About 6 to 7% of men and 15 to 18% of
women suffer from migraine headaches which can last from a few hours up to
three days. An estimated 20 million migraine attacks occur every single day. Yet,
it is still one of the least understood and poorly treated medical disorders,
because they most likely appear because of a complex interplay of genetic,
environmental and neurological factors that vary from person to person. What’s
very complex is that the experiences of people who suffer from migraines also
vary greatly. Aside from the throbbing, searing pain which may or may not be
one-sided, some experience “auras” prior to the onset, while other people
don’t. Other symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, sweating and/or
sensitivity to light, sound and smells.
What Causes Migraines?
There are many different theories
about what causes migraines, but none of the hypothesis can explain the
occurrence of migraines in all sufferers. These theories, although sometimes
conflicting, include: Changesactuallbrain chemical “serotonin”: When levels
drop, blood vessels including those in your brain become swollen and inflamed,
which can lead to migraine pain. Vascular constriction in your brain: From initial
blood vessel constriction and a drop in the blood flow, followed by dilation
and stretching of blood vessels which activates pain-signaling neurons. Excessive
increase of blood flow in your brain: As a direct contrast to the preceding
theory, another research has found that migraines are not preceded by
constriction and decrease in the blood flow, but rather by an increase of
nearly 300%. The circulation then appears normal or even slightly reduced, once
the attack is in full swing.
A neurological disorder related to
the nerve cell activity that sweeps across your brain, causing pain: In this
case, researchers think that a wave release of neurotransmitters across your
cortex can directly stimulate your trigeminal nerves, setting off the chain
reaction that ends in the transmitting of pain signals. A nervous system
disorder originating in your brain stem: Your brain stem is your control center
for alertness, perception of light, noise and smell, cerebral blood flow,
cardiovascular function and pain sensitivity – many, if not the most, of which
are a part of the symptoms of a migraine attack. A research has revealed that
three clusters of cells in your brain stem are active during and after a
migraine. This hypothesis indicates that an abnormal activity in those cells
could include the sensation of pain, even when there are no pain signals
received from your brain membrane or blood vessels. A disruption of the subtle
energies circulating throughout your body, together with some unresolved
emotional issues that manifest in your body as headaches
Mutation or dysfunction of certain
genes
Are Your Migraines Due To a Vitamin
Deficiency?
A recent study discovered that
vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid supplements were found to produce a two-fold
reduction in migraines over a six-month period. Previous studies, such as a
2004 study in the European Journal of Neurology, have also reported that high
doses of B2 (riboflavin) can help prevent migraine attacks. Some gene mutations
and dysfunctions can lead to higher levels of homocysteine production and that
can make you more susceptible to migraine attacks. Vitamins B6 and B12 reduce
your homocysteine levels. Researches also discovered that depending on your
genotype, you may need a higher or lower dose in order for it to work.
Professor Lyn Griffiths says: “… If all patients received the same vitamin
dosage for the same period of time, it would be expected that those with TT
genotypes, having a reduced enzymatic rate, would metabolize less homocysteine
over the treatment period compared to C allele carriers, thus resulting in a
smaller reduction in homocysteine and consequent migraine symptoms.
By
Kokilavaani
III
B. Sc.,
Department of biochemistry
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