Migraine Research

Migraine Research and Cluster Migraine Reviews.

Migraines are terrible and are much more intense and problematic than a headache. Migraine research is now saying that it is more neurological.

What many scientists are now realizing is that migraines may be a result of brain stem malfunctioning. Advances in imaging technology have allowed scientists to observe the brain while an attack is going on. This technology has found that migraine sufferers have an unusual amount of brain nerve cells. They have noted that when a migraine headache is initiated, nerve cells fire electrical pulses that travel from the behind the brain, then travel to the top, and then travel back down to the brainstem, where key pain centers are located. This wave of activity causes the blood to increase quickly and then just as quickly, drop off again.

The resulting pain of the migraine is caused by blood vessels inflamed by the up and down swings in the flow of blood, brain stimulation, or both.

It may be surprising to some that migraine sufferers are over 300 million strong! It may also be surprising to know that migraine headaches have been around for possibly 7,000 years.

The suffering that so many go through with, over such a long time, one might wonder about migraine research and what is being done to help so many suffering from this insidious condition.

It is comforting to know that in the last ten to fifteen years there have been advances in research to help those who suffer from migraines. Consider the following information:

 In 1993, the first triptan was introduced in the U.S.§
 In 1997, Migranai Nasal spray was introduced§
 Migraine finally became classified as a NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE.§
 A neurological link was established between Clinical Depression and Migraine Disease§
 Recently, studies were published by the American Academy of Neurology§ that those who suffer with migraines show a lower quality of life and a revealing insight and link between those who suffer from migraine and those who suffer with depression.
 Scientists in recent years may have identified the genetic marker associated with Migraine Disease.§

There are new treatments and drugs for migraines that are helping many with the pain. The pain-relieving medications being used to fight pain are: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Triptans, Ergot, anti-nausea medications, Butalbital combinations and Opiates. Preventive medications, such as Cardiovascular drugs, Antidepressants, Anti-seizure drugs, Cyproheptadine and Botulinum toxin type A (Botox).

A new device approved recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is a device that not only minimizes migraine pain but has been found to prevent it! It is called NTI device and was designed by Dr. James Boyd, a dentist. It is a mouth guard that fits over your two front teeth and worn when sleeping. Through research it has been found to help millions and has been effective on the average of 77% in reducing migraine attacks within two months. The device was designed after exhausting migraine research on the relationship between headaches and neuromuscular tension.

Write here about NTI-TSS—they are the manufacturer of NTI-tss device. It was founded by Dr. James Boyd and has helped thousands in preventing the debilitating disease. (Write more information on this.)

Alternative medicine that is helping many with migraine pain are: Acupuncture, Biofeedback and Massage. And, Vitamins herbs and minerals.

New technology is helping greatly to improve more effective results with migraines with additional tests and diagnosis such as Computerized tomography (CT), and Magnetc resonance imaging (MRI). Mayo Clinic (2009)

These two newest technologies as reported from the Mayo Clinic (2009) look promising as they are pinpointing, with computer-directed x-rays that provide a cross-sectional view of the brain. This technique—Computerized tomography (CT) is helping doctors to diagnose tumors, infections and other medical problems that may be causing migraine headaches.

The Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce highly detailed cross-sectional images that help in diagnosing.

Lastly, The Bowen Technique National Migraine Research Program, administered in October of 2001 to April of 2002, offered a volunteer group of women and men a “hands-on” therapy that uses thumbs and fingers on precise points throughout the body, making light, rolling type movements. The results were mixed but show hopeful signs for more migraine research.

Author: D. Dickerson, Cluster Migraines Information & Reviews