Migraine headaches are considered vascular headaches even though the exact mechanism is unknown. The most widely accepted theory for migraine headache pain involves exposure to a trigger such as an allergenic food, blood sugar disturbance, or hormone fluctuation which causes constriction of the blood vessels feeding the brain followed by dilation of the blood vessels feeding the scalp. Migraine is classified as migraine without aura or migraine with aura. The aura is a group of symptoms present before the onset of headache and can include light sensitivity or blind spots in vision, speech difficulty, tingling in face or hands, confusion, and/or weakness. The aura usually develops 10 to 30 minutes before the headache. The aura is believed to result from reduced production of neurotransmitters after exposure to a trigger, which causes a 25 to 35 percent reduction in blood flow to the brain. Sufferers of either type of migraine may find the following supplements helpful.

Magnesium's effectiveness in reducing the severity of migraine headaches has been shown in various studies even though the exact role of magnesium is not yet known. It is thought that magnesium affects serotonin receptors, the production of nitric oxide, and other migraine-related receptors and neurotransmitters. Evidence indicates that up to half of migraine patients have low levels of magnesium during an acute attack. Infusion of magnesium by IV often offers rapid relief of migraine headaches. Chronic oral magnesium supplementation is suggested to help prevent the onset of a migraine headache.

Vitamin B2, riboflavin, has been a very effective treatment for migraine headaches. Studies have shown that 400 mg/day of vitamin B2 for at least 3 months significantly reduced the frequency of migraine headaches. Side effects of this high dose vitamin treatment were very infrequent and involved diarrhea and excess urination. These studies suggest that high-dose riboflavin could be a low-cost prophylactic treatment of migraine with no significant side effects.

Feverfew, a popular herb, has gained tremendous popularity because of its effectiveness in reducing migraine headaches. Supplementation for at least a month is suggested for maximum effectiveness. Feverfew appears to reduce histamine secretion, platelet aggregation, arachidonic acid mediated responses, and vascular smooth muscle contractility. Excess serotonin release from platelets has been proposed as a primary mechanism for the onset of a migraine. Feverfew's effects on platelets may explain in its effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency and severity.

TAOS PHARMACY BELIEVES THAT PREVENTING ILLNESS IS POSSIBLE. DISEASE PREVENTION OFTEN INVOLVES LOW-COST SUPPLEMENTATION AND ADOPTION OF HEALTHY BEHAVIORS. THE BENEFITS OF DISEASE PREVENTION CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND GREATLY IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. COME IN TO TALK TO OUR PHARMACISTS ABOUT MAINTAINING YOUR HEALTH.

Reference: "Natural Therapeutic Approaches to Migraines," Michael Cunningham, Pharm.D., America's Pharmacist, May 2002.

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