Treating primary headaches – management of migraine

Diagnosis and management of migraine headaches.

Migraine headaches afflict approximately 6% of men and 18% of women in the United States, and cost billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and direct medical expendi tures. Despite its prevalence and the availability of therapeutic op tions, many patients do not seek treatment, and among those who do, a significant portion are misdiagnosed. Correct diagnosis can be made...

Migraine Headaches in Women

The neurovascular theory does is contrary to the vascular theory and instead suggest the vasodilation is a phenomenon that is a associated with trigeminal nerve axon activation from triggering mechanisms. This then releases neuropeptides such as substance P, neurokinin A, and CGRP (a potent vasodilator) from axon terminals near the meningeal and other blood vessels. This then produces an inflam...

Feverfew and Migraine Headaches

In 1973, at the suggestion of a friend, and apparently based on the advice of a traditional Welsh healer, a Welsh woman Mrs Anne Jenkins tried taking three fresh leaves of feverfew iJanacetum parthenium) each day in an attempt to rid herself of severe and recurrent migraines. After ten months, Mrs Jenkins' headaches had vanished and did not return as long as she kept taking feverfew. Her enthus...

Diagnostic testing for migraine and other primary headaches.

Most primary headaches can be diagnosed using the history and examination. Judicious use of neuroimaging and other testing, however, is indicated to distinguish primary headaches from the many secondary causes that may share similar features. This article evaluates the reasons for diagnostic testing and the use of neuroimaging, electroencephalography, lumbar puncture, and blood testing. The use...

21st Century Prevention and Management of Migraine Headaches