Migraine headaches can be very debilitating

                                                    

Migraine headaches result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels.

During the headache, an artery enlarges that is located on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple (temporal artery). This causes a release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery.

A migraine headache causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond with feelings of nausea,diarrhea, and vomiting. This response also delays the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine (affecting food absorption), decreases blood circulation (leading to cold hands and feet), and increases sensitivity to light and sound.

Read more ...

Migraines: Magnetic Device Offers Pain Relief

                                             

A magnetic handheld device that sends pulses into the head could transform the lives of thousands of migraine sufferers.

The treatment, called transcranial magnetic stimulation, is held behind a patient's head and with the click of a button sends brief magnetic pulses into the brain, helping to disrupt the painful headaches.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which looks at the safety and suitability of new treatments, has now issued guidance saying the device can be recommended to certain patients through the NHS.

They also add that extra care should be taken to explain the risks and steps which need to be put in place to record and review what happens.

Wendy Thomas, from The Migraine Trust, said: "This is a new bit of weaponry against migraines.

"The reason it makes a big difference is because there's not a drug involved, so there are no side effects and if it doesn't work you just hand the device back.

"It won't work for everyone, but it will work for a lot of people."

Read more ...