Migraines are far more common in
women (female to male ratio of three to one), and
there appears to be a relationship between the attacks of
migraines and the menstrual cycle. The use of oral
contraceptives and estrogen therapy often intensifies the
symptoms of migraines. After menopause, there is frequently
an exacerbation of the headaches. Headaches may disappear
during pregnancy, or may intensify during the first
trimester. Changes in hormonal and electrolyte levels that
take place during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy are
probably the trigger for these headaches. There is a
positive family history in 60% of these cases.
Migraines may be brought on by any of
the following: stress, fatigue, visual stimulation
(exposure to bright light, fluorescent lighting and eye
strain), auditory stimulation, meteorologic change, high
altitudes, head trauma, hunger, certain drugs (vasodilator,
resperine), certain foods: (chocolate, cheese, caffeine,
citrus, alcohol, MSG, tyramine rich food, etc.) TMJ
pain.
It is generally very easy to treat the symptoms of
migraine headaches through drug therapy. Unfortunately, the
relief this generates is very temporary, does not really
attack the root cause of the problem, and in extreme cases
can leave the patient dependant on ever increasing amounts
and types of drugs.
At the Headache Center, a complete diagnosis is done with
the goal of finding a permanent solution to each of the
patient's problems. The cause of the headaches are located
and changes in lifestyle, diet and other remedies are used
in addition to conventional pain management therapy.
Treatment at the Headache Center at BDI has restored many
headache patients to a full, functioning life. Before
treatment many of these individuals had great difficulties
functioning on a basic level because of the debilitating
nature of their
headaches.
