Tips On How To Stop A Headache Or A Migraine

Headache

Facts

Headache, like any pain, is the body's way of telling something is not right.
Tension headache is body's response to emotional stress/strain and pressure. A typical tension headache occurs on both sides of the head and can worsen because of noise or a stuffy environment. Pain may be throbbing but is usually constant and felt above the eyes or more generally over the head. Pressure can also be felt behind the eyes and neck muscles feel tight.
Headaches that result from disturbances of the blood vessels are called vascular headaches. Such headaches include migraines and cluster headaches. They tend to be throbbing, occur on one side of the head and can worsen with physical activity. Other symptoms linked to vascular headaches are nausea and light sensitivity.
Mixed-headaches are a combination of tension headaches and migraine.
Food allergies or intolerances are believed to be a major cause of migraines. Common foods that most people develop allergies to are eggs, diary products, nuts, wheat, chocolates and citrus fruits such as oranges.
Migraines are also believed to be triggered by a biochemical reaction to tyramine, found in aged cheeses, chocolates, ripe bananas, sour cream, fermented beans, processed meats and alcoholic beverages.
When the body is unable to break down histamine, a hormone produced to fight infections, it is believed to trigger migraines. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) can help with the breakdown of histamine and a dose of 50mg a day is recommended.
For chronic migraines, taking 400mg of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Reference : "Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis. A randomized controlled trial." Schoenen J, et al. Neurology (1998) 50(2):466-70
Melatonin, also known as the "hormone of darkness" is a hormone and a neurotransmitter with sedative qualities that can ease stabbing headaches. These headaches (also known as "ice-pick" or "jab and jolts" headaches) are stabs of sharp pain that can occur any part of the head and last for a second or less, striking multiple times a day.
Case reports published in Neurology revealed that sufferers, suffering from varying headache frequencies, experienced complete relief when they consume melatonin daily. One woman who experienced a reduction in head pains from several per day to none with indomethacin (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to prevent stabbing headaches) found complete relief with 3 mg of melatonin per day at bedtime.
People with asthma, diabetes, thyroid conditions, some cancers or taking MAO inhibitor drugs or are pregnant or nursing are advised not to consult a physician before taking melatonin.
Reference : Neurology. 2004;63:757
People susceptible to migraines are often found deficient in magnesium. A dose of 400mg a day is recommended.
The supplement of 5-HTP is known to increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts as a mild sedative and has a calming effect. A dose of 100mg taken 3 times a daily (without food) is recommended. Check with your physician if you are taking antidepressants.
The herb feverfew is known to prevent and reduce the severity of migraine headaches when taken regularly (250-500mcg). For an acute attack, the dose may have to be increased to 1,250 to 2,500 mcg. Caution : do not take feverfew if pregnant or lactating and not suitable for young children. May cause mouth ulcers.
Ginger has been shown to relieve pain, relax the blood vessels in the head and reduce nausea. For mild headaches, drink 1 to 2 cups of ginger tea (tea bag or made with fresh ginger root) every hour. Or take 500 to 1,000mg powdered ginger every three to four hours daily, on an empty stomach. Alternatively for ginger tincture, take 1.5 to 3ml three times a day. Caution : heartburn and gastric distress can result if doses are 6gm or more, taken on an empty stomach.
Peppermint oil is also an effective pain reliever. Rub peppermint oil (or combinations with other types of oil) onto the affected area every 15 to 30 minutes until the pain goes away. Avoid the eye area.