If you take magnesium to ward off headaches - stay safe by avoiding doses greater than 500 mg. Magnesium (non-prescription) has been utilized in the treatment of vascular headaches and migraine headaches. It is most commonly recommended as a supplement in the preventative treatment of migraine and sometimes used for cluster headache.
Although the use of magnesium as a supplement has not been substantiated by many scientific studies, nor has it been recommended by the FDA as a treatment for headaches - magnesium is one supplement both physicians and headache sufferers that is considered very helpful.
It's important that you tell your doctor all of the supplements you take including the dosage. The average recommended dose is 200-500 mg/day. In high or excessive doses, magnesium can cause significant and sometimes serious toxic reactions. Work with your doctor - some clinicians recommend the use of magnesium to curtail the full onset of a migraine with some success. Just keep the maximum dose in mind to avoid further complications.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Got Headache? How to Prevent Headaches...
How To Prevent Headache? But the attack of headache is so sudden and violent, where is the time to prevent it?
Headache arrives unnoticed and ultimately departs and you forget everything, the causes of its arrival! You have never tried to analyze, why you are repeatedly having the bouts of headache. Preventing headache is not one of the items in your agenda.
You have to do certain things, follow certain regimen to get rid of yourself the headache problems. You just treat the pain, without going to its root causes. You believe you are an active, bright person. That was so, till 9.00 a.m. this morning and you were making brisk preparations to go to your office duty. Suddenly, you are confronted with a nagging, throbbing headache, which would not let you do anything! What can be done, except applying for a day's leave? But, that has not solved the problem throughout the day, you suffer and suffer more. Will it be alright by tomorrow?
For the time being, you have solved the problem by taking antibiotics, but by evening again, it has resurfaced! This has happened to you a number of times in the past.
So, now you have to budget your time, according to your revised plans to live a head-ache free life!
From where do you start?
Do proper exercise at a fixed time of the day. Try your best to live a tension-free life. Avoid stress. What causes the headache? Try to identify the factors. Is it food, alcohol or oversleeping? Yes, sleeping many times cures and at times causes headache. Taking pain killers so often, your body's natural ability to fight the diseases may vanish if you test it with painkillers. Painkillers are not faithful health agents! They also suppress the pain, without affording it a permanent cure. And when the pain resurfaces, it will arrive with double force!
Herbal products and supplements have been proved to be effective in preventing headaches. Learn relaxation therapy from an expert yoga teacher. Some of the techniques those are bound to be helpful for you to prevent headaches are visualization, meditation, deep breathing exercises and many more. Daily practice of such techniques is a must.
Preventing headache is not a course of medicines, it is a discipline!
To get detailed information on headache, sinus headache and headache relief tips visit http://www.headacheupdates.com/migraine/
Headache arrives unnoticed and ultimately departs and you forget everything, the causes of its arrival! You have never tried to analyze, why you are repeatedly having the bouts of headache. Preventing headache is not one of the items in your agenda.
You have to do certain things, follow certain regimen to get rid of yourself the headache problems. You just treat the pain, without going to its root causes. You believe you are an active, bright person. That was so, till 9.00 a.m. this morning and you were making brisk preparations to go to your office duty. Suddenly, you are confronted with a nagging, throbbing headache, which would not let you do anything! What can be done, except applying for a day's leave? But, that has not solved the problem throughout the day, you suffer and suffer more. Will it be alright by tomorrow?
For the time being, you have solved the problem by taking antibiotics, but by evening again, it has resurfaced! This has happened to you a number of times in the past.
So, now you have to budget your time, according to your revised plans to live a head-ache free life!
From where do you start?
Do proper exercise at a fixed time of the day. Try your best to live a tension-free life. Avoid stress. What causes the headache? Try to identify the factors. Is it food, alcohol or oversleeping? Yes, sleeping many times cures and at times causes headache. Taking pain killers so often, your body's natural ability to fight the diseases may vanish if you test it with painkillers. Painkillers are not faithful health agents! They also suppress the pain, without affording it a permanent cure. And when the pain resurfaces, it will arrive with double force!
Herbal products and supplements have been proved to be effective in preventing headaches. Learn relaxation therapy from an expert yoga teacher. Some of the techniques those are bound to be helpful for you to prevent headaches are visualization, meditation, deep breathing exercises and many more. Daily practice of such techniques is a must.
Preventing headache is not a course of medicines, it is a discipline!
To get detailed information on headache, sinus headache and headache relief tips visit http://www.headacheupdates.com/migraine/
Migraine Headaches - What Does A Migraine Aura Look Like?
What Does A Migraine Aura Look Like? Most people think of a migraine as excruciating pain, but pain is actually the third step of a migraine episode. Before the pain, a majority of migraine sufferers experience the pre-headache phase and the aura phase.
If you have ever heard of the aura phase, you’ve probably wondered, “What does a migraine aura look like?”
Although many people speak only of the aura’s affect on the eyes, the aura is much more than that. Migraineurs (those who have migraines) and their physicians know that some or all of the following may be part of an aura.
* auditory hallucinations – you hear sounds that aren’t there
* confusion in thinking – things aren’t making sense
* decrease in your hearing ability
* difficult finding the words you want
* dizziness
* increased feel and touch – or reduced feel and touch
* olfactory hallucinations – you smell odors that aren't there
* partial paralysis
* sight loss – partial or blurry vision
* tingling or numbness of your face
* visual hallucinations – you see sights that aren’t there: flashing bright lights, wavy lines, spots, or zigzag lines
For now, however, we will look only at the last symptom in the list: visual hallucinations. What does a migraine aura look like in terms of its visual hallucinations?
Migraine Aura – Visual Hallucinations
The visual effects vary from person to person, although there are similarities. The changing activity of the nerves that coil around the blood vessels can produce partial loss of vision or intense colors and patterns.
1. For some people, the effects begin as a small dot in front of one or both eyes. The dot is a blind spot – a spot resembling the effect of accidentally looking toward a bare light bulb. Over a period of 30 to 60 minutes, the dot begins to grow. It flashes. Gradually, it changes shape, becoming an oval, a broken circle, or the shape of a V on its side. Off-center, the changing dot grows further and slowly moves to the peripheral vision. It creates repetitions of itself, chaining them together like linked circles, triangles, or other geometric patterns.
2. Other people describe a migraine aura as zigzag patterns in complimentary colors, such as red and green, yellow and blue. The colors look good together, and are pleasing to watch as long as the migraine pain has not begun. These people may also feel that they are look through smoke or smog. At times, it seems their eyes are shaded by a mini-blind with a crescent shape.
3. Artistically minded migraineurs are likely to say that migraine aura look like op-art paintings. They describe psychedelic, neon borders around a primary zigzag design in black and white. In fact, more than one sufferer has observed that, were it not for the onset of excruciating pain, the visual phenomenon would be very entertaining – something you might pay to witness!
4. One German artist, Delia Malchert, undertook to represent her aura’s visual hallucinations in paintings. Her migraine aura look like scotoma: points in her visual field where vision is absent or reduced. They usually begin with a small spot near or at the centre of her vision. The spot grows gradually, darkening her vision and developing a jagged, zigzag rim of black and white. The rim emits quick flashes as it rotates rapidly around the darkening center. Before long, the scintillating and darkening increase to become a temporary visual disorder that is almost like legal blindness. At that point in the aura, the center part of what she sees is very blurry. To her, the hallucinations of a migraine aura are irritating and annoying rather than entertaining, even though they are not always followed by migraine pain. She does admit, though, that they can be aesthetically pleasing.
What does a migraine aura look like?
These phrases sum up some of the many visual perceptions migraine sufferers may experience.
* lightning bolts like jagged “Z” patterns – most common
* psychedelic patterns of bright colors
* sparkling zigzag lines that rotate
* random patterns of curved and straight lines
* spider webs in front of the eyes
* lattice work, grids, or mini-blinds in front of the eyes
* a spiraling tunnel
* kaleidoscopes of changing colors and patterns
* objects seeming to be larger, smaller, nearer, or farther away
* objects seeming to be tilted
* double vision – seeing two of everything
* stationary objects appearing to move
Migraine aura sufferers agree that whatever the visual effects, they cannot be escaped. Closing the eyes or trying to look around the effects does not help.
You can get more information about migraine auras at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com. Dedicated to helping both those who suffer migraines as well as those who support them, Migraine Relief Blog offers information and practical help on migraines and their treatment. Visit now to continue your study of the migraine aura.
2007 Anna Hart. As sister to a migraine sufferer, Anna can sympathize with your problem. Read more of her articles about migraine headaches and their treatment at: http://www.migrainereliefblog.com.
If you have ever heard of the aura phase, you’ve probably wondered, “What does a migraine aura look like?”
Although many people speak only of the aura’s affect on the eyes, the aura is much more than that. Migraineurs (those who have migraines) and their physicians know that some or all of the following may be part of an aura.
* auditory hallucinations – you hear sounds that aren’t there
* confusion in thinking – things aren’t making sense
* decrease in your hearing ability
* difficult finding the words you want
* dizziness
* increased feel and touch – or reduced feel and touch
* olfactory hallucinations – you smell odors that aren't there
* partial paralysis
* sight loss – partial or blurry vision
* tingling or numbness of your face
* visual hallucinations – you see sights that aren’t there: flashing bright lights, wavy lines, spots, or zigzag lines
For now, however, we will look only at the last symptom in the list: visual hallucinations. What does a migraine aura look like in terms of its visual hallucinations?
Migraine Aura – Visual Hallucinations
The visual effects vary from person to person, although there are similarities. The changing activity of the nerves that coil around the blood vessels can produce partial loss of vision or intense colors and patterns.
1. For some people, the effects begin as a small dot in front of one or both eyes. The dot is a blind spot – a spot resembling the effect of accidentally looking toward a bare light bulb. Over a period of 30 to 60 minutes, the dot begins to grow. It flashes. Gradually, it changes shape, becoming an oval, a broken circle, or the shape of a V on its side. Off-center, the changing dot grows further and slowly moves to the peripheral vision. It creates repetitions of itself, chaining them together like linked circles, triangles, or other geometric patterns.
2. Other people describe a migraine aura as zigzag patterns in complimentary colors, such as red and green, yellow and blue. The colors look good together, and are pleasing to watch as long as the migraine pain has not begun. These people may also feel that they are look through smoke or smog. At times, it seems their eyes are shaded by a mini-blind with a crescent shape.
3. Artistically minded migraineurs are likely to say that migraine aura look like op-art paintings. They describe psychedelic, neon borders around a primary zigzag design in black and white. In fact, more than one sufferer has observed that, were it not for the onset of excruciating pain, the visual phenomenon would be very entertaining – something you might pay to witness!
4. One German artist, Delia Malchert, undertook to represent her aura’s visual hallucinations in paintings. Her migraine aura look like scotoma: points in her visual field where vision is absent or reduced. They usually begin with a small spot near or at the centre of her vision. The spot grows gradually, darkening her vision and developing a jagged, zigzag rim of black and white. The rim emits quick flashes as it rotates rapidly around the darkening center. Before long, the scintillating and darkening increase to become a temporary visual disorder that is almost like legal blindness. At that point in the aura, the center part of what she sees is very blurry. To her, the hallucinations of a migraine aura are irritating and annoying rather than entertaining, even though they are not always followed by migraine pain. She does admit, though, that they can be aesthetically pleasing.
What does a migraine aura look like?
These phrases sum up some of the many visual perceptions migraine sufferers may experience.
* lightning bolts like jagged “Z” patterns – most common
* psychedelic patterns of bright colors
* sparkling zigzag lines that rotate
* random patterns of curved and straight lines
* spider webs in front of the eyes
* lattice work, grids, or mini-blinds in front of the eyes
* a spiraling tunnel
* kaleidoscopes of changing colors and patterns
* objects seeming to be larger, smaller, nearer, or farther away
* objects seeming to be tilted
* double vision – seeing two of everything
* stationary objects appearing to move
Migraine aura sufferers agree that whatever the visual effects, they cannot be escaped. Closing the eyes or trying to look around the effects does not help.
You can get more information about migraine auras at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com. Dedicated to helping both those who suffer migraines as well as those who support them, Migraine Relief Blog offers information and practical help on migraines and their treatment. Visit now to continue your study of the migraine aura.
2007 Anna Hart. As sister to a migraine sufferer, Anna can sympathize with your problem. Read more of her articles about migraine headaches and their treatment at: http://www.migrainereliefblog.com.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Headaches - 3 Proven and Effective Ways for Relief of Constant Headaches
Suffering From Constant Headaches - 3 Proven & Effective Ways For Relief
Are you suffering from constant headaches? Headaches are a common ailment, but research has uncovered treatments that may help your problem almost disappear.
According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF) tension headaches affect nearly 78% of the adult population. 13% of the population suffers from migraines. Because the causes of migraines varies greatly, what relieves a migraine in one person may trigger an attack in another. The suggestions here are guidelines for those who suffer regularly from tension headaches which may have an identifiable physical cause.
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Some headache sufferers notice a connection with eating or drinking foods with aspartame. For those who are sensitive to the chemical it may cause blood vessels to expand in the brain and trigger a headache.
Caffeine is used to treat headaches. It's proprieties can assist pain medication in providing relief and can be found in medications to treat migraines. However, too much caffeine can have a 'rebound' effect and actually cause headaches. If you suffer from regular headaches you should avoid daily use of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas.
According to the McKinley Health Center, avoiding tobacco can also reduce headaches.
Skipping meals may cause headaches in some people, so eating regular meals may prevent headaches in these individuals.
REDUCE THE STRESS
Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. If you suffer from tension headaches you may find getting your eight hours every night reduces the amount or intensity of your headaches. On the other hand, oversleeping can bring on a headache if you don't get up at your regular time (such as on the weekend or during holidays).
Some headaches also seem to be aggravated by too much sun. Excessive exercise outdoors and lack of hydration can lead to headaches. Keep eyes shaded and be sure to drink plenty of water when outdoors.
Not surprisingly it was recently found that women wearing tight ponytails had an increased risk of tension headaches. Releasing or loosening the hair and performing a brief massage to the head can bring almost immediate relief.
MEDICATE
What you may think is a sinus headache may actually be a migraine. A consultation with your doctor may determine if you should switch to a migraine medication.
According to the NHF, tension headaches caused by stress should respond to reducing the stress or use of over-the-counter analgesics. However, if headaches occur almost daily you need to look for ways of dealing with the stress and discuss other options with your doctor.
As with caffeine, regular daily use of over the counter medications can actually cause headaches.
If headaches occur for long periods, are unusually intense or do not respond to pain medication after several days you should seek treatment and diagnosis from a health care professional.
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle has many health benefits, including a reduction of tension-type headaches. Combining a healthy lifestyle with avoidance of triggers may help you find relief from tension-type headaches.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on topical health matters.
Google
Are you suffering from constant headaches? Headaches are a common ailment, but research has uncovered treatments that may help your problem almost disappear.
According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF) tension headaches affect nearly 78% of the adult population. 13% of the population suffers from migraines. Because the causes of migraines varies greatly, what relieves a migraine in one person may trigger an attack in another. The suggestions here are guidelines for those who suffer regularly from tension headaches which may have an identifiable physical cause.
WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Some headache sufferers notice a connection with eating or drinking foods with aspartame. For those who are sensitive to the chemical it may cause blood vessels to expand in the brain and trigger a headache.
Caffeine is used to treat headaches. It's proprieties can assist pain medication in providing relief and can be found in medications to treat migraines. However, too much caffeine can have a 'rebound' effect and actually cause headaches. If you suffer from regular headaches you should avoid daily use of caffeinated beverages such as coffee and certain sodas.
According to the McKinley Health Center, avoiding tobacco can also reduce headaches.
Skipping meals may cause headaches in some people, so eating regular meals may prevent headaches in these individuals.
REDUCE THE STRESS
Getting enough sleep is important for everyone. If you suffer from tension headaches you may find getting your eight hours every night reduces the amount or intensity of your headaches. On the other hand, oversleeping can bring on a headache if you don't get up at your regular time (such as on the weekend or during holidays).
Some headaches also seem to be aggravated by too much sun. Excessive exercise outdoors and lack of hydration can lead to headaches. Keep eyes shaded and be sure to drink plenty of water when outdoors.
Not surprisingly it was recently found that women wearing tight ponytails had an increased risk of tension headaches. Releasing or loosening the hair and performing a brief massage to the head can bring almost immediate relief.
MEDICATE
What you may think is a sinus headache may actually be a migraine. A consultation with your doctor may determine if you should switch to a migraine medication.
According to the NHF, tension headaches caused by stress should respond to reducing the stress or use of over-the-counter analgesics. However, if headaches occur almost daily you need to look for ways of dealing with the stress and discuss other options with your doctor.
As with caffeine, regular daily use of over the counter medications can actually cause headaches.
If headaches occur for long periods, are unusually intense or do not respond to pain medication after several days you should seek treatment and diagnosis from a health care professional.
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle has many health benefits, including a reduction of tension-type headaches. Combining a healthy lifestyle with avoidance of triggers may help you find relief from tension-type headaches.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on topical health matters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
