Does anyone know what causes migraine headaches? Have I missed any research in this area? When I tell my doc that I'm having several migraines a month, some months more than others, he just writes a prescription for Maxalt, and thats it. Is that all that can be done? I noticed when I used to take antidepressants that I had no migraines, so apparently serotonin does play a role in these headaches. But, I don't want to have to take antidepressants(with all their nasty side effects), just to stave off these terrible headaches, ya know. Anybody got any suggestions? Thanx.
buck

Sometimes eatting soemthing can cause a migraine. Stress to. Also if u have a family history of it u mite git it too. I think the best medication that works for me is Moltron. And It lives with u forever. It usually starts at childhood age like me.

If you are having several migraines a month it may be worth it to you to find a preventative. The antidepressent you used to take is one of many preventatives out there. You can either go back to taking that or find a new preventative which can be a pain to do. You are lucky you found one thing that helps. If you don't want to prevent them then all that is left is to abort them as they come. You can talk to your dr. about this and he can help you.

Thanks to both of you. I'll take what you've said into consideration. see ya,
buck.

Hi,

Migraines are the result of increased artery pressure in the brain. Sometimes it is so severe for so long a time that when an autopsy is done there are actual grooves in the bone on the inside of the cranium along the path of the artery.

Many people have learned what triggers their migraines: certain foods, caffeine, etc.

However, some new hospital research suggests that the cause of most migraines is postural distortions that culminate in the upper cervical area compromising the veins and arteries that supply the brain and affecting pain centers in the brain stem.

The study was designed to exceed NIH guidelines and one year after the study 45% of the patients, who on average had suffered migraines for 31 years, were still symptom free. New techniqes were developed from this study of neuromuscular therapy and might well have resulted in an even higher success rate if they had been part of the study.

Some migraines are believed to be caused by hormonal imbalances and would not be helped by this therapy.

~p http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi Plymouth, I found what you wrote to be very interesting, thanks. Actually 99% of my headaches I have as soon as I lift my head off of the pillow in the morn. I've even had them wake me out of a sound sleep! They hurt so bad that I come up out of the bed similar to that when you get a cramp in your calf muscle at night. Anyway, these headaches upon awakening, If I don't treat them they just get worse, and worse throughout the day untill I'm in severe pain by mid-day. So whatever is triggering these is at night while I'm asleep. Anybody got any ideas?
Buck.

Hi Buck and Plymouth,

Buck, Have you had any tests done, any added stress, changes?
Plymouth, that article sounds interesting. I have chronic migranes and was considering a nerve block c2 and have facet blocks for a bulge at c5/6. I think my headaches come from the upper cervical area but there is limited info out there and it's hard to diagnose these things. I would like to learn more about this cervical link.

Mel

hi everyone, i need your help.

i've started having these migranes like a week ago. it all started while i was lifting weights. it kept on going all day long ever since. i've been on excidreen which seems to help alot. there so painfull that sometimes i think i got a stroke or something
anyone know what might suddenly trigger a migrane like that.

i am a professional migraine haver http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Migrain triggers can be anything from wine to cheese, to weather changes. i was having multiple migraines a month which always resulted in a shot of demerol. i vomited, so could not hold down medication. My doctor put me on a beta-blocker (atenolol, verapimil). This reduced them by 90% and when i do get them, they are no where near the severity of before. I even recently found out a diet pill i'm taking stopped a full blown migraine (without vomiting). i'm still not sure why. If anyone knows tell me, if not I'll ask mr Dr.

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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-14-2003).]

Thank God for Maxalt, thats all I can say. It's a wonder drug for me. Thanx for all your replys, Buck.

Buck,

My migrains begin in the AM also. It is caused by grinding/gritting my teeth at night. You might also do this?

Aletarw

Morning migraines can also be related to sleep disorders. The retention of Carbon dioxide during sleep due to sleep apnea or snoring can cause the vessels in the head to dilate.(Co2 rentention usually causes dilatation of blood vessels in the brain) Thus, the morning headache. Consider being evaluated for a sleep disorder. Maybe a good nights sleep without snoring or sleep apnea may be all that is needed. Just a consideration.

Marie

[This message has been edited by Marie*mkd (edited 04-09-2003).]