Tips For Keeping Migraines At Bay

Around 15 per cent of the adult population worldwide suffer from migraines – a condition for which there is no long-term, effective cure. A groundbreaking study (CNRS, 2018) revealed why migraines occur. A specific ‘mutation’ causes dysfunction in a protein that is responsible for inhibiting neuronal electrical activity. Because this protein doesn’t work as it should, electrical activity is over-stimulated and the result is a splitting headache or other symptoms which can make it difficult to function. Research has found that migraines tend to run in families.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS

In 2021, another study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people who are prone to migraines have more nerve cell activity in some areas of the brain (and less activity in others) when they take part in a virtual roller coaster ride. This leads them to experience more dizziness and motion sickness than those who do not have migraines. Researchers believe that the abnormal processing of visual motion stimuli is linked to a higher likelihood of migraines.

WHAT DOES A MIGRAINE FEEL LIKE?

The symptoms of migraines vary greatly from person to person. Common manifestations include a throbbing or pulsing headache and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, a migraine is preceded by an aura, which can consist of flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the face or body, and difficulty speaking. Some people, reports the Mayo Clinic, have mood swings, food cravings, fluid retention, more frequent urination, yawning, and/or neck stiffness one or two days before an attack. After a migraine, people can find it difficult to concentrate or they can feel depressed, fatigued, or even euphoric.

COMMON MIGRAINE TRIGGERS

If you have migraines, you should make a point of avoiding common triggers. These include emotional stress, missing meals, consuming certain foods that have additives like nitrates (found in hot dogs and other processed meats), having too much caffeine or stopping your caffeine consumption abruptly, using pain-relieving medication too often, and hormonal changes. Women can find that their migraines occur around the time of their menstruation.

Flashing lights and too much sunlight can also trigger a migraine, as can dehydration, dieting, being exposed to strong odours and smoke, medications, and changes in the weather. Because triggers can be manifold, keeping a migraine journal is advised. Include the date and time of your migraine, in addition to the hours of sleep obtained the night before it happened, dietary changes, location of the pain (which could be behind an eye, in the jaw, or one or both sides of the head), symptoms before and after an episode, the duration of the episode, and more.

HOW OFTEN DO MIGRAINES OCCUR AND WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?

Some people have migraines once a year or less, but most have two to four episodes per month. If you have migraines, you should let your family doctor know so you can commence treatment if necessary. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or caffeine may be sufficient. Prescription drugs can include triptans, calcium channel blockers, CGRP monoclonal antibodies, betablockers, anti-seizure medication, steroids, and more. Doctors can also recommend supplements such as Vitamin B2, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, and more.

NEW FINDINGS ON BATTLING MIGRAINES

Various studies have shown that lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of migraines. These include: Z Diet: Researchers from the NIH/ National Institute on Aging (2021) found that a diet that is high in fatty fish helped frequent migraine sufferers have fewer and less intense headaches compared to people who consumed a diet which was higher in vegetable-based fats and oils. Z Hormone Therapy: The North American Menopause Society (2017) found that hormone therapy is safe and effective in relieving migraines in menopausal women. Z Exercise: A University of Gothenburg study (2011) found that exercise is as efficient as drugs at preventing migraines. Z Novel Therapies: University of Illinois at Chicago researchers (2021) have found that chronic migraine sufferers could have “decreased neuronal flexibility.” The latter can potentially be restored by inhibiting a specific enzyme called HDAC6. Migraines are a potentially debilitating condition affecting 15 per cent of the population. Today, we know more about what causes and triggers them. If you have migraines, talk to your doctor about potential treatments and try out a few natural methods as well – including the consumption of more Omega-3-rich fatty fish like wild salmon and tuna. e

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