pain on one side of your head, stiff neck, while your uncle slaps you hard on the back and hollers an off-colored joke in your ear, waiting for your reaction.  “Good one, uncle!” You think you might vomit.

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

It seems that you’re the only one who suffers migraines.  Nobody else seems bothered by the uninvited guest.  Nobody notices the agony that you hope is etched onto your face.  You try to excuse yourself, nonchalantly, smiling weakly and saying that you feel the beginnings of a severe migraine attack. “Can we get together another day?” you ask, thinking perhaps sometime next century…  But your uncle bellows, “What’s the matter-got a headache?  You don’t look sick!”

Is it just me…?

The migraine lingers, and so does your uncle.  As he sinks deeper into your couch cushions, flicking on the television, your migraine headache also seems to have taken up permanent residency in your brain.  The throbbing intensifies, flashes of light cause blinding pain behind your eyes, and the sound of laughter nearby echoes painfully inside your head.  Your stomach sinks with nausea.  No, he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. And neither is your migraine.

You can do this.

The phone rings.  You try to have a normal conversation, but your uncle-migraine screams in the background, making it impossible to concentrate.  You grow irritable, and you hardly recognize your own voice as you cut the phone call short and hang up. You will have to apologize later for your rudeness, but now is not the time to dwell on that.  Uncle Migraine wants to talk about migraine remedies…

You didn’t just say that.

“You know,” he says, “you should really smile more.  That’s why you’re so unhappy- you don’t smile enough.”

“When are you going to have another child?  That’s the best cure for migraines- pregnancy.” (This, from your uncle.)

“If you lost weight, your headaches would go away.”

“Did I ever tell you that I used to get migraines, too?  I stopped eating tomatoes, and that did it for me. You don’t eat tomatoes, do you?”

“It could be a brain tumor, you know. Or meningitis.  Better get that checked out.”

35 Things you should never tell a Chronic Migraine Sufferer

Migraine, migraine, go away, come again…never.

At long last, your migraine makes the first signs of diminishing, slowly relaxing its death grip on your skull, while your uncle stretches and excuses himself to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he reappears, makes a few more jabbing comments, and saunters haltingly to the door. You will him to leave, silently sending him thought rays, Please, please, please…

Not without another hug!  This time, bone crushing, the thick musk smothers you again. You can barely breathe.  Migraines go away, but their aftereffects linger like the trail of bad cologne.

Time to recuperate.

Turn off the lights, close the blinds, lie down on your bed, and most importantly, unplug the phone. (You wouldn’t put it past uncle to call you right now from his smartphone, thwarting your chances of recovery.)  Empty your mind, close your eyes, put the whole experience behind you, and suffer quietly as your headache slowly ebbs away.  You are back.

Until we meet again, uncle…but not if I see you first.

Read more about migraines:

The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks

Helping Others Understand Migraines- 8 Communication Tips

Image credits: Michal Marcol, Ambro

Does weight gain exacerbate migraines, or is it possible that migraine headache symptoms like depression cause so many migraine sufferers to pack on the extra pounds? You be the judge…

Scientists find correlation between migraines and weight gain

It’s confirmed- Current scientific research proves that migraine sufferers who are also obese experience more migraine attacks than migraine patients who are not overweight. Information collected from a National Health and Nutrition Examination survey suggests that men and women between the ages of 20 and 55 who have “muffin tops” (abdominal fat) suffer more severe symptoms of migraine disorder than other migraine patients within the same age group who were deemed physically fit.  Scientists are quick to point out that among the 55 and over crowd, weight gain and migraines share no correlation.

This echoes a previous study confirming that overweight migraine patients who opt for bariatric surgery experience reduced symptoms of migraines, in addition to weight loss.

Who’s to say that migraines don’t cause weight gain?

Here is a hypothesis that begs further investigation- isn’t it possible that people who experience chronic headaches and migraine attacks are also more likely to gain weight?

• Depression is one of the most devastating comorbidities of migraine illness; the amount of agony inflicted by a migraine attack is indescribable, and after years of torment, many migraine sufferers find their whimpers, sighs, and groans falling on deaf ears.  When asked how migraines affect their overall quality of life, many migraine patients say they feel depressed, hopeless, angry, anxious, lost, and a profound sense of despair.  Untreated, chronic depression may lead to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and food addiction.
• Migraine sufferers have stomach problems- lots of them.  Non-migraineurs don’t realize that migraine symptoms exceed throbbing head pain and sharp pain in the eyes.  Gastrointestinal disorder is another common side effect of migraine illness, causing symptoms like nausea, stomach cramping, uncontrolled vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.  When your digestive system is unstable, so is your weight.
• When it comes to dieting, avoiding migraine triggers is key- calories don’t even enter into the equation.  This means that a migraine sufferer’s diet is based on which foods will and won’t trigger migraines.  For many, that means avoiding high caloric foods like chocolate, cheese, and bread.  For others, it could mean avoiding vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, eggplant, red plums, and onions.

Read more about migraine headache symptoms:

Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Migraine Headaches and Dizziness- Stop the Ride, I want to get off!

Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?

Sources:

Preventing Migraines Without Weight Gain

Migraine sufferers may need to trim their waists- Booster Shots- Los Angeles Times

Image:

Michelle Meiklejohn

You’ve heard of oxygen therapy to get rid of headaches, but have you tried hydrotherapy?  Soaking in a hot bath is one of the best home remedies for headaches, including agonizing migraine headaches. How can something as simple as a tub of hot water possibly cure chronic headaches?  In many ways, a therapeutic bath is the ultimate natural migraine headache treatment.

Let us count the ways that a warm bubble bath can get rid of headaches and cures migraine symptoms…

#1: You are getting very sleepy…

If you struggle with insomnia, try taking a dip in a hot tub before bedtime.  Don’t have access to a Jacuzzi?  Fill up your bathtub with hot water- not too hot.  (For some, excessively hot baths or showers actually trigger migraines.)  The National Sleep Foundation affirms that soaking in warm water before going to sleep induces feelings of drowsiness and promotes deep sleep.

#2: Meditate on this.

Learning how to relax is essential for relieving migraines.  You might not have time to meditate each morning before breakfast, but you certainly have time while dozing in the tub! Put on a relaxation CD, light some candles- it’s easy to practice deep breathing in the tub, because the water amplifies the volume; laying back, listen to your lungs filling up with air, note the stillness as you hold your breath, and then focus on the sound of your lungs gently exhaling.

#3: Who’s tense?

Often, tension headaches trigger migraine headaches.  Stress causes your muscles to contract; without relief, your muscles remain contracted, causing neck pain, shoulder pain, facial pain, and often, migraines.  Soaking in a hot bath is an excellent way to provide relief to tense, sore muscles and prevent migraines at the same time.  For even greater natural migraine relief, rub a deep heat ointment on your neck and shoulders, thirty minutes after getting out of the bath, after your pores have closed.

#4: Say bye-bye to the blues.

Depression is a detrimental side effect of migraine disorder- a disproportionately large number of migraine sufferers also experience severe feelings of sadness, isolation, and despair.  According to a Yale study, physical warmth from a hot bath often translates into feelings of warmth, comfort, and contentment.

#5:  Catch the scent-sation!

Assuming that scents are not one of your migraine triggers, bath time provides an excellent opportunity to benefit from aromatherapy.  Sprinkle a few drops of healing essential oils into your running bath for the ultimate in spa getaways… without even leaving your home.  Not sure which oils to try?  Here is a list of oils and their therapeutic properties:

• Anise oil- for respiratory health, muscle pain following exercise, and positive mind and mood
• Basil oil- for respiratory health, muscle pain following exercise, improved stamina, and cognitive functioning
• Bergamot oil- Soothes stress and tension, and lifts the mood
• Eucalyptus oil- soothes bronchitis, suppresses coughing, relieves “brain fog” and improves concentration
• Ginger oil- soothes muscular pain following exercise, maintains healthy circulation, and relieves sour stomach
• Lavender oil- soothes stress and tension and improves your mood
• Peppermint oil- relieves sour stomach, occasional indigestion, stress, tension, and absentmindedness
• Rosewood oil- relieves stress and tension, promotes positive mind and mood

#6: Drain that pain away!

Sinus headaches are another trigger for migraines.  Congestion in the nasal cavities causes sinus pressure, which in turn causes head pain by your temples, nose, forehead, and cheeks, ear fullness, and sore throat.  Untreated, it can lead to a sinus infection.  The most efficient way to relieve sinus headaches is with constant moisture- drinking plenty of fluids, using nose drops, gargling saltwater, and taking a steamy bath.

#7:  Itching for a migraine cure?

If psoriasis is one of your migraine symptoms, then you’re in luck.  A bounty of skin-softening bath treatments are available that treat flaky irritation, redness, itchiness, and skin sensitivity- colloidal oatmeal, sesame oil, Dead Sea salts, and yogurt are all effective natural remedies for migraineur’s skin rash.

#8:  I’m all flushed!

Speaking of bath salts, make sure you stock some Epsom salts in your medicine cabinet.  The sulfates in Epsom salts flush toxins and other harmful elements from your body, thus relieving muscular pain and migraine headaches.  Add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath water and soak for at least ten minutes.

Read more about natural migraine treatments:

6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms

Sources:

The Substitutability of Physical and Social Warmth in Daily Life

Healthy Sleep Tips- National Sleep Foundation – Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Essential oils Listed with Healing Properties – Pure Inside Out

Epsom Salt Uses & Benefits

Image credits, from top:

jdurham, mconnors, winnond, starblue, kahle, dave

Millions of individuals suffer from migraine headaches; it’s no wonder that more people are turning to natural vitamins and herbs for migraine management.  Natural headache ingredients provide headache sufferers with neurological health benefits.

Some of the most popular natural migraine nutrients include magnesium, vitamin b2, butterbur, coenzyme Q10.

Magnesium

Magnesium occurs naturally in many nuts, leafy green vegetables, spices, and seeds.

Scientists have found a high correlation between migraines, particularly menstrual migraines, and magnesium deficiency. In one study, migraine sufferers who took magnesium supplements experienced significantly positive results, compared with the placebo group.  Magnesium supplements are beneficial for women who suffer from severe PMS symptoms.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that provides antioxidant protection, and that helps your body produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy source that aids in muscular strength and protein production.  CoQ10 occurs naturally in meat and fish, but a much stronger dose in the form of a supplement is required for migraine treatment.

Scientific studies on the effect of coenzyme Q10 on migraine symptoms found a positive results among 61.3% of participants who suffered from migraine with aura.  Among the placebo group, only 14% experienced similar reactions.

CoQ10 supplements are a safe, effective nutrient for children who suffer from migraines, as well.

Butterbur

Butterbur is a natural herb that has been used for centuries to improve the body’s response to inflammation, promote overall health, and maintain normal nerve functioning.

Butterbur supplements have also gained popularity in recent years as a safe, gentle nutrient for migraine headaches and for regulating proper joint functioning.  Scientists believe that butterbur helps to maintain an already healthy  blood pressure level and also aids in calcium absorption.  Not all butterbur supplements are safe, though- some contain cancerous chemicals called Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PA’s).  Before taking butterbur, determine that your supplements are PA-free.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin is a B vitamin that occurs in protein products like meat, eggs, and milk, in addition to nuts, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables. Riboflavin is a safe, low cost nutrient for migraines.  Studies found significant results among migraine patients who take 400 mg. of riboflavin supplements per day.  Among a placebo group, only 15% experienced improved health.

Migraine Nausea and Vomiting- 10 Natural Home Remedies

Read more about natural migraine treatments:

6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms

Sources:

Supplements and Herbs for Migraine – The Evidence- The Migraine Trust

Migraine headache

Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial- PubMed NCBI

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) for migraine headaches

Image credits, from top:

aSIMULAtor, : nany mata., AdamKR

Does thinking about the holidays cause headaches?  Learn how to manage your migraines… eat migraine-friendly party foods…reduce stress…determine your seasonal migraine triggers…and have the holiday you deserve!

There’s nothing merry about migraines.

Let’s face it- most of us get a bit stressed out as the holiday season approaches.  Even if you don’t suffer from migraine headaches, you’re liable to get the occasional tension headache. Family stress, work deadlines, pricey gift tags, and the constant influx of party food and alcohol all add up to one big migraine attack.

Don’t let the Migraine Monster turn you into a Grinch!  Here are some excellent tips for coping with stress and finding headache relief…

Watch out!  Here come the triggers…

What are the classic holiday comfort foods?  Hot cocoa, nut-crusted cheese balls, wine spritzers, ginger spiced cappuccinos, gifted dried salami, ageless fruitcake, chocolate-coated EVERYTHING, and Buffet Casserole Surprise.

These are all trigger foods for some unsuspecting migraineur.

Tip #1- Question the cook, or bring your own goods to the party!

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

Don’t be the life of the party!

You’re going to be in many situations during the next few months in which you will be offered numerous alcoholic drinks, at either work parties, family parties, or New Year’s Day parties.

Tip #2- Avoid hangover headaches by knowing your alcohol limit!

Rest up.

Don’t go to late-night parties, and don’t be ashamed to excuse yourself early if you feel tired.  Disturbing your regular sleep pattern is your ticket to migraines.  Avoid sleeping late, even when you have the day off, and resist the temptation to take a cozy winter afternoon nap.

Tip #3- Sleep regular hours to avoid headache symptoms!

Are Sleep Seizures, Exploding Head Noises Causing Insomnia?

Practice mindfulness…

When you can’t remove yourself from a stressful situation, you need to learn how to cope.  Learn how to recognize certain cues as your body’s natural reaction to stress- heart palpitations, tension headache, profuse sweating, and anxious thoughts.  Accept that stress and anxiety come and go, and that you have the ability to control your response, and thus prevent stress-related migraine headaches.

Tip #4- Understand that migraines don’t own you!

Top 20 Simple Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Migraines

Keep moving!

Assuming that physical exertion is not one of your migraine triggers, try to include exercise in your daily schedule- even if it means avoiding the elevator, parking on the other side of the parking lot, or walking to work.  Exercise reduces stress, burns calories, increases circulation, and promotes good feelings.

Tip #5- Stay active!

8 Ways to Avoid Exercise Headaches after Working Out

Slow down…

Ignore the collective holiday frenzy.  You don’t have to make it to the mall before it closes- it will open again tomorrow. Guaranteed.  And if you get stuck in traffic, use the opportunity to practice relaxation techniques, collect your thoughts, clean out your purse (with one hand!), or just listen to the radio.

Tip #6- Take it easy!

Get real!

Many of us have unrealistic expectations when it comes to the holiday season.  We’re so worried about keeping up with the Jones’ holiday parties, and finding our place in the Have’s and Have-not’s, that we often forget to appreciate the circle of friends and family that we already have.  No wonder you have headaches!

Tip #7- Find some holiday truth!

5 Simple Ways to Build a Migraine Support System of Friends

Recognize the symptoms of depression.

This is probably the hardest part of the holiday season for migraine sufferers- it’s the Depression Double Whammy!  Migraine patients are naturally prone to depression and anxiety.  Add to that seasonal depression that affects migraineurs and non-migraineurs alike, and you have a prescription for disaster.  Studies prove that depression worsens chronic headaches, causing a vicious circle.

Tip #8- Conquer depression: stay connected to friends, seek help, find out if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and if necessary, inquire about taking antidepressants.

7 Websites that will Change your Life and Make you Happier

Chalk it up to the weather!

Weather changes are a common migraine triggers for many headache sufferers- shifting barometric pressure, temperature ups and downs, and humidity cause constant seasonal headaches.

Tip #9- You can’t avoid the weather, but you can prepare for it!

Don’t get sniffly!

Flu bugs, head congestion, fever, watery eyes, sore throat, and sinus headaches are all unfortunate realities of the holiday season.  Find out if natural migraine remedies can help alleviate some of your cold symptoms as well.  Take extra vitamin C.  Gargle salt water often.  Use saline eye drops. Ask your headache doctor if antihistamines are safe for you to have on your current migraine management plan.

Tip #10- Nurse yourself well!

Read more about migraine prevention:

Can Anxiety Attacks cause Migraines?

De-Clutter your Home, De-Clutter your Mind for Stress Relief

Sources:

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

6 Mindful Ways to Minimize Holiday Stress

New survey highlights holiday misery for migraineurs

How to Avoid Holiday-Induced Migraines

Image credits, from top:

Idea go, photostock, Ron Bird

As if migraine headaches weren’t bad enough…here come headaches and dizziness to spoil your day!  Migraine vertigo can be part of your migraine symptoms, or it can signify a comorbid vestibular disorder.

What is Migraine associated vertigo (MAV)?

Migraine attacks include a wide range of symptoms, including extreme dizziness.  A significant percentage of migraine sufferers also experience vestibular migraines– migraine headaches that come with symptoms of vertigo.

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

What are the symptoms of migraine associated vertigo?

It is important to use descript terms when explaining vertigo symptoms to your doctor or headache specialist, so that he will be able to differentiate between true vertigo, which is a vestibular disorder, and other conditions common with migraineurs, such as anxiety or Meniere’s disease.

Migraine patients usually describe vertigo symptoms as:

• Severe dizziness
• Rocking or spinning sensations
• Light-headedness
• Wooziness
• Imbalance
• Fatigue
• Feebleness
• Unsteadiness
• Motion sensitivity
• Feeling of ear fullness
• Tinnitus, or ringing inside the ear
• Muted hearing

Ménière’s disease and MAV

There is a high correlation between migraine illness and Meniere’s disease, as stated in this Japanese study on migraine-associated vertigo and Meniere’s disease released by PubMed.  The main difference is duration- migraine vertigo symptoms can linger for hours, day, or even years, where vertigo associated with Meniere’s disease generally lasts for 24 hours, and no longer.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, and usually the cause of vestibular migraines.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Small strokes, or transient ischemic attacks, are another cause of vertigo that your doctor will be able to diagnose with testing.

Motion sickness

It is worth noting that migraine patients are extremely prone to motion sickness while traveling, which is another common cause of light-headedness, headaches and dizziness.

Fluid leaks in ear

Sometimes, vertigo and tinnitus symptoms indicate leaking fluid in your inner ear.

Anxiety attacks and depression

If you suffer from chronic migraines, then you might also experience feelings of anxiety, nervousness, depression, or panic.  Vertigo is one of many symptoms of an anxiety attack, with others being breathlessness, sweating, uncontrolled thoughts, paranoia, and heart palpitations. People who suffer from depression often experience panic disorder as well.

Treatments for migraine headache and dizziness

If headaches and dizziness are chronic, then your neurologist or other headache specialist might prescribe a migraine treatment such as Topamax, antidepressants, or beta-blockers.  Alternatively, natural therapies and ingredients for migraines that help include:

• Exercise, including yoga, Tai Chi, and low-impact aerobics
• Migraine prevention by diagnosing migraine triggers
• Stress management, including guided meditation, biofeedback, and deep breathing
• Herbs and vitamins designed for natural migraine management, such as butterbur, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium for migraines.

Read more about migraine symptoms:

Why do Migraines cause Nausea and Vomiting?

Sources:

Does migraine-associated vertigo share a common pathophysiology with Meniere’s disease? Study with vestibular-evoked myogenic potential- PubMed- NCBI

Epidemiology of vertigo, migraine and vestibular migraine

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo- Mayo Clinic

Ménière’s Disease [NIDCD Health Information]

Image credits, from top:

Mykl Roventine, AlicePopkorn, Renee Silverman

If you suffer from headaches everyday, then you need to see a doctor for migraines immediately- you might be having migraine attacks, or another form of chronic headaches, like cluster headaches or rebound headaches.  If you’ve already seen a primary physician and are not happy with the results, it might be time to find a neurologist for migraine headaches.

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a physician who specializes in disorders of the brain, particularly the nervous system.  A competent neurologist treats patients who suffer from a wide range of conditions, including dementia, epilepsy, brain tumors, amnesia, and migraine disorder.

What are the advantages to seeing a neurologist for migraines?

For many migraine sufferers, visiting a neurologist that specializes in chronic headaches is an effective way to stay on top of their migraine symptoms and find out about new advances in migraine treatments.

• By limiting his practice to the treatment of migraines, your neurologist has an in depth understanding of the neurological factors involved in migraine illness.
• A migraine neurologist has the most up-to-date news in migraine treatments, coping mechanisms, and other resources.
• Your neurologist is better able to diagnose migraine symptoms and comorbid conditions.
• By establishing a patient-doctor bond with your neurologist, you will be in a good position to control your migraine triggers, learn how to manage your migraines on your own, make better lifestyle choices, and develop a strategy for preventing migraines that works.
• In addition to prescribing migraine medications, your neurologist might suggest natural migraine ingredients, such as  vitamins, and herbs like butterbur, magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.

Are there any disadvantages to choosing a neurologist?

Choosing the right doctor is always hit or miss; you might find an excellent neurologist that understands your feelings and addresses your needs on the first visit, but it’s more likely that you will have to shop around.

• First, ask up front if your neurologist treats migraine patients. Many neurologists reserve their time for individuals with other brain disorders, but not migraine disorder.
• It’s possible that after the first visit, your doctor will tell you that your symptoms are not severe enough, and that he only treats migraine patients who experience migraine attacks on a more regular basis- assuming you get an initial appointment at all.
• There are millions of migraine patients in the US, but only a handful of neurologists specializing in the field of chronic headaches and facial pain.  This is likely because there is very little government funding devoted to migraine research; as a result, there is little incentive for a doctor wishing to advance himself in medicine to choose migraine illness as his specialty.

Where can I find a headache specialist or neurologist in my area?

The internet is a great place to connect with other migraine sufferers and migraine advocacy groups. Here are a few sites that have search engines for locating a doctor to treat your migraines:

U.S. Regional Migraine & Headache Clinics

Find a Healthcare Professional

National Headache Foundation

Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists

Read more about migraine treatments:

What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines? Headache Specialists

What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines? Primary Care Physicians

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

Sources:

Johns Hopkins Neurology/Neurosurgery- Headache Center- Migraine Headache

Which Doctors Provide Migraine Treatment?

Image credits, from top:

jepoirrier, ShutterMoth

More migraine sufferers are turning to natural migraine ingredients to improve health than ever before, and it’s easy to see why.  As accidental prescription drug deaths explode all over the US, an increasing amount of chronic pain sufferers are seeking a safer alternative approach to neurological health care.

Prescription drugs kill more people than traffic accidents

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came out with a startling news report- a dramatic rise in deaths from prescription drug overdoses in the past two decades.  Since 1990, prescription medication mortalities have tripled.  In their report released this month, the CDC states that consumption of prescription painkillers such as those used to treat migraine headaches has reached epidemic proportions, accounting for three out of four fatal prescription drug overdoses.”

“Overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers (OPR), also known as opioid analgesics, have increased and now exceed deaths involving heroin and cocaine combined.” -CDC

An ABC news report recently stated, “Drugs now kill more people than motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.”

Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Natural migraine ingredients becoming mainstream

Though not part of “conventional medicine,” natural  nutrients for migraine headaches have nevertheless increased in popularity this past decade.  A 2004 report conducted by the CDC found that 62% of all adults use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their health problems, with natural products like herbs and vitamins accounting for 19% of the preferred alternative treatment.  Other popular natural alternatives include change in diet, meditation and yoga, chiropractic care, and massage.

• Another CDC study on natural ingredients found that 14% of all fibromyalgia patients supplement with magnesium for optimal health and well-being, and that 61.5% of patients who used natural herbs also experienced dramatic results.
• The CDC also notes that natural herbs and vitamins are one of the most popular health choices among sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  Examples of popular nutrients are coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and vitamin B12.

Read more about natural migraine remedies:

• Sinus Headache Remedies from the Kitchen- Eat This, Not That
• 6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms
• Alternative Migraine Treatments: Thinking outside of the Botox

Sources:

• Drug Deaths Exceed Traffic Deaths
• CDC Vital Signs – Prescription Painkiller Overdoses in the US
• CDC – Prescription Painkiller Overdoses Policy Impact Brief – Home and Recreational Safety – Injury Center
• CDC. Vital Signs: Overdoses of Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers

Image credits, from top:

• m_bartosch
• Shivenis
• Cea.

If you suffer from frequent headaches, then you need to see a doctor for migraines right away- You might be having migraine attacks, or other chronic headaches.  Knowing which kind of doctor to see for migraines and headaches depends on your pain symptoms and specific needs for migraine treatment.

What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines?

Part II: Headache Specialists

Migraine headaches strike millions of Americans with debilitating symptoms like sharp head pain, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and visual disturbances.  Literally hundreds of migraine triggers exist that may set off chronic headaches and the only way to prevent migraine attacks is to determine what those triggers are.  Unfortunately, many primary care physicians are at a loss to determine the exact cause of migraines, and may refer you to a migraine headache specialist.

Avoiding Migraine Triggers- Here, There and Everywhere

What is a headache specialist?

A headache specialist is any doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic headaches, including migraine headaches, cluster headaches, rebound headaches, sinus headaches, and tension headaches.  The term “headache specialist” is not a medically accredited category, but refers to a physician who has dedicated his practice to curing patients of migraine illness.

What are the advantages of seeing a headache specialist?

It can be difficult to find the right doctor for migraines; since funding for migraine research is lacking, there is little incentive for physicians to commit themselves to finding a cure for migraines.  As a result, migraine specialists are few and far between.  Still, there are many advantages to seeking a skilled migraine specialist:

• Migraine specialists are privy to the latest developments in migraine research and potential treatments.
• Headache specialists have a deeper understanding of migraine headache disorder than primary care doctors do.
• Because a headache specialist treats patients with different kinds of chronic headaches, he is more familiar with various headache symptoms, and thus more likely to diagnose your headache type correctly and suggest proper medication.
• Migraine headache specialists tend to understand the specific personal needs of their patients than physicians who are not specialists in the field of migraine headache disorder.
• A headache specialist is more likely to extend after-hours care for severe migraine attacks.

How can I find a good headache specialist?

Ask a trusted physician or any friends with migraines to refer you to a headache specialist, preferably one who is a member of the American Association for the Study of Headache (AASH).  Alternatively, some excellent web sites for migraine patients can recommend a headache doctor in your area.  Here are a few:

• U.S. Regional Migraine & Headache Clinics
• Find a Healthcare Professional
• National Headache Foundation
• Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists

Read more about migraine treatments:

• What kind of Doctor should I see for Migraines? Primary Care Physicians
• Migraines and other Types of Headaches- How many are there? Part 2
• Are Doctors Overprescribing Painkillers for Migraines? Fox News Report

Sources:

• Which Doctors Provide Migraine Treatment?
• Migraine and Headache Specialists – What’s So Special?

Image credits, from top:

m_bartosch, Grant Cochrane, Ambro , vongvanvi