Military Veterans and Patriots

Category: This Week in Health

  • 10 Helpful Teas During Cold and Flu Season

    10 Helpful Teas During Cold and Flu Season

    10 Helpful Teas During Cold and Flu Season

    When cold and flu season comes around, one of the first home treatments many people think of is hot tea. Besides helping with cough and sore throat, some regular and herbal teas have properties that might help with other common cold and flu symptoms, such as aches and pain, high fever, and inflammation.  

    If you want to prepare yourself and your family for the possibility of having to deal with colds and other viral infections, including influenza A viruses, then it may be time to stock up on teas. The following list represents some of the many options available and their specific advantages. 

    You can purchase traditional and herbal teas as tea bags or loose leaf. Some varieties have added vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant. You also can combine various dried teas together to create your own cold-and-flu-fighting beverage.

    Chamomile

    You might think of this tea as one to enjoy to help you sleep, but research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology in 1990 found inhaling chamomile may alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Chamomile also has antiphlogistic properties, according to an article in Molecular Medicine Reports, that can help with fever.

    Echinacea

    This herb is among the more common ones used for upper respiratory tract infections such as cold and flu. Echinacea can boost immune system function, and it is recommended during the early stages of infection. Some research indicates it may shorten the duration of the common cold and lessen the severity of symptoms.

    Elderberry

    This flowering plant makes a delicious tea that may help reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms. One study showed that concentrated elderberry juice was effective against the human influenza virus.

    Ginger

    A favorite way to enjoy this herbal tea is with lemon and honey, two ingredients that can work with the ginger to soothe cold and flu symptoms. Use freshly grated ginger if possible when making this tea. Also, ginger is a warming spice and is known to help with digestion.

    Green and White Teas

    Both green and white teas are less processed than black tea, which is oxidized while the others are not. One consequence of this fact is that green and white teas have greater levels of potent antioxidants known as catechins. Green tea is a source of catechins as well as theanine, both of which may help prevent flu. A better source of catechins is white tea, so choose one or the other or both and have several cups daily. Green tea is one of the few teas that contain a noticeable amount of vitamin C; around 2 to 10 percent RDA per cup. Basically, the less processed the tea, the more vitamin C it contains.

    Guava

    This is one of the lesser-known teas, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have some great healing powers. Studies indicate guava tea may inhibit the rapid spread of the flu, as well as help, prevent the growth of influenza A.

    Hibiscus

    The hibiscus flower makes a flavorful reddish tea that is a source of vitamin C and iron, which can help the immune system fight off pathogens. In a 2020 study, researchers reported that hibiscus tea extract showed potential against influenza A virus infection.

    Licorice Root

    Research shows that licorice root may be a formidable challenger for type A flu viruses. It is not as effective against the common cold, however.

    Peppermint

    The menthol in peppermint tea is the “magic” ingredient that works as a decongestant. Peppermint tea also can help relieve cough and relieve nasal congestion. 

    Rooibos

    You might breathe a great sigh of relief if you drink this caffeine-free, lightly sweet herbal tea, which is made from the leaves of the red bush plant. Rooibos tea has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

    A Final Note

    Two other natural remedies to help ward off the common cold and flu and its symptoms are probiotics and honey. Numerous studies have touted the ability of probiotic supplements to benefit the immune system in its fight against these common conditions. Honey, especially organic raw honey, is a sweet and nutritious way to help manage cough and sore throat symptoms. It makes a great addition to these healing teas!
    https://www.theepochtimes.com/10-helpful-teas-during-cold-and-flu-season_3626054.html BY LISA ROTH COLLINS December 28, 2020 

  • More fuel

    More fuel

    for the fire in the belly

    I bring news of this state

    while others bring news of their states

    so everyone can be relatively informed

    Why would she do this?

    17 Oct 2020

    Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) vetoed legislation that would have made it a felony to attempt to apply for multiple absentee ballots or fill out an application for other individuals without their consent.

    The main bill was passed by the GOP-controlled House and Senate on bipartisan 77-26 and 32-6 votes, with some Democrats opposed.

    Protect her Criminal democrat party during the election

    I’d ask her personally but just lookin her

    well

    have you ever walked into a ball of hanging ticks from a tree?

    well I have it wasn’t fun

    you ever have a tick on you?

    well just look at her

    her oily looking skin is like the residue of tick

    ebbie gibbies

    file this under

    Chance ya bastard now I’m itchy

    Most people think that because it’s winter, they’re safe from tree-dwelling creepy crawlies, but bugs don’t actually die during the cold months. Instead, they hibernate. And once they’re nice and cozy inside your home, they rear their gross heads.

    Imagine waking up Christmas morning, only to have bugs crawling all over your presents!

    The most common trees known to carry bugs are spruce, fir, and pine trees. Consequently, one of the most common bugs found in these trees is Aphids. Aphids are usually a black or brown color and very small, so it’s important to inspect your tree closely. Don’t squash these bugs on your furniture, as they leave purple or red stains.

    Other tree-dwelling bugs are ticks, scale insects, bark beetles, psocids, and mites. But beware! Even if you don’t see any bugs, there could still be traces of feeding trails, eggs, or burrows, all of which could lead to a mass army of bugs any second.

    Once you bring the tree home, leave it in the garage for 24 hours. Then, once it’s up, be sure to vacuum around the bottom as frequently as possible. This will eliminate any adventurous bugs.

    Spray your tree with neem oil. This will kill any bugs present.

    You’re Welcome 🙂

  • Cut the cable

    Cut the cable

  • This Week in Health: Restless Legs Syndrome

    This Week in Health: Restless Legs Syndrome

    Restless Legs Syndrome

    |

    Overview

    Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you’re sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.

    Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities.

    Causes

    Often, there’s no known cause for RLS. Researchers suspect the condition may be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which sends messages to control muscle movement.

    Heredity

    Sometimes RLS runs in families, especially if the condition starts before age 40. Researchers have identified sites on the chromosomes where genes for RLS may be present.

    Pregnancy

    Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery.

    Risk factors

    RLS can develop at any age, even during childhood. The disorder is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men.

    RLS usually isn’t related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as:

    • Peripheral neuropathy. This damage to the nerves in your hands and feet is sometimes due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism.
    • Iron deficiency. Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen RLS. If you have a history of bleeding from your stomach or bowels, experience heavy menstrual periods, or repeatedly donate blood, you may have iron deficiency.
    • Kidney failure. If you have kidney failure, you may also have iron deficiency, often with anemia. When kidneys don’t function properly, iron stores in your blood can decrease. This and other changes in body chemistry may cause or worsen RLS.
    • Spinal cord conditions. Lesions on the spinal cord as a result of damage or injury have been linked to RLS. Having had anesthesia to the spinal cord, such as a spinal block, also increases the risk of developing RLS.

    Symptoms

    The chief symptom is an urge to move the legs. Common accompanying characteristics of RLS include:

    • Sensations that begin after rest. The sensation typically begins after you’ve been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane or movie theater.
    • Relief with movement. The sensation of RLS lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling your legs, pacing or walking.
    • Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms occur mainly at night.
    • Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes your legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    Initial Diagnosis

    Your doctor will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms. A diagnosis of RLS is based on the following criteria, established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group:

    • You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move your legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
    • Your symptoms start or get worse when you’re resting, such as sitting or lying down.
    • Your symptoms are partially or temporarily relieved by activity, such as walking or stretching.
    • Your symptoms are worse at night.
    • Symptoms can’t be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition.

    Advanced Diagnosis

    Your doctor may conduct a physical and a neurological exam. Blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, may be ordered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.

    In addition, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. This may involve an overnight stay at a sleep clinic, where doctors can study your sleep if another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. However, a diagnosis of RLS usually doesn’t require a sleep study.

    Initial Treatment

    Lifestyle and home remedies

    Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of RLS:

    • Try baths and massages. Soaking in a warm bath and massaging your legs can relax your muscles.
    • Apply warm or cool packs. Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, may lessen your limb sensations.
    • Establish good sleep hygiene. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS, so it’s important that you practice good sleep hygiene. Ideally, have a cool, quiet, comfortable sleeping environment; go to bed and rise at the same time daily; and get at least seven hours of sleep nightly.
    • Exercise. Getting moderate, regular exercise may relieve symptoms of RLS, but overdoing it or working out too late in the day may intensify symptoms.
    • Avoid caffeine. Sometimes cutting back on caffeine may help restless legs. Try to avoid caffeine-containing products, including chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks, for a few weeks to see if this helps.
    • Consider using a foot wrap. A foot wrap specially designed for people with RLS puts pressure under your foot and may help relieve your symptoms.

    Advanced Treatment

    Sometimes, treating an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency, greatly relieves symptoms of RLS. Correcting an iron deficiency may involve receiving iron supplementation orally or intravenously. However, take iron supplements only with medical supervision and after your doctor has checked your blood-iron level.

    Medications

    Several prescription medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, are available to reduce the restlessness in your legs. These include:

    • Medications that increase dopamine in the brain. These medications affect levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in your brain. Ropinirole (Requip), rotigotine (Neupro) and pramipexole (Mirapex) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS.

      Short-term side effects of these medications are usually mild and include nausea, lightheadedness and fatigue. However, they can also cause impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, and daytime sleepiness.

    • Drugs affecting calcium channels. Certain medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica), work for some people with RLS.
    • Opioids. Narcotic medications can relieve mild to severe symptoms, but they may be addicting if used in high doses. Some examples include tramadol (Ultram, ConZip), codeine, oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, others) and hydrocodone (Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER).
    • Muscle relaxants and sleep medications. These drugs help you sleep better at night, but they don’t eliminate the leg sensations, and they may cause daytime drowsiness. These medications are generally only used if no other treatment provides relief.

    It may take several trials for you and your doctor to find the right medication or combination of medications that work best for you.

    So tell us YOUR story!

    Ask questions!

    Disclaimer: This is an informational post designed to foster discussion. It should not substitute for the advice of your doctor.

    Primary Source: Mayo Clinic

  • Mustgoe’s

    Mustgoe’s

    Normally I use that word for left over food as in

    What I didn’t eat yesterday mustgo today the English language being what it is

    does contain words which hold double meaning to them

    in this instance MUSTGOE”S has to be applied to those obama inserted/planted throughout the Military

    Army Recommending Soldiers Get Hot Baths, Naps, Massages And Meditation…

    In a measure that may seem to contradict the motto “Army Strong,” the military branch’s latest exercise guidelines encourage recruits to practice aggressive napping, meditation and warm baths. The unorthodox activities are part of a revamp of the US Army’s physical-fitness training field manual, now called the “FM 7-22 Holistic Health and Fitness.

    “Soldiers can use short, infrequent naps to restore wakefulness and promote performance,” the booklet recommends, adding that they should “take longest nap possible” when “available sleep time is difficult to predict.”

    In general, the Army manual suggests that soldiers get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, which soldiers can help facilitate by listening to soothing music or taking a warm bath before hitting their cots.

    “The Army has always had an internal dynamic that real men don’t need sleep and can just push on, and it’s incredibly stupid,” former commander of US and coalition forces in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005 Lt. Gen. David Barno told the New York Times. “Combat is a thinking man’s business, and your brain doesn’t function without sleep.”

    https://nypost.com/2020/10/01/the-army-now-recommends-warm-baths-meditation-and-naps/?utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=SocialFlow

    Army training ahhh yes

    this morning it was raining while looking rather white-ishhhhh

    not a good day for training

    by Army Standards

  • This Week in Health: Skin Cancer

    This Week in Health: Skin Cancer

    End of Summer

    |

    Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

    Basil Cell Carcinoma
    Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    Melanoma

    Overview

    Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutations. These mutations lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. The main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.  Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a less common but very aggressive form that has seen increasing numbers of cases.

    The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of UV tanning machines. The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it with little or no scarring and high odds of eliminating it entirely. Often, the doctor may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage, before it has become a full-blown skin cancer or penetrated below the surface of the skin

     

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    Diagnosis

    Any new or unusual skin growths should be examined by a dermatologist.

    Biopsies can confirm a diagnosis.

    Treatment

    When caught early, most skin cancers such as BCC and SCC can be removed via minimally invasive surgical excision.

    If the lesion has become large, or is a more aggressive form such as melanoma, much larger areas of surrounding tissue may need to be removed. This can produce significant scarring and deformity.

    Melanoma in particular can often metastasize (spread to other organs of the body), and may require even more aggressive forms of treatment such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy

    Prevention

    Prevention and early intervention are the most important aspect of skin cancer treatment.

    • Wear UV blocking sunscreen
    • Avoid extended exposure to the sun
    • Examine your skin routinely
    • See a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam

    So tell us YOUR story!

    Ask questions!

    Disclaimer: This is an informational post designed to foster discussion. It should not substitute for the advice of your doctor.

  • This Week in Health: Plantar Fasciitis

    This Week in Health: Plantar Fasciitis

    Plantar Fasciitis

    |

    Overview

    Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).

    Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting.

    Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners. People who are overweight and those who wear shoes with inadequate support also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis

    Causes

    Your plantar fascia is in the shape of a bowstring, supporting the arch of your foot and absorbing shock when you walk. If tension and stress on this bowstring become too great, small tears can occur in the fascia. Repeated stretching and tearing can irritate or inflame the fascia. Sometimes the development of a bone spur on the heel (calcaneal spur) can contribute to the inflammation, although the cause remains unclear in many cases of plantar fasciitis, and often these spurs remain completely asymptomatic

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    Initial Diagnosis

    Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed based on your medical history and physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will check for areas of tenderness in your foot. The location of your pain can help determine its cause.

    Advanced Diagnosis

    Usually no tests are necessary. Your doctor might suggest an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make sure another problem, such as a stress fracture, is not causing you pain.

    Sometimes an X-ray shows a piece of bone sticking out (spur) from the heel bone. In the past, these bone spurs were often blamed for heel pain and removed surgically. But many people who have bone spurs on their heels have no heel pain.

    Initial Treatment

    Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, including resting, icing the painful area and stretching.

    Medications

    Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may ease the pain and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.

    Therapies

    Stretching and strengthening exercises or using special devices may relieve symptoms. They include:

    • Physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you a series of exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon and to strengthen lower leg muscles. A therapist might also teach you to apply athletic taping to support the bottom of your foot.
    • Night splints. Your physical therapist or doctor might recommend that you wear a splint that stretches your calf and the arch of your foot while you sleep. This holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position overnight to promote stretching.
    • Orthotics. Your doctor might prescribe off-the-shelf or custom-fitted arch supports (orthotics) to help distribute pressure to your feet more evenly.

    Advanced Treatment

    Injections

    Injecting steroid medication into the tender area can provide temporary pain relief. Multiple shots aren’t recommended because they can weaken your plantar fascia and possibly cause it to rupture. Using ultrasound imaging, platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood can be injected to promote tissue healing.

    Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

    In this procedure, sound waves are directed at the area of heel pain to stimulate healing. It’s usually used for chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to more-conservative treatments. Some studies show promising results, but it hasn’t been shown to be consistently effective.

    Ultrasonic tissue repair

    This minimally invasive technology was developed in part by Mayo Clinic doctors. It uses ultrasound imaging to guide a needlelike probe into the damaged plantar fascia tissue. Using ultrasound energy, the probe tip vibrates rapidly to break up the damaged tissue, which is then suctioned out.

    Surgery

    Few people need surgery to detach the plantar fascia from the heel bone. It is generally an option only when the pain is severe and other treatments have failed. It can be done as an open procedure or through a small incision with local anesthesia.

    Prevention

    To reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, try these self-care tips:

    • Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying extra weight can put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
    • Choose supportive shoes. Buy shoes with a low to moderate heel, thick soles, good arch support and extra cushioning. Don’t walk barefoot.
    • Don’t wear worn-out athletic shoes. Replace your old athletic shoes before they stop supporting and cushioning your feet.
    • Change your sport. Try a low-impact sport, such as swimming or bicycling, instead of walking or jogging.
    • Apply ice. Hold a cloth-covered ice pack over the area of pain for 15 minutes three or four times a day. Icing can help reduce pain and inflammation.
    • Stretch your arches. Simple home exercises can stretch your plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and calf muscles.

    Primary Source: Mayo Clinic

    So tell us YOUR story!

    Ask questions!

    Disclaimer: This is an informational post designed to foster discussion. It should not substitute for the advice of your doctor.

  • HEALTH: Computer Ergonomics

    HEALTH: Computer Ergonomics

    Ergonomic Tips for Computer Users

    |

    Overview

    Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people, their work tasks, and their physical work environment. It attempts to reduce strain, fatigue, and injuries by improving product design and workspace arrangement. The goal is a comfortable, relaxed posture.

    Many people spend hours a day in front of a computer without thinking about the impact on their bodies. They physically stress their bodies daily without realizing it by extending their wrists, slouching, sitting without foot support and straining to look at poorly placed monitors.

    These practices can lead to cumulative trauma disorders or repetitive stress injuries, which create a life-long impact on health. Symptoms may include pain, muscle fatigue, loss of sensation, tingling and reduced performance.

    Compare These Two Workstations

    Adapt Your Workspace

    Posture And Positioning

    • Maintain good posture when working at the keyboard. Utilize a chair with back support. 
    • Keep your feet supported on the floor or on a footrest when you work to reduce pressure on your lower back
    • Avoid twisting or bending your trunk or neck. Frequently used items should be positioned directly in front of you and angled upward on a copyholder when working. 
    • Keep your shoulders relaxed with your elbows close to your sides.
    • Avoid resting your elbows on the hard surface or edge of your table. Pads can be used to protect your elbows if necessary.
    • Elbows should be positioned at 100 to 110 degrees when working in order to keep a relaxed position at the keyboard. This could require a slight negative tilt (front of keyboard higher than back) when working in upright positions. If reclined in your chair, the keyboard could be at a positive angle to maintain this relaxed position.
    • Your wrists should be in a neutral or straight position when keying or using a pointing device or calculator. Wrist rests can assist you in maintaining a neutral position when used properly during pauses. Float your arms above the keyboard and wrist rest when keying. Avoid planting your wrists on the table or wrist rest. This can result in bending the wrists either up and down or side to side.
    • Take breaks. These breaks can be brief and should include stretches for optimal results. If possible, take a one or two-minute break every 15 to 20 minutes, or a five-minute break every hour. Every few hours, get up, move around, and do an alternative activity.

    Laptop Considerations

    Laptop computers are not ergonomically designed for prolonged use. The monitor and keyboard are so close together that they cannot both be in good positions at the same time. For prolonged use, it’s best to add a separate monitor and keyboard. The laptop can be planced on books so the top of the screen is at eye level, then use an external keyboard so that your elbows can rest at 90° by your side. 

    Don’t be THIS guy

    So tell us YOUR story!

    Ask questions!

    Disclaimer: This is an informational post designed to foster discussion. It should not substitute for the advice of your doctor.

  • Virginia to Mandate Vaccine

    Virginia to Mandate Vaccine

    Virginia Commissioner of Health Dr. Norman Oliver says he plans on forcing people to take a coronavirus vaccine once one becomes available.

    Virginia law gives the Commissioner of Health the authority to mandate immunizations during a public health crisis if a vaccine is available.

    “It is killing people now, we don’t have a treatment for it and if we develop a vaccine that can prevent it from spreading in the community we will save hundreds and hundreds of lives,” Oliver said on Friday.

    There were seven people hospitalized in the state because of coronavirus on Aug. 20, according to the Virginia Department of Health website. The peak hospitalizations in Virginia was 120 on May 1. Since July 15, Virginia has had two days with double-digit daily COVID-19 deaths: 12 fatalities on July 25 and 10 on July 29.

    Related: This Week in Health: Oh My Aching Head

    A Yahoo News/YouGov poll conducted between July 28-30 found that only 42% of all Americans said they would get vaccinated “if and when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available.”

  • This Week in Health: Oh My Aching Head

    This Week in Health: Oh My Aching Head

    Migraine Headaches

    |

    Introduction

    Migraine management is a weighty topic to cover in this segment, so – in the interests of keeping it manageable – this will be just a brief summary. 

    I chose this topic today to highlight the fact that – after decades of a stagnant treatment algorithm – several new treatment strategies have emerged in the last couple of years, and these have become game-changers for many.

    This piece will focus on classic (with aura) and common (without aura) migraine management. There are several other uniques classifications of migraine, such as cluster migraines, but they are beyond the scope of this article.

    Overview

    Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Approximately 15% of Americans experience migraines. Most people who have migraines feel that people who do not have them often underestimate their condition. Migraines affect people’s quality of life and ability to participate in work, family, and social events. 

    Migraine is a common episodic disorder, the hallmark of which is a disabling headache generally associated with nausea, and/or light and sound sensitivity. It can also become a chronic condition, defined as: greater than 15 headache days per month, lasting greater than 4 hours and sometimes for multiple days per episode.

    Some people even develop chronic daily migraine headaches.

    Symptoms and Causes

    A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It’s often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities.

    For some people, a warning symptom known as an aura occurs before or with the headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking.

    Though migraine causes aren’t fully understood, genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role.

    Changes in the brainstem, and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve (a major pain pathway), might be involved. So might imbalances in brain chemicals — including serotonin, which helps regulate pain in your nervous system.

    Researchers are studying the role of serotonin in migraines. Other neurotransmitters play a role in the pain of migraine, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

    There are a number of migraine triggers, including:

    • Hormonal changes in women
    • Drinks – including alcohol (especially wine) and caffeine
    • Stress
    • Sensory stimuli
    • Sleep changes
    • Physical factors
    • Weather changes
    • Medications
    • Foods
    • Food additives

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    Initial Diagnosis

    If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a doctor trained in treating headaches will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination.

    Advanced Diagnosis

    If your condition is unusual, complex or suddenly becomes severe, tests to rule out other causes for your pain might include:

    • MRI. An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and blood vessels. 
    • CT scan. A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain.

    Treatment

    Migraine treatment involves acute (abortive) and preventive (prophylactic) therapy. Patients with frequent attacks usually require both. Measures directed toward reducing migraine triggers are also generally advisable.

    Acute treatment aims to reverse, or at least stop, the progression of a headache that has started. Preventive treatment, which is given even in the absence of a headache, aims to reduce the frequency and severity of the migraine attack, make acute attacks more responsive to abortive therapy, and perhaps also improve the patient’s quality of life.

    Acute (abortive)

    • Reduce migraine triggers
    • Non-pharma treatment devices
      • Cerena TMS (with some limits)
      • vNS
      • REN
    • NSAIDs
    • Ergots
    • Triptans
    • CGRP antagonists
      • Ubrelvy
      • Nurtec ODT
    • Ditans (5-HT1F agonists)
      • Reyvow

    Preventive (prophylactic)

    • Antiepileptics

    • Antidepressants

    • Antihypertensives

    • Botulinum toxin

    • Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors
      • Aimovig 
      • Ajovy 
      • Emgality 
      • Vyepti

    The treatments listed in red are relatively new and have added additional valuable avenues toward migraine relief.

    Here is an excellent reference article that provides more detailed information: Migraine Headache Treatment and Management

    So tell us YOUR story!

    Ask questions!

    Disclaimer: This is an informational post designed to foster discussion. It should not substitute for the advice of your doctor.