Researchers Uncover Causes, Cures for Migraines

A headache may not seem like a serious health problem, but for the millions of men, women, and children who suffer from migraine headaches, these painful episodes can bring life to a screeching halt.

Although a migraine is essentially the same as a conventional headache, its intensity and duration make them much more severe. Because migraines can cause vomiting, intense pain, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound, sufferers are often forced to avoid work, school, household tasks, and other everyday responsibilities. Also, migraines typically last much longer than conventional headaches, with the worst episodes persisting up to 3 or more days.

While a great deal of research has been conducted on migraine headaches, the exact origins and causes have remained elusive. This week, we?ll review recent scientific breakthroughs that represent the latest advances in the ongoing quest to discover a cure for migraines.

Drug May Be Effective at Treating Migraines Relating to Menstrual Cycle

Although the triggers that set off migraine headaches vary between individuals, researchers have long expected that hormonal changes are one of the most prevalent causes of the headaches. This supposition has been bolstered by the fact that women often suffer from migraines during the same phase of their monthly menstrual cycle.

Researchers at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee sought to determine whether an existing migraine drug could be administered to women who regularly experience migraine headaches during their menstrual cycles as a method of preventing the headaches.

The study tested the drug on a group of 457 identified as suffering from menstruation-related migraines. It was found that the regular usage of the drug significantly reduced the incidence of migraines, as well as lessening the intensity of the headaches that the subjects reported experiencing. The researchers stated that this drug could prove helpful for the approximately 18% of women who regularly experience menstruation-related migraines.

New Research Finds Socioeconomic Component in Epidemiology of Migraines

Pinning down the precise cause of migraine headaches has long been a daunting challenge. In recent years, researchers have considered myriad possibilities, ranging from genetic factors to environmental triggers. However, one facet that has only just begun to be considered is the possible role of social, economic, and demographic variables.

A study conducted by researchers at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine indicates that poorer family environments may increase the risk of migraine headaches, particularly for adolescents and young adults. Among nearly 20,000 young migraine sufferers that were surveyed as part of the study, the risk of recurring migraines was highest among those whose family income was less than $22,500 a year.

The researchers point out that many environmental stressors that are thought to contribute to migraines may be more prevalent in poorer households, neighborhoods, and communities. This newly identified risk factor should serve as a warning sign for physicians who treat lower-income patients, according to the study.

Yoga Found to Reduce the Recurrence of Migraines

The incidence of migraine headaches is often found to be highest among groups that experience ongoing stress. As such, researchers have long looked to various methods of stress relief as a complementary method of reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.

The growing popularity of the ancient system of stretching exercises and calisthenics known as yoga has made it a hit among those looking for stress relief. Recently, researchers at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India sought to determine whether yoga could help diminish the symptoms of migraine headaches among frequent sufferers.

The study assigned 72 known migraine sufferers to two groups. One group maintained their normal treatment regimen, while the other group added a modified form of yoga known as Gentle Yoga. This variation of yoga focuses on slow, flowing movements and is geared for stress relief.

After a duration of three months, the participants who were engaging in regular Gentle Yoga sessions reported a significant decline in both the frequency and the intensity of their migraine headaches. In comparison, those in the control group reported either no change, or more frequent migraines. The researchers reported that Gentle Yoga may prove to provide a measure of stress relief that can help migraine prevention.

If you or a loved one suffers from migraines, ask your doctor about the role that targeted stress relief programs might be able to play in your treatment. Check back each week for the research news that can help you achieve and maintain optimal health.