By Richard Malik, ND
As published in the Lakeville Journal, Millerton News, & Winsted Journal
27 April 2006

Migraines are often very painful, debilitating headaches. Without treatment they can last for days and are improved only by sleep. Adults loose days of work and children miss school from migraines but, more importantly, they can have a dramatic impact on quality of life.

The typical migraine sufferer experiences a one-sided throbbing headache that is aggravated by movement and accompanied by nausea; sensitivity to both light and sound; and lightheadedness. However, migraines can be two-sided, non-throbbing and accompanied by other complaints including vision changes, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, and dizziness.

See your doctor if your headaches are progressively getting worse or the headache is excruciating - the worst headache you’ve ever had. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

Researchers have found a genetic basis for migraines and believe that abnormalities in the metabolism of neurotransmitters and episodic changes in blood flow to the brain and skull are responsible for the complaints of migraine sufferers. Numerous prescription drugs have been developed to address these changes. Some drugs are used to prevent the headaches while others help to stop the migraine when it is beginning. Some patients are unhappy with the effectiveness or side effects of prescription drug therapy.

The basis of natural therapies for migraines is to remove the underlying causes of the condition. Known migraine triggers include alcohol, chocolate, cheese, and food additives (MSG, aspartame and nitrates). Preventing large swings in blood sugar by eating meals regularly and avoiding sustained exertion can also be helpful.

Studies have shown that 50-75% of migraine sufferers will have great improvement from identifying and avoiding foods that bring on their migraines. The most common culprits, in order of importance are: dairy products, wheat, eggs, corn, chocolate, tea, coffee, and sugar. In some patients these aggravating foods cause an immune response (i.e. allergy). In other cases, these foods trigger the neurological and vascular changes in the brain. Individual patients may have different trigger foods and there may be more than one food that contributes to the headaches.

Some patients find benefit from supplemental magnesium and/or riboflavin (vitamin B2). These can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Magnesium in doses of about 400mg per day has been helpful. Be aware that magnesium can cause loose stools, so lower the dosage or discontinue use if they occur. Riboflavin supplementation at levels many times greater than the Recommended Daily Allowance has prevented migraines. Very high doses of nutrients should be used under the supervision of a physician, but lower doses may be effective as well.

Standardized extracts of feverfew and butterbur are some of the herbs that I use in my practice for migraine prevention. The dosage of these herbs depends upon product concentration and upon the patient’s response to therapy.

Other therapies that are beneficial for preventing migraines include osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cranio-sacral therapy, and homeopathy.

Many options exist for effectively preventing migraine headaches. If you are happy with your current therapy it is probably a good idea to stay the course. If not, there are other options available that may better suit your body.