Archive for the ‘Headache’ category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Bright Lights And Jagged Lines

October 31st, 2011

It  occurs without a warning. They look like jagged flashes of lightning bolts shimmering around the object or field of vision. It usually interferes or obscure vision. The seemingly hallucination episode usually lasts for 15-20 minutes and may or may not be followed by a headache. You might think that you are seeing things or getting insane. No. This condition is known as visual migraine.  
What is Visual Migraine?
Migraine is thought to occur when dilation and constriction of the arteries in the head lead to an extremely painful headache. Visual migraine, on the other hand, is a condition believed to be of the same cause as of migraine but instead of the spasm affecting the surface of the brain, it affects the ocular blood supply resulting to vasospasm, a spasm of arteries behind the eye, which shuts off blood flow to the optic nerve.
Visual migraine is like a temporary loss of vision associated with bright flashing lights and jagged geometric lines. It is not a blacking out of vision or a total blindness. Sometimes, a person experiencing visual migraine may think that he/she is hallucinating. A visual hallucination is actually a visual perception that does not involve the external stimuli. Thus, the person’s frequent jagged geometric auras qualify as visual hallucination. However, it is important to understand that having visual hallucination in connection with visual migraine doesn’t mean the person is getting insane, which is a common misinterpretation.  
More often than not, visual disturbance in visual migraine usually starts in the peripheral vision consisting of almost circular, jagged, shimmering spot which enlarges and moves to the center area which usually obscure the vision. The light is described to be of pale pastel shade. This episode disappears after 15-20 minutes and a mild headache may or may not occur.  many people experiencing this condition often complain of tiredness and mood changes.
Symptoms & Causes
Although there is no known causes of migraine, it is believe that stress can trigger migraine. The “weekend” headache usually follows the stress relief of a frenetic week during which the blood vessels in the head relax and constrict. Eye-related headaches occur after extended periods of reading, watching television, computer work, or anything that requires intense concentration. A tendency for the eyes to cross or drift outward may also bring on headaches, as well as eyestrain related to wearing of eyeglasses. However, symptoms from headaches can be extremely variable and may be dependent on the underlying problem. It is important to remember that this conditon is a nuerological problem, not an eye problem.
Triggers
Any stimulus that produces a reaction is called a Trigger.  Many things can trigger a migraine attack such as:    alcohol (eg. red wine)
        caffeine (coffee, chocolate)
        monosodium glutamate ( MSG usually found in asian foods)
        nitrates (processed foods, hotdogs)
        environmental factors (weather, altitude, time zone changes)
        exposure to light (brightness, glare)
        hormonal changes (in women)
        hunger
        lack of sleep
        anxiety
        stress
        medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
        perfumes

Treatment and Remedies
Usually, this condition resolves even without treatment and many people never have another episode. Some people may continue to have them. An examination of the eye is important to rule out any other causes for these symptoms.
In very rare situations that these symptoms continue to recur on a regular basis and interfere with one’s quality of life, then treatment is available with pills that both decrease the frequency of attacks as well its severity. Treatment usually begins upon consultation with an family physician or neurologist.
There are several over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can provide migraine remedies or aid in relieving symptoms of attacks when they happen. For most people, treatments to relieve stress prove to be equally helpful as migraine remedies. Always remember to consult your physicians for proper diagnosis of your condition before taking any medication.

Related Migraine Articles

No comments »

Posted in Migraine

Tags:

Herb Profile: Feverfew

October 30th, 2011

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), which is native to Eurasia, derives its common name from the Latin febrifugia, meaning “driver out of fevers.” This herb has a long history as a medicinal herb and has, in fact, been shown in more recent times to have powerful health benefits.

The ancient Greeks used the herb to treat fevers, for which it has always been legendary. Dioscorides, the Greek physician, used it to help women in childbirth. (Pregnant women, however, should be warned away from this plant; since it can cause the uterus to contract, resulting in miscarriages.) In addition, feverfew has been used as a medicinal herb in such places as Finland, Cuba, and the United States. John Parkinson, a 17th century herbalist, claimed it helped one recover from an opium overdose. Cotton Mather advocated its use for toothaches. However, its ability to alleviate headaches; i.e., migraines, is what has prompted the most interest.

In 1633, John Gerard, the British herbalist, advocated the use of feverfew for headaches. Over three centuries later in 1978, a report in the British medical journal Lancet suggested that feverfew might have properties similar to aspirin, since it was used to treat both migraines and arthritis. A few years later in 1985, another study was put forth in the British Medical Journal, which indicated that feverfew really did alleviate the pain of migraines. Varro Tyler (Ph.D. and dean of the School of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences at Purdue University) stated that migraine suffers need only chew 3-4 leaves a day. The leaves can also just be added to food. (They have a rather bitter taste and can cause canker sores. Traditionally the leaves were eaten between two slices of bread to hide the taste and help prevent any possible canker sores.) Feverfew capsules may be difficult to find in health food stores, but growing patientr own is easy enough.

Feverfew is either a hardy biennial or a perennial, depending upon the garden zone in which patient live. (It is hardy to Zone 5.) It is often confused with chamomile, due to the similar appearances of the leaves and flowers; however, feverfew has a more upright habit and can grow to be 2-3-feet tall. It likes average, well-drained soil and full sun; although, the herb can handle some shade. It is generally believed that feverfew planted around fruit trees will help increase pollination, possibly resulting in an earlier harvest. Do not choose the double-flowered variety for this purpose, though. Bees do not like the smell and will avoid all flowers in the garden in which the double-flowered variety is planted. (I have noticed in my own garden that the common feverfew, while not repelling bees, has discouraged some of the bad bugs. My roses definitely seem happier for it.)

Even if patient think patient will never use feverfew as a medicinal herb, patient will enjoy it for its feathery leaves and small daisy-like blooms, which add a certain softness to the garden. At least this plant will not be a headache to grow.

For additional information on feverfew, see the following:

Answers.com/feverfew

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicines

Kowalchik, Claire and Hylton, William H., eds. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998, pp. 192-193

No comments »

Posted in Migraine

Tags:

How to Avoid Migraine Headache and Tension Headaches

October 29th, 2011

Holidays and travel are a lot of fun, but sometimes all this fun patient headaches – literally

Step 1

avoid eyestrain working in a well lit environment and wearing a pair of glasses or contact lenses if necessary.

Step 2

number of hours of sleep patient need to feel rested and alert.

Step 3

work in an ergonomically correct workplace. Stretch frequently if patientr work requires patient to sit for long periods of time.

Step 4

Take teeth are checked regularly. Migraine Headache and Tension Headaches can be a regular dental problems. Regarding Step 5

Watch what patient eat. Cheese, chocolate, wine and age can trigger headaches.

Step 6

Avoid very cold foods and drinks.

Step 7

Manage stress. Learn stress management techniques to get in a training program, or try yoga or meditation.

Step 8

Delegate work to others, to relieve stress. Step

9

Air in patientr home and workplace. Step

10

Take care, from allergies and infections of the paranasal sinuses. Step

11

Drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids per day, to dry the defense.


Step 1

avoid eyestrain working in a well lit and glasses or contact lenses if necessary.

Step 2

number of hours of sleep patient need to feel rested and alert.

Step 3

work in an ergonomically correct workplace. Stretch frequently if patientr work requires patient to sit for long periods of time.

Step 4

Take teeth are checked regularly. Migraine Headache and Tension Headaches can be a regular dental problems. Regarding Step 5

Watch what patient eat. Cheese, chocolate, wine and age can trigger headaches.

Step 6

Avoid very cold foods and drinks.

Step 7

Manage stress. Learn stress management techniques to get in a training program, or try yoga or meditation.

Step 8

Delegate work to others, to relieve stress. Step

9

Air in patientr home and workplace. Step

10

Take care, from allergies and infections of the paranasal sinuses. Step

11

Drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids per day, to dry the defense.


No comments »

Posted in Headache

Tags:

Massage for Headache Relief

October 29th, 2011

Headaches and migraines are common symptoms of stress. Follow these simple shiatsu steps to sweep away the tension, relieve pain and clear the head. The sequence is quick and easy to administer; it can be used anywhere and friends will be grateful for the relief of their pain. You can perform some of the steps on patientrself, though the healing touch of another’s hands is more effective.

1. Establish communication with patientr partner by placing both hands loosely on either side of the neck. Gently massage the shoulders; this helps to relax the breathing and creates a feeling of well-being.

2. Right: Tilt the head to the side and support with the palm of the hand so that the neck muscles can relax. Place the forearm across the shoulder and apply gentle downward pressure; hold for 5-10 seconds and then repeat with the other side. This movement is particularly good for opening the meridians running along the shoulders and neck.

3. Supporting the head with the left hand, work with thumb and forefinger applying gentle pressure from the base of the neck to the nape. Hold at the nape of the neck for five seconds and then release the built-up tension.

4. Tilt the head back slightly, supporting it on patientr chest. Place patientr thumbs on the temples with the fingers loosely resting on either side of the face. Gently rotate the thumbs in small forward movements.

5. Find the pressure points just above the inner corner of each eye. Apply gentle pressure with the middle fingers to help disperse the pain. Hold the pressure points for five seconds.

6. Position patientr thumbs on either side of the head just above the hairline – approximately two inches apart – with palms pressed flat along the sides of the face. Press the thumbs evenly back along the top of the head. This is a sensitive but invigorating movement to end the treatment.

A shiatsu treatment is usually very effective for relieving stress and headaches but if patientr headache persists, consult a health professional. Avoid the treatment during pregnancy.

Learning How to Relax

Relax is very beneficial in our everyday life. Most people confuse relaxation with meditation. While both have things that are common, relaxation is completely different from meditation. Relaxation can help us improve our body health, both physically and mentally and it combats stress. In order to properly relax patient have to lie down with patientr shoulders relax and even on the floor. Your arms should be straightened out and elbows next to the waist and patientr palms turned upwards. Relax patientr head and close patientr eyes. Then start by breathing in slowly and allow patientr body to focus on what patient are doing, then breathe out slowly and relax. It is important to listen to patientrself while patient are inhaling and exhaling and patient will be surprised to see how quiet the deep breathe can become.

To start a good relaxation process try and begin by easing the tension around the head and patient can do this by doing a head roll. Roll the head slowly round to the right shoulder and then raise the chin. Lower the head and roll back to the center and continue round to the left shoulder. Repeat for no more than five times.

Sources:

http://www.livingwithanxiety.com/anxiety-relaxation.htm

http://www.learningmeditation.com/relax.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_1964_massage-away-headache.html

http://www.migraine-headaches-solution.com/

Related Headache Articles

No comments »

Posted in Headache

Tags:

Natural remedies for headaches

October 28th, 2011

Some tips that are very relieved, are:

Acupressure: reduce headaches by pressing the skin web between the thumb and index finger as hard as you can, or with both fists, and under the ridges on the back bone of Kopfes.Wenn you a headache, pressure on the pressure point where bones connect to your thumb and forefinger. It’s easy to find. Press firmly as you can and as long as you do this, you will see verschwinden.Aromatherapie headache: a compress to 5 drops of lavender essential oil in cold water (or hot) water. Whip around a soft cloth, then put it on the head or Nacken.Massage with or without peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender oil: Ask someone to knees and shoulders over the back of the neck. Then, they must click on the skull with fingers and gently brush hair loslassen.Platzieren natural bristle in your temple, just above the eyebrows, and slowly moved toward the back of the head in slow circles. This massage helps to improve blood and bringen.Kochen vinegar and water, cover head with a towel and a taste of the mix. This helps with sinus Kopfschmerzen.Versuchen gewickeltPeppermint you a cold pack several layers of towel around his neck lindern.Kamillentee tea can relieve pain and are also so you can sleep, headache is in you helfen.Legen 2-3 drops of cow’s milk into his nostrils every night for a week. Headaches caused by sinusitis verschwindet.Trinken you a glass of water with honey in empty stomach helps chronic headaches reduzieren.Nehmen sandalwood paste and apply on the forehead. Let it dry and then rub it with your hands. There is a lot easier working Erleichterung.Das make them feel better you can do is lie down in a dark room, quiet


More Articles href = “http://www.3dcarehealth.com/category/headache/”> Headaches

No comments »

Posted in Headache

Tags: