Migraine Headaches

MIGRAINE HEADACHE

 

SPECIAL REPORT Everything You Need to Know About

 

Migraine Headaches

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  

 

Thank you for requesting the “Migraine Headache Special Report.” The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Association and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section.  If you or a loved one is suffering from Migraine Headaches, Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at 248-353-BACK (2225) Don’t delay, Early treatment means  earlier relief and faster healing. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

 

Q.  What is a Migraine headache?

 

 

A.  Migraine headaches are believed to be vascular in nature (involving constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain).  Although these changes in the blood vessels are not completely understood it is thought to be a result of a change in the nerve system and/or imbalances in brain chemicals.  Migraines are defined as:·        Repeated attacks lasting between 2 & 72 hours.

 

·        Moderately to severely painful

 

·        Intense throbbing or pounding pain

 

·        Often only on one side of the head or behind the eye

 

·        Often accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting

 

·        A visual phenomenon (Aura) is often experienced immediately before and sometimes during the attack.

 

  Q.  What are common Migraine symptoms? A. ausea

 

 N

 Vomiting Diarrhea

 Sweating

 Cold hands

 Light sensitivityDizziness

 

 Neck painSensitivity to sound

 

 Scalp tendernessPale complexion

 

 Pulsating temple ressure pain

 P

 Vertigo Difficulty thinking/concentrating  

 

Q.  What triggers Migraine Headaches? A.  The most common Migraine triggers are: ·       Changes in sleep habits         

 

·       Weather

 

·       Hormonal changes                          

 

·       Stress

 

·       Glare or flickering light                 

 

·       Food Triggers - red wine, caffeine, cheese, MSG (monosodium glutamate), aspartame (artificial sweetener), chocolate  

 

Other Food Triggers (some not as common): ·       alcoholic beverages

 

·       sodium-nitrite in meats (hot dogs, deli meats, etc.) 

 

·       citrus fruit

 

·       tyramine (chemical found in aged cheese)

 

·       nuts

 

·       onions

 

·       beans

 

·       pickled herring

 

·       dried smoked fish

 

·       dairy products

 

·       sour cream

 

·       yogurt (yeast extracts)

 

·       fatty foods

 

 

 

Physical Migraine Triggers:  

 

·       lack of sleep or too much sleep

 

·       irregular sleep patterns

 

·       napping

 

·       head trauma

 

·       physical exertion

 

·       fatigue

 

·       vigorous activity (i.e. exercise)

 

·       sudden or intense exertion

 

·       irregular meal patterns

 

·       skipped meals  

 

Environmental Triggers

 

 

·       glare or bright light

 

·       flashing or flickering lights

 

·       fluorescent lighting

 

·       weather changes

 

·       strong odors (bad or good)

 

·       repetitive visual patterns (stripes, zigzags, etc.)

 

·       air pollution

 

·       secondhand smoke

 

·       chemical fumes

 

·       motion or travel  

 

Q.  Are there different types of Migraines?

 

 

A.  Yes. Here are some of the different types.

 

·       Morning migraines 

 

·       Long duration migraines

 

·       Migraines with nausea/vomiting

 

·       Slowly developing migraines

 

·       Rapidly escalating migraines

 

·       Menstrual migraines  

 

Q.  Do women experience Migraines more than men? A.   As a general rule of thumb, women have more hormonal changes than men.  For example, many women experience intense headaches or migraines around the time of their menstrual cycle.  These are often referred to as Menstrual Migraines.  It is also common for women to experience changes in the migraines (sometimes fewer migraines, complete relief, or even worsening migraines), during pregnancy, shortly after delivery, and during and after menopause.

 

Q.  Is there anything I can do to help with Migraines? ·       Limit consumption of foods that may provoke the headache 

 

·       Stay hydrated (drink plenty of water)

 

·       Exercise daily (a minimum of 30 min.)

 

·       Remove aggravating factors from daily routine

 

·       Get a minimum of 7 hours sleep per night.

 

(Falling asleep before midnight helps maximize your bodies growth hormone levels)  

 

Q.  What are Migraine headache treatment options? A.  ·       Rest ·       Chiropractic ·       Biofeedback ·       Ice/heat ·       Massage  

 

Non-prescription medications

 

·       NSAIDs (i.e. ibuprofen, Motrin)

 

·       Aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine

 

Prescription medications

 

·       Triptans

 

·       Dihydroergotamine (DHE)

 

·       Others This article does NOT advise taking medications without an evaluation from your doctor.  Please consult with a physician before taking any medication.

 

Q.  How can Chiropractic help?  

 

A.  A normal cervical spine has curvature that provides support and strength to the neck.  Malposition of this curvature and/or cervical spinal bones can cause irritation to the surrounding muscles, ligaments and nerves, resulting in migraine symptoms.  Chiropractic adjustments re-align the bones into proper position eliminating nerve pressure and irritation.  This technique is highly effective for migraine headaches and I have personally achieved excellent results with countless patients.    

 

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit to the Chiropractor?

 

A.  An initial visit to our office will always begin with a warm welcome.  A thorough history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when warranted.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in a explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic care.   

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

 

without the use of drugs and surgery, Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at 248-353-BACK (2225)  

 

 During your consultation, Dr. Ruffini will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

  “We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need.  We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Rich Ruffini 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision. Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems. The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ruffini. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Ruffini in his office.