Putting An End to Migraine Headache Misery

Dr. Brenda Slovin – author of “What if It Never Goes Away”. Migraines are one of the most difficult health problems to treat because they can be caused by a variety of underlying issues including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stress, malnutrition, inadequate sleep, and physical exertion. Sadly, there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for migraines because treatment depends on the cause of the malady.

Current research leans toward the notion of migraines being neurologically based. The longstanding view of migraines as a vascular problem stemming from a decreased flow of blood and oxygen to the brain is still being reviewed—and losing support.

Traditionally, patients are prescribed medications such as tryptamine-based drugs for migraines. Alternatively, they can use over-the-counter medicines like Excedrin and Tylenol if they don’t want to go the heavy-duty medicine route. Most patients find these medications rarely work if not taken quickly after the migraine begins, and they generally reduce neither the frequency nor the duration of attacks. There are a few medications that act preventatively, but they often come with daunting side effects that most people are not willing to tolerate.

Migraines are often seen in females 20 through 55 years of age, and these women are often reluctant to take daily medication because the side effects are significant and interfere with their busy lifestyles. They would rather risk suffering the debilitating pain of migraine headaches a few times a month than be sedated and nauseous every day.

So how can you help your patients not only treat their migraines but prevent them from occurring so often? Fortunately, there are natural, safe, affordable, and easy-to-implement options.1 You can incorporate the following approaches in your office and make a substantial difference for your migraine patients in just a few weeks.

Magnesium

Multiple studies have shown a magnesium deficiency in 50 percent of patients when they have a migraine attack. An infusion of magnesium at the onset of the migraine provides almost instant relief for these patients. Furthermore, patients who supplement daily with magnesium were found to have fewer attacks and, when one did occur, the intensity was far less severe.

A magnesium deficiency can allow the neurotransmitter serotonin to flow unchecked throughout the body. Extremely high or low levels of serotonin can cause a number of biochemical problems.

Decreased serotonin levels lead to vascular spasms, which can block blood flow and lead to migraine headaches. Low levels of serotonin result in an excess production of pain-producing chemicals including certain prostaglandins and the neuropeptide substance P.2