Migraine – Keeping Headaches at Bay Without Drugs

The theory is that migraine occurs when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and then suddenly widen. What causes this pattern is still not known. Conventional medicine uses prescription and over-the-counter drugs to alleviate pain. But these do nothing to help cure the illness. Even worse, some can cause rebound headache (that is, headaches brought on by the medication itself).

In contrast, by addressing and treating the root cause of migraine, sufferers may have a much better chance of long-term relief. Consider the following options.

* Investigate food allergy. Many common food items can act as triggers to migraine, including chocolate, wheat, corn, milk, nuts, shellfish, sugar and oranges.

Some speculate that foods containing amines – which affect the diameter of blood vessels – are a cause. Amines can be found in any fermented, pickled or marinated food as well as in avocados, bananas, caffeinated drinks, chicken liver, monosodium glutamate (MSG), chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, processed meats, raisins, red wine, ripened cheese, onions and lentils. Removing allergens can dramatically reduce the occurrence of migraine (Lancet, 1983; ii: 865-9; Ann Allergy, 1985; 55: 28-32).

* Is it an infection? Infection with Helicobacter pylori (the organism that causes peptic ulcers) may predispose people to migraine. In one trial, 40 per cent of migraine sufferers were found to have H. pylori infection. Intensity, duration and frequency of attacks of migraine were significantly reduced in all participants in whom the bacteria were eradicated (Hepatogastroen-terology, 1998; 45: 765-70).

* Boost magnesium. Compared with healthy people, migraine sufferers have lower blood and brain levels of magnesium. Taking around 600 mg per day was found to significantly reduce migraine frequency (Cephalalgia, 1996; 16: 257-63). But lower doses of magnesium can also be effective. Just 200 mg per day has been shown to reduce the frequency of migraines in 80 per cent of those treated (Headache, 1990; 30: 168).

* Eliminate excitotoxins. Foods containing aspartame may trigger migraine attacks (Headache, 1988; 28: 10-3; N Engl J Med, 1988; 318: 1200-1). MSG binds to it and transports copper – another possible migraine trigger.

* Stress relief. Reducing and effectively coping with stress may help reduce the frequency of attacks. Yoga, regular massage, meditation or any relaxing hobby should be part of your prevention regime.

* Reduce salt intake. Some sufferers find this helpful (Headache, 1981; 21: 222-6).

* Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). There is reasonable evidence for the benefits of vitamin B2 for migraine sufferers. Supplementing with 400 mg of vitamin B2 reduced the number of migraine attacks by half, although once an attack had occurred, the vitamin had no effect on either the severity or duration (Cephalalgia, 1994; 14: 328-9). Other studies concur (Neurology, 1998; 50: 466-70; Cephalalgia, 1997; 17: 244). Vitamin B2 is generally safe, although some people taking high doses may develop diarrhoea.

* Fish oil. This contains the anti-inflammatory fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which modify the action of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in pain and inflammation. Taking 1 g per 10 lb of body weight has been reported to reduce the frequency and symptoms of migraine (Am J Clin Nutr, 1985; 41: 874; Am J Clin Nutr, 1986; 43: 710).

* Acupuncture. This form of traditional Chinese medicine can prevent a range of different headaches, including migraine. Compared with conventional drug therapy, acupuncture has more than double the cure rate (Am J Acupunct, 1999; 27: 27-30). What’s more, improvement is maintained for longer – up to three years in one study (Headache, 1995; 35: 472-4).

* 5-HTP supplements. These may help regulate serotonin function in the blood vessels. In one study, taking 200 mg daily cut migraine attacks by half (Headache, 1973; 13: 19-22). Higher dosages of 400-600 mg daily have proved effective in more than 90 per cent of patients, reducing the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks.

* Homoeopathy. Taking homoeopathic remedies such as Belladonna 9C, Lycopodium 1X or 2X, Gelsemium 9C and/or Psorinum 9C may also be useful in alleviating migraines.

* Circadian rhythm disturbances. Specifically, the function of the pineal gland and its cyclical secretion of the brain hormone melatonin may be disrupted in migraine sufferers. Taking 5 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime may be helpful (Headache, 1998; 38: 303-7).

* Feverfew. This herb (Tanacetum parthenium) is probably the most effective plant for preventing migraine. Trials show that remedies standardised to around 250 mcg of parthenolide can reduce the severity, duration and frequency of migraines (Phytother Res, 1997; 11: 508-11). When using feverfew, be patient – it can take four to six weeks before results become evident.

* Cayenne pepper. According to the Natural Health Education Institute (NHEI) at Bastyr University, there is evidence to suggest that this widely grown peppery herb has migraine-preventing potential. Cayenne can make nerve endings less sensitive to painful stimuli by its effect upon substance P (a neurotransmitter for pain, touch and temperature) in the nervous system.

* Ginkgo biloba. This herb can strengthen the vascular system. There is also some evidence to suggest that Ginkgo can inhibit the action of what is known as ‘platelet-activating factor’, which is believed to contribute to migraine headaches. Unfortunately, there are no trials to confirm this.

* Butterbur. Taking 50 mg of a standardised extract of butterbur (Petasites hybridus) twice daily was shown in a double-blind trial to reduce the incidence of migraine attacks for up to three months (Freie Arzt, 1996; May/ June: 3). The downside is that butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), substances that are potentially harmful to the liver, so its use should be supervised by a qualified practitioner.