Migraine Headaches Have a Genetic Basis - Article Example

Migraine Headaches. Headaches may be considered one of the most commonly prevalent disorders of the nervous system. Headaches may be classified into: (1) Primary Headaches - migraines, tension-type headaches and cluster headaches; (2) Secondary Headaches - headaches attributed to physical trauma, intracranial disorders, substance use and infections; (3) Headaches due to nerve damages. (WHO web site. 2004). Cranial and facial nerves, the head muscles, and the surface blood vessels of the brain have pain-sensitive nerve fibers which, when stimulated by stress, muscular tension, dilated blood vessels and other 'triggers,' cause headaches. Medically, headaches are diagnosed as vascular headaches (due to abnormal functions of the blood vessels), muscle contraction headaches (due to tension of the facial and neck muscles), traction headaches (due to strokes) and inflammatory headaches (due to sinus infection). (NINDS web site. 2008). Migraine headaches are the most common type of vascular headache, which is widespread and has its own characteristic symptoms, causes and treatment. Migraine headaches have a genetic basis. The particular mechanism of the brain, which causes the release of pain causing inflammatory substances in the vascular system of the head, is not fully understood. Migraines are considered to be due to an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels at the base of the brain. Migraines commonly commence at puberty and reach a peak at the ages of 35 - 45 years. Migraines are episodic, with the frequency of the attacks varying from a year to a week, with one attack a month being the most common. Statistics show that the incidence of migraines is 2 - 3 times higher in women than in men, suggesting a hormonal basis. Migraines in women are often linked with menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. On a world average, about 4% of men and 12% of women suffer from migraines every year. Children have shorter duration of migraine attacks, and are more likely to have diarrhea. (WHO web site. 2004). The common symptoms of migraines are severe pain on one or both sides of the head, nausea, diarrhea and sensitivity to light, strong odors and sound. Migraines are classified into two main types: classic and common. The classic migraine, experienced in 10% of cases, is preceded by neurological symptoms, called an aura, 10 - 30 minutes before the onset of the headache. These symptoms include visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, temporary loss of vision and also speech difficulties, numbness of limbs, tingling of the face and head and confusion. The headache is an intense, throbbing pain in the forehead, temple, ear, jaw and around the eyes. The pain starts on one side, but may spread to the other side. The duration of a classic migraine is from 1 - 2 days. A common migraine comes on suddenly, although some people may experience slight mental fuzziness, change of mood, fatigue and unusual retention of fluids. The headache is accompanied by diarrhea, increased urination, nausea and vomiting. The headache can persist for 3 - 4 days. Sometimes, migraines can be predictable, as before menstruation. In addition to these two types, there are also some rarer forms of migraine, such as hemiplegic migraine (with temporary paralysis), ophthalmoplegic migraine (with problems of vision), basilar artery migraine (with vertigo and poor muscle coordination), benign exertionary migraine (due to physical exertion), status migrainosus (which requires hospitalization) and a headache-free migraine. (NINDHS web site. 2008). Migraine headaches usually follow distinct phases. (1) The Prodormal phase consists of certain subtle warning signs, such as fatigue, and changes in mood and behavior. (2) The Aura phase precedes the headache in 10% of migraine cases. (3) The Headache phase sees pain on one or both sides of the head, accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound and smell, and nausea. (4) The Resolution phase witnesses the subsidence of the headache, usually after sleep, even if the headache is left untreated. (5) The Postdormal phase: some residual feelings of lethargy may persist for a few days. (eMedicineHealth web site. 2005). The causes of migraine headaches have not been definitely identified, and research is still underway. However, there is a general consensus that the headaches are the consequence of a genetic predisposition and are caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, due to nerve activity and imbalances in the release of the chemicals dopamine and serotonin. The most common triggers which bring on migraines are (1) Lack of food: skipping meals and untimely, unhealthy snacking can lower blood sugar levels, and cause migraines. (2) Food: specific food triggers such as alcohol, cheese, chocolates, fermented, pickled and marinated foods, excess caffeine, mono-sodium -glutamate, aspartame, and many canned and processed foods can bring on migraine attacks. (3) Changes in sleep patterns: too little or too much sleep (4) Hormonal changes: fluctuations of estrogen levels in women (5) Head and neck pain due to muscle tension at work (6) Sensory stimuli: bright lights, loud noises and strong smells. (7) Travel, particularly if it includes changes in sleeping and eating patterns. (8) Stress. (9) Environmental changes in weather, altitude and time zones. (10) Physical exertion. (11) Medications. (Mayo Clinic web site. 2007). The treatment of migraine encompasses both drug therapy and lifestyle and home remedies. Pain-relieving medication may include nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin; triptans, ergots, anti-nausea medication and Butalbital combinations and opiates. Preventive medication includes cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-seizure drugs. The sensible management of migraines is directed towards prevention, by avoiding known food triggers, establishing regular meal and sleep patterns, regular and moderate aerobic exercise and the reduction of estrogen medication for women. Muscle relaxation exercises, stress-busters such as yoga and meditation, music, hobbies such as gardening and reading and the maintenance of a diary which records possible triggers and medication can be helpful home remedies. Other remedies include using a cold compress and resting in a darkened room. (Mayo Clinic web site. 2007). There is a growing consensus that migraine headaches are a disability which causes "substantial personal suffering, impaired quality of life and financial cost" (WHO web site. 2004). Migraines lead to reduced working hours, damage family and social life and cause depression. However, headaches as a disability remain unrecognized and undertreated in almost all parts of the world. In this context, the need of the hour is an increased emphasis on the clinical knowledge of migraines among health-care providers, the growth of public awareness about the effective treatments and preventive measures available and the allocation of government resources towards the treatment of headaches and funding for further research in this field. A clear understanding of the causes of migraines and the safest, most effective courses of treatment is essential to relieve the vast numbers of people suffering from the disability. References. Amelito, Malapira. 10/11/2005. Migraine Headache. eMedicineHealth web page. Accessed on 8 August 2008 from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/migraine_headache/article_em.htm. MayoClinic.com. June 6, 2007. Headache. Migraine. Accessed on 8 August 2008 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/UPDATEAPP=falset&FLUSHCACHE=0 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) July 31, 2008. Headache: Hope Through Research. Accessed on 8 August 2008 from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm#toc World Health Organization (WHO). March 2004. Media Center. Fact Sheet no. 277. Headache Disorders. Accessed on 8 August 2008 from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs277/en/ Read More