Migraine

Affects 10 % of NZ. population. It is the most common neurological condition in the so called "developed" world. Attacks involve far more than a headache, and can be accompanied by visual disturbances, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light or sound and muscular problems.

WHO GETS IT?

Hormonal factors are involved in triggering attacks and twice as many women as men are affected.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Migraine is thought to caused by the release of a chemical , serotonin into the bloodstream. This results in changes in chemical transmitters and blood vessels in the brain. Factors which can trigger attacks include stress; lack of food, monosodium glutamate, caffeine. chocolate. citrus food, cheese. alcohol, overtiredness or changes in sleep patterns, high blood pressure, loud noise and bright flickering lights.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

People with mild to moderate discomfort often take simple painkillers containing aspirin, paracetamol or ibruprofen. Ergotamine, taken 60 - 90 minutes on the onset of an attack, can prevent headaches by reducing inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain. For severe migraine, triptans - include zolmitriptan and sumatriptan - aim to correct serotonin imbalances which trigger the symptoms. Daily medications, such as pizotifen and methysergide, prevents dilation of blood vessels and can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, but rarely eliminates them. Non-drug treatments include herbal remedies which I personally find resolving the causes more effectively rather than what allopathic medicine does is only attack the symptoms very appropriate in life threatening circumstances but not all situations need to be approached in this way. Homeopathic medicines have been used for 1000 of years and increasing in popularity in these times of people searching for inner reasons why we have pain rather than just trying to immediately get a result with possible long term side effects?

A remarkable new mask that uses pulsating light could be the answer to long term sufferers. This is still no specific 'cure' yet although I have had alot of success using a detoxification product which can be seen from the video presentation available from the free Bodybalance offer at the Life force link. The Rio light mask works on the symtoms of migraine by using pulsed light which is a form of light therapy.