Recurring Migraines? Alternative Medicine Can Help
News by Granny Med
(March 16, 2011) in Health / Alternative Medicine
By Kate Wharmby Seldman
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/recurring-migraines-alternative-medicine-can-help
Migraine sufferers have long been caught between a rock and a hard place: they need painkillers to subdue their intense headaches, but if they take these medications too often, they run the risk of causing rebound headaches. Doctors say analgesics like ibuprofen should only be used for two days a week. So what can patients do the rest of the time? Alternative remedies may be the answer.
Migraine headaches leave sufferers in intense pain, often nauseous, and sensitive to light and sound. The pain is usually unilateral, or occurring on only one side of the head. Migraineurs, as sufferers are often called, might lose entire days to these intense headaches, which have been known to last up to 72 hours. It’s still unknown what causes migraines; it may have to do with serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, but as yet, there’s no conclusive evidence pointing to a definite link.
Traditionally, migraine treatment has involved pain medication – which, as previously mentioned, may exacerbate the problem if used too frequently; beta blockers, which have side effects like erectile dysfunction and fatigue; or tricyclic antidepressants, which have similar side effects to beta blockers. SSRI antidepressant medications haven’t been shown to be effective for migraines, even though it’s thought that serotonin plays a role in the problem. The last resort is migraine surgery, in which muscles and nerves are removed from the head and neck to prevent their causing pain during future headaches.
An article in Britain’s Guardian newspaper states that good sleep hygiene is an important part of natural treatment for migraines. This involves establishing a regular “window of sleep,” say, 11 PM to 7 AM, and sticking to that schedule. Exercise and nutrition also play a significant role in migraine prevention, as does avoiding caffeine – sometimes hard to do, as migraine medicines like Excedrin contain this substance.
Medical studies indicate that Coenzyme Q10, a vitaminlike substance used as a nutritional supplement, can reduce the intense pain of migraines when taken regularly. Riboflavin, or Vitamin B2, has also been shown to help soothe migraine intensity. Guardian reporter Naomi Alderman said these two supplements reduced the frequency of her migraines – she usually had six migraines a month, and after two months of taking Q10 and riboflavin, she experienced only one. They also cut the intensity of the pain.
Oddly, Botox could be considered an “alternative" solution for migraines: when the wrinkle-removing toxin is injected into certain muscles in the head and neck, it helps future headaches hurt less. This treatment was FDA-approved in 2010.
Read more at GrannyMed
MY THOUGHTS
If you're a migraine sufferer, you would do anything to ease the pain. But I don't think I would go for Botox or migraine surgery. Enough sleep, good nutrition and exercise can really help. The best for me is a hard message concentrated at the upper back and shoulder blades.
Showing posts with label natural remedies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural remedies. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, August 29, 2009
migraine relief - natural remedies
Natural Remedies for Migraine Relief
By Cathy Wong, About.com
Updated: February 23, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What are Migraines?
According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 29.5 million Americans have migraines. Symptoms of migraine may include:
* Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
* Pulsating or throbbing pain
* Pain worse with physical activity
* Nausea with or without vomiting
* Sensitivity to light or sound
Approximately 20 percent of people with migraines experience what's called an aura prior to the migraine. Symptoms of an aura include flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in one arm or leg.
Natural Remedies for Migraine
1) Feverfew
The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever in Europe. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for the prevention and treatment of migraines. For example, one study examined the use of a feverfew extract or a placebo in 170 people with migraines. There was a significant decrease in migraine frequency with feverfew, which decreased by 1.9 migraines per month, compared to the placebo, which decreased by 1.3 migraines per month.
Not all studies have shown that feverfew is effective, however. A critical review of five studies on feverfew and migraines, involving a total of 343 people, concluded that results were mixed and did not convincingly establish that feverfew was effective for preventing migraine.
Side effects of feverfew may include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness. People with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew. Feverfew may increase bleeding time, so it should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders or two to three weeks before or after surgery. The safety of feverfew in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.
Feverfew may interact with "blood-thinning" medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People taking these medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking feverfew.
2) 5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.
5-HTP is also available in supplement form. It is made from the seeds of an African plant, called Griffonia simplicifolia. Since supplements that affect levels of serotonin are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been explored as an alternative.
Some research indicates that 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, however large randomized controlled trials are needed. In one study, 124 people were given 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide. After six months, 5-HTP was found to be as effective as methysergide in reducing the severity and duration of migraines.
Another study looked at 5-HTP or the drug propranolol for 4 months. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of migraines. However, the propranolol group fared better, with a reduction in the duration of episodes and the number of analgesics used for the treatment of episodes. For more information on 5-HTP, read the 5-HTP Fact Sheet.
3) Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium for migraine and have had promising results. In one study, oral magnesium (600 mg per day) or a placebo were given to 81 people with migraines. After nine weeks, the frequency of migraines was reduced by 41.6 percent in the group taking magnesium, compared to 15.8 percent in the group taking the placebo. The only reported side effects were diarrhea in 18.6 percent of people and digestive irritation in 4.7 percent.
Other studies have found that magnesium reduces the severity and frequency of migraine. Not all studies have confirmed it, however, so more studies are needed.
High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.
4) Butterbur
The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.
Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines. The largest study involved 245 people with migraine took either butterbur extract (50 or 75 milligrams twice a day) or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur, 75 milligrams twice a day but not 50 milligrams twice a day, was more effective than placebo for migraines.Side effects were mild and included mild digestive complaints, predominantly burping.
Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur.
Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.
The raw herb as well as teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used because they contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer.
It is possible to remove the pyrrolizidine alkaloids from butterbur products. For example, in Germany, there is a safety limit to the level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids allowed in butterbur products. The daily recommended dose cannot exceed one microgram per day.
Other Natural Remedies
* Acupuncture
* Biofeedback
* Chiropractic
* Co Q10
* Fish Oil
* Magnets
* Massage Therapy
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Sources
_______________________
Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 25.11 (2005): 1031-1041.
Lipton RB, Gobel H, Einhaupl KM, Wilks K, Mauskop A. Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. Neurology. 63.12 (2004): 2240-2244.
Peikert A, Wilimzig C, Kohne-Volland R. Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia. 16.4 (1996): 257-263.
Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH; Investigators. The efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis--a double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study. Cephalalgia. 22.7 (2002): 523-532.
Pfaffenrath V, Wessely P, Meyer C, Isler HR, Evers S, Grotemeyer KH, Taneri Z, Soyka D, Gobel H, Fischer M. Magnesium in the prophylaxis of migraine--a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 16.6 (1996): 436-440.
Pittler MH, Ernst E. Feverfew for preventing migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD002286.
Wang F, Van Den Eeden SK, Ackerson LM, Salk SE, Reince RH, Elin RJ. Oral magnesium oxide prophylaxis of frequent migrainous headache in children: a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial. Headache. 43.6 (2003): 601-610.
MY THOUGHTS
Here's what I would do for my migraine relief: First, research on feverfew and butterbar. Second, ,load up on magnesium - I do like green leafy veggies. Third, save money for acupuncture. I wonder how magnets are used for migraine relief!!!
By Cathy Wong, About.com
Updated: February 23, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What are Migraines?
According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 29.5 million Americans have migraines. Symptoms of migraine may include:
* Moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head
* Pulsating or throbbing pain
* Pain worse with physical activity
* Nausea with or without vomiting
* Sensitivity to light or sound
Approximately 20 percent of people with migraines experience what's called an aura prior to the migraine. Symptoms of an aura include flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in one arm or leg.
Natural Remedies for Migraine
1) Feverfew
The herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for headache, migraine, arthritis, pain, and fever in Europe. It became especially popular in England in the 1980s as an alternative to conventional drugs for migraines.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of feverfew for the prevention and treatment of migraines. For example, one study examined the use of a feverfew extract or a placebo in 170 people with migraines. There was a significant decrease in migraine frequency with feverfew, which decreased by 1.9 migraines per month, compared to the placebo, which decreased by 1.3 migraines per month.
Not all studies have shown that feverfew is effective, however. A critical review of five studies on feverfew and migraines, involving a total of 343 people, concluded that results were mixed and did not convincingly establish that feverfew was effective for preventing migraine.
Side effects of feverfew may include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness. People with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew. Feverfew may increase bleeding time, so it should not be taken by people with bleeding disorders or two to three weeks before or after surgery. The safety of feverfew in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.
Feverfew may interact with "blood-thinning" medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People taking these medications should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking feverfew.
2) 5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is used in the body to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.
5-HTP is also available in supplement form. It is made from the seeds of an African plant, called Griffonia simplicifolia. Since supplements that affect levels of serotonin are used for migraines, 5-HTP has been explored as an alternative.
Some research indicates that 5-HTP may prevent migraines and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, however large randomized controlled trials are needed. In one study, 124 people were given 5-HTP (600 mg/day) or the drug methysergide. After six months, 5-HTP was found to be as effective as methysergide in reducing the severity and duration of migraines.
Another study looked at 5-HTP or the drug propranolol for 4 months. Both treatments resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of migraines. However, the propranolol group fared better, with a reduction in the duration of episodes and the number of analgesics used for the treatment of episodes. For more information on 5-HTP, read the 5-HTP Fact Sheet.
3) Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium for migraine and have had promising results. In one study, oral magnesium (600 mg per day) or a placebo were given to 81 people with migraines. After nine weeks, the frequency of migraines was reduced by 41.6 percent in the group taking magnesium, compared to 15.8 percent in the group taking the placebo. The only reported side effects were diarrhea in 18.6 percent of people and digestive irritation in 4.7 percent.
Other studies have found that magnesium reduces the severity and frequency of migraine. Not all studies have confirmed it, however, so more studies are needed.
High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and confusion. It can interact with certain medications, such as those for osteoporosis, high blood pressure (calcium channel blockers), as well as some antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and diuretics.
4) Butterbur
The herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub-like plant that grows in northern Asia, Europe, and parts of North America. Extracts made from the herb have been used to treat migraines, stomach cramps, coughs, allergies, and asthma.
Several studies suggest that butterbur helps to prevent migraines. The largest study involved 245 people with migraine took either butterbur extract (50 or 75 milligrams twice a day) or a placebo. After four months of treatment, butterbur, 75 milligrams twice a day but not 50 milligrams twice a day, was more effective than placebo for migraines.Side effects were mild and included mild digestive complaints, predominantly burping.
Side effects of butterbur may include indigestion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrha, or constipation. Pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease should not take butterbur.
Butterbur is in the ragweed plant family, so people who are allergic to ragweed, marigold, daisy, or chrysanthemum should not use butterbur.
The raw herb as well as teas, extracts, and capsules made from the raw herb should not be used because they contain substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can be toxic to the liver and kidneys and may cause cancer.
It is possible to remove the pyrrolizidine alkaloids from butterbur products. For example, in Germany, there is a safety limit to the level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids allowed in butterbur products. The daily recommended dose cannot exceed one microgram per day.
Other Natural Remedies
* Acupuncture
* Biofeedback
* Chiropractic
* Co Q10
* Fish Oil
* Magnets
* Massage Therapy
* Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Sources
_______________________
Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 25.11 (2005): 1031-1041.
Lipton RB, Gobel H, Einhaupl KM, Wilks K, Mauskop A. Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventive treatment for migraine. Neurology. 63.12 (2004): 2240-2244.
Peikert A, Wilimzig C, Kohne-Volland R. Prophylaxis of migraine with oral magnesium: results from a prospective, multi-center, placebo-controlled and double-blind randomized study. Cephalalgia. 16.4 (1996): 257-263.
Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH; Investigators. The efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis--a double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response study. Cephalalgia. 22.7 (2002): 523-532.
Pfaffenrath V, Wessely P, Meyer C, Isler HR, Evers S, Grotemeyer KH, Taneri Z, Soyka D, Gobel H, Fischer M. Magnesium in the prophylaxis of migraine--a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Cephalalgia. 16.6 (1996): 436-440.
Pittler MH, Ernst E. Feverfew for preventing migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(1):CD002286.
Wang F, Van Den Eeden SK, Ackerson LM, Salk SE, Reince RH, Elin RJ. Oral magnesium oxide prophylaxis of frequent migrainous headache in children: a randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial. Headache. 43.6 (2003): 601-610.
MY THOUGHTS
Here's what I would do for my migraine relief: First, research on feverfew and butterbar. Second, ,load up on magnesium - I do like green leafy veggies. Third, save money for acupuncture. I wonder how magnets are used for migraine relief!!!
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