A cluster headache, on the other hand, has no warning signs.  This type is usually localized around one eye, and may be associated with sensitivity to light, tearing, nasal stuffiness, and agitated behavior.   They tend to occur in cluster of one to three headaches a day over a few days reocurring every few months or years.

During a migraine, a patient often appears pale, suggesting constriction of the small vessels.  This is supported by the observation of lower skin temperature on the affected side. Clinical manifestations of local or diffuse brain dysfunction have been attributed to constriction of the blood vessels within the brain itself.  In fact, many migraine patients have abnormal levels of brain chemicals that cause excessive dilation and/or contraction of the brain’s blood vessels.

Migraine sufferers show a significant increase in spontaneous aggregation of platelets. Serotonin released by the platelets causes vasoconstriction and increases as the next attack approaches.  This is followed by rebound vasodilation and the release of “substance P,” a pain mediator found in the sensory nerves.  Interestingly, migraine sufferers have a two-fold increase in mitral valve prolapse, which is known to damage platelets and increase their aggregation.

Causative factors include food allergies, emotions (especially anger), hormonal changes (e.g., too much estrogen), TMJ dysfunction, weather changes (e.g. barometric pressure, exposure to the sun or glare), withdrawal from drugs such as caffeine, and ergotamine (commonly used to treat migraines).

1.                  Identifying the initiating factors and eliminating them is most important.  Food allergies should be evaluated and treated.  (See “Allergy--Foods.”)  A modified water and/or juice fast should precede food testing at home.  Reintroduce one suspected food allergen each day while carefully recording any symptoms.  If you have a reaction to a suspected food allergen, take a few charcoal tablets and, if symptoms are severe, consider a coffee enema.  Non-allergic foods should be rotated every four weeks.  If symptom-free for six months, the four-day rotation diet should no longer be necessary.

2.                  Foods to avoid include those, which contain the amino acid tyramine (e.g. chocolate, cheese, red wine, cured meats, vinegar, ketchup, salad dressings, sour cream, yogurt, yeast extracts, organ meats, and citrus fruits).  Avoid artificial sweeteners, the seasoning MSG, NutraSweet, and nitrites found in luncheon meat, as they are other sources of tyramine.

3.                  Get your hormones balanced.  Migraines rarely occur during pregnancy when progesterone levels are highest. Menstruating women may find supplementing with a natural source of progesterone cream or oil helpful in normalizing the menstrual cycle.  (See “Premenstrual Syndrome.”)

4.                  Exercise, massaging the back of the head and neck, soft music and meditation are forms of relaxation that can help you to unwind and in reduce stress.  (See “Stress.”)

5.                  Consider chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation of the cervical vertebrae or acupuncture for relief of pain during an acute attack.

6.                  Eat small meals and eat between meals to help stabilize wide swings in blood sugar that may precipitate a migraine.  (See “Hypoglycemia.”)  Controlling your food allergies may eliminate this particular problem.

7.                  Ergotamine is a drug commonly used in migraine, but it can have serious side effects and be addicting.  If taking it, try to avoid doing so more than twice weekly.

8.                  Sleep is one of the best treatments for migraines--even if it’s only for a short time.  In general, sleep on a regular sleeping schedule rather than catnapping.  (See “Insomnia.”)

9.                  Get your colon cleansed.  Bacteria in the colon can produce tyramine.  Golden seal has an active ingredient that blocks this conversion.  An enema or colonic may also help reduce the bacteria level.  (See “Constipation” and “Coffee Enema.”)

10.             For “cluster” headaches--those that come on suddenly, are extremely painful, and come in bunches—lidocaine as nasal drops and inhaled oxygen are particularly useful.  (See “Headache.”)

11.             Supplements to consider include Bioflavonoids (e.g., Quercetin), Niacin (but not in cluster headaches), essential fatty acids (e.g. fish oils, primrose oil, flax seed oil), and magnesium (a natural relaxant).

12.             Consider the herbs cayenne pepper (useful in depleting substance P), feverfew (which must be consumed daily for prolonged periods), goldenseal, and valeriana (a natural sedative).

13.             Homeopathics helpful in headache include Belladonna (for throbbing headache, face red), Cocculus (for sick headache with nausea), Glonoine (if due to sun exposure), Ignatia (for band-like pressure across the forehead), Iris (right-sided, worse in the morning), and Nux Vomica (worse in the temples, after eating or alcohol).  The Royal Remedy combination, Headache, may also be useful in easing symptoms generally associated with headache.

If your headache is accompanied by convulsion, fever, severe mental confusion or decreased level of alertness, consult a doctor immediately as emergency care may be required.  To learn more about healing and health optimizing therapies, go to www.NewHopeMedical.org or call NEW HOPE MEDICAL CENTER at (702) 476-0000 (direct line) or toll free (866) HEAL-NOW!