Acupuncture and the Causes of Migraine Headaches Pain

The exact mechanism responsible for the disorder is not known but the head pain is related to dilation of intracranial blood vessels which may be the result of chemical changes that cause spasm of intracranial vessels.

Allergic reactions, excess carbohydrates, iodine-rich foods, alcohol, bright lights, or loud noises may trigger attacks, which can also occur during a period of relaxation after physical or psychic stress.

Some of my patients have also shown that dietary precipitants such as cheese, chocolate or red wine can exacerbate migraine attacks.

In general, the following are triggers to migraines:

• Insomnia
• Barometric pressure change (also present in arthritic sufferers)
• Hunger
• Diet or certain foods (although this can be overly stated)
• Maybe provoked by alcohol, tension, stress
• Aggravated by noise and bright light
• More common pre-menstrually
• Oestrogen (female, age, oral contraceptive)

Relief can be obtained by withdrawing to a quiet, dark room and sleeping.

Menstrual migraine headache

Some women tend to get a migraine attack at certain times in their menstrual cycle, more commonly prior to menstruation thus hinting at hormonal influences.

For that reason, the contraceptive pill has been known to exacerbate migraine in many women; it can increase the risk of stroke in patients who suffer from migraine with aura. This risk is increased if you smoke.

Summary of Key Characteristics of Migraine Headache

For a diagnosis of migraine to be made, only 3-4 of the following is needed:

• Throbbing, unilateral pain
• Last 4 hours to 72 hours
• Moderate to severe pain
• Worse with exertion, associated with nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smell

© Copyright Pier Tsui-Po 2005-2012 All Rights Reserved,
Dr Pier Tsui-Po Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic
Berwick Specialist Suites,
Level 1, Suite 8, 50 Kangan Drive, Berwick 3806,
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Telephone: 9796 2388