Chronic Migraine

Chronic or Transformed Migraine headaches as characterized and classified by the International Headache Society is the frequent occurrence of tension-type or migraine quality headaches without aura and is also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, noise or smell.

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However, some patients have been reported to experience either “aura” due to disturbance of vision, which the patients experience as black spots on the retina or as flashes of light mostly in the left eye. This disturbance in the vision is accompanied with throbbing or pulsating pain above the left eyebrow. In addition, other symptoms of chronic migraine includes fatigue, neck ache, odd sensory disturbance, dizziness, isolated feelings, insomnia, memory loss, and/or altered moods.

What triggers these headaches is highly variable……some of the many common reasons that can be listed out are stressful life, psychological well-being, exercise, diet, infections including viral infections and meningitis, and inflammation responses that reduces blood flow to some parts of the brain, high intracranial pressure, hormonal changes, stroke, brain tumour or traumatic brain injury, anxiety, excessive intake of caffeine, overuse of pain medications, obesity, snoring and sleep disturbances.

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A recent study in Ryan Wheeler Headache Treatment Center in Florida by Dr. Wheeler has led to the discovery of frequent association of Vitamin-D deficiency with chronic migraine headache. Patients who are victims of this combination syndrome will also fall in the group of patients with Vitamin-D deficiency that are prone to risk in the development of various cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease and fibromyalgia.

Chronic migraine in the end can be traumatizing leading to a number of physical and psychological problems. The diagnosis of chronic migraines will include undergoing CAT scan, blood or urine tests and other diagnostic imaging tests like CT scan, MRI or X-ray scan that will include those tests taken for eliminating other major disease like tumours, brain injury, etc.

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The treatment for this kind of migraine will include either opting for preventative or therapeutic measures or combination of both. Therapeutic treatments will include restricting caffeine intake, vitamin-D supplement intake, and prescribing beta-blockers, anti-depressants, anti-seizure medications or cardiovascular drugs.

Precautions must be taken not to ignore the side effects of these medications. Amitriptyline, ergot and tryptan drugs, acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and application of local anesthesia to numbify pain-generating nerves are other commonly prescribed drugs. Alternative medicine therapy will include acupuncture, biofeedback by observing body movements, meditation, massage, use of herbal medicines, vitamins and mineral supplements, chiropractic care (spinal manipulation techniques) and electrical stimulation of nerves for relaxation.

Coping techniques are the best and the most widely used treatment methods, which will include getting things cleared from friends and relatives, look for help from –self-support groups and counseling. Preventive measures will include avoidance of intake of headache triggers like caffeine, red wine, etc., restricting from going to or exposing to strong smells like perfumes, cigar smoke, etc., good sleep, regular intake of meals, developing an exercise routine, avoidance of overuse of pain medications, follow relaxation techniques (listening to music, yoga, meditation, developing interesting hobbies for mind diversion) and develop a healthy and happy lifestyle habits.