Top Tips to avoid Migraines this summer:

Some useful tips to avoid Migraines & Headaches this summer

1. Drink enough water. A common trigger reported by sufferers is dehydration, so make sure you drink enough water. Part of a 'hangover', is the dehydration effect of alcohol.
    
2. Avoid radiant heat- wear a hat, make use of shaded areas. Direct heat on your head may cause dilatation of blood vessels which is considered to be a key event in migraine progression.
    
3. At Christmas time- be aware of foods and their content (especially smallgoods, smoked foods and additives in sauces etc)  Christmas is often a time of excesses, which can be a problem itself. Also be aware of foods that you normally wouldn't consume, as potential triggers.     
   
   For dietary triggers:Dietary problems
     
4. Stress is a common trigger at this time of the year. So it is important to take it slow. Make a list, and work your way through it. Dont skip meals. Do continue regular exercise. Do take a deep breath when trying to meet deadlines. Note that stress will also aggravate MusculoSkeletal and Cardiovascular problems which may contribute to headaches. See:Headache and stress
      
5. If your Migraines are of recent onset, persistent, or involve changes to sensation or muscle power....
   Make it a priority to see your Health Professional for advice.
    
6. Many cases of headache and migraine are due to treatable conditions and other lifestyle and dietary related issues.
   See your healthcare specialist for a diagnosis and further advice.   
   See also headpain questionnaire on www.headache.com.au to
   assist your diagnosis.
7. Forward our Newsletter to family and friends with headaches.  

         Author: Dr Jerome Dixon
         BAppSc(Chiropractic)BSc(Biochemistry) 
         MCAA .Editor www.headache.com.au  

Headaches and Stress

Especially at Christmas time: Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger. Studies also show that people who are prone to stress as well as anxiety and depression are more likely to suffer from frequent headaches. Women are more at risk than men.

A tension headache is caused by a tightening of the muscles in the upper back, neck and head, and is the most common of all the various headache types.

Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger. Feelings of stress or anxiety instruct the nervous system to initiate the 'fight or flight' response, which is characterised by shallow breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and increased muscle tension.

Women are more prone to anxiety and depression than men. These emotional states are amongst some of the known triggers for tension headaches.

Research has found that regular exercise can alleviate muscle tension and help alleviate stress related symptoms such as tension headaches, anxiety, depression and some other mood disorders.

Different ways to reduce the effects of stress in the long term and help to decrease the incidence of tension headache include: Aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming or walking.Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation and hypnosis Consultation with a Psychologist to improve stress management.

Addressing the musculo-skeletal tension with Chiropractic or Physiotherapy Reducing stress in your life Regular tension headaches could be a warning sign that your life is out of balance.

It is important to address the various sources of stress in your life and make realistic changes. Chronic stress is also a contributing factor to more serious illnesses, such as heart disease.
For more see:Headache and stress

Editorial comment:
Head pain and modern day office work

Most modern day occupations involve prolonged static postures at a desk or computer. Often under non-ideal lighting and with other occupational hazards such as repetitive tasks.

Repetitive strain and postural strain of the neck and shoulders, eye strain, and general stress and tension are common triggers for headaches, migraines also. Add to this skipping meals, too much caffeine, a 'family tendency' to headaches and migraines, 'that time of the month' etc... you get the picture.

Once any serious underlying problems have been
investigated (and usually ruled out)-
It is important to review the history,
looking for all ingredients.
And then to address these SIMULTANEOUSLY.
This is the underlying principle of a 'Combined Approach'The combined approach

Migraines & Exercise:

 At this time of year, we are all trying to 'get back into shape'for summer. 
A pilot study in Germany at the University clinic of Kiel (Institute of  Medical  Psychology) has found that Migraine patients of an exercise group showed both a reduction in the number of migraine days per month and the intensity of the attacks.
An increase in fitness level resulted in a lowered stress level. Implying that: Aerobic exercise which leads to a better fitness level is an alternative therapy method for migraine. For more see:http://www.headache.com.au/news/84-aerobic-exercise-as-a-therapy-option-for-migraine-a-pilot-study.html

Site Features

HeadPain Questionnaire This form provides leading questions and prompts- which help to unlock your particular headache/migraine diagnosis and potential causes. Fill this form in, print it off and take it to your health professional.See Headache Questionnaire                                             

Practice Directory under construction: we are seeking to list leading health professionals who can assist headache and migraine sufferers across key professions. Send Practitioner and Recommendation enquiries to directory@headache.com.au

Medication Reviews:

Nurofen and headaches:Nurofen is primarily 'ibuprofen' a non steroidal drug used to reduce inflammation,pain and fever.
Typically Nurofen is used as a 'first line of defense' medication for headache and migraine sufferers, and is available over the counter.For further information on Nurofen see: http://www.headache.com.au/pain-releivers

Botox approved by FDA: Botulinum toxin is produced by a bacterium common in our soil. One of its effects is to paralyse muscles by blocking nerve impulses to those muscles. Recent applications for this toxin include 'as a cosmetic procedure' for wrinkles and now the FDA (USA) have approved its use for treatment of Migraines. Botulinum (Botox) given by regular injections to relax certain head and neck muscles every 12 weeks for three to five treatment cycles had also recently been approved as a preventative treatment in chronic migraine. Further Medications see Pain releivers & FDA approves botox as treatment for chronic migraines   

Ibuprofen Offers Relief for Many With Migraine Headaches ScienceDaily (Oct. 6, 2010) —For many people suffering from migraine headaches, over-the-counter ibuprofen -might be enough to relieve the pain. A new Cochrane review finds that about half of those with migraine headaches will have pain relief within two hours after taking ibuprofen. "We knew that many migraineurs rely on over-the-counter medication to treat attacks and surveys show that while some find them helpful, many are dissatisfied," said review co-author Sheena Derry of the Pain Research and Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics at the University of Oxford. Ibuprofen offers relief for many with migraine headaches

Scientists discover 'Migraine gene'

Scientists in the UK have discovered a 'faulty' gene that may be involved with migraine with aura. An international study led by scientists at Université de Montréal and University of Oxford, has identified a gene associated with 'Migraine with Aura'. Migraine with Aura is a common type of headache disorder often associated with transient and reversible- focal neurological symptoms.  These findings therefore identify a potential therapeutic target for future treatments. site:Scientists discover gene linked to a common form of migraine
Photo:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA