Headaches are among the most common medical
problems. Some people have headaches often, while others hardly ever have them. Both
chronic and recurring headaches may be painful and distressing but rarely reflect a
serious medical condition. However, a change in the pattern or nature of headaches--for
instance, from rare to frequent, or from mild to severe--could signal a serious problem
and calls for prompt medical attention.
Most children who suffer chronic daily headaches outgrow the
disabling condition.
Vitamins
and Herbs potentially helpful in migraine headache
5-HTP may be helpful
(see below).
B vitamins in a low dose may offer some benefits.
Feverfew
may help a small percentage of users. One
feverfew capsule 3-4 x/day for one month, then
decrease dosage to 25 mg of dried herb twice daily.
Petasites
also known as butterbur, which is available for sale at health food stores.
Melatonin may reduce
migraine headaches.
5-HTP beneficial for
headaches
Serotonin is a brain chemical involved in mood, appetite control, sleep,
and a number of other important functions. Many antidepressants, such as Prozac,
and other medicines have their effects by influencing levels of this brain
chemical. Interestingly, there is an over the counter nutrient called
5-HTP, which stands for -5-hydroxytryptophan, that also
influences serotonin levels. When you take a 5-HTP pill, it makes its way to the
brain where it can be converted into serotonin. In addition to having a role to
play in mood disorders and weight control, 5-HTP has been found to be helpful in
headaches. In a study conducted at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, 65
patients with chronic tension-type headaches were treated with 5-HTP or placebo
for 8 weeks. In comparison with the group treated with placebo, there was no
statistically significant change in the number of days with headache or in
headache intensity in the group treated with 5-HTP; however, there was a
significant decrease in the consumption of pain killers. During the 2 weeks
after treatment, there was a significant decrease in the number of days with
headache and reports from patients indicated that they were pleased with the
benefits from 5-HTP. Previous studies have also indicated that 5-HTP may be
helpful in the prevention or reduction in severity of migraine-type headaches.
Comments: 5-HTP is appropriate for those who have headaches
associated with mild depression and poor appetite control. The daily dose is
best limited to less than 50 mg. Take a break from use two days a week and one
week per month.
Benefit of B
vitamins
Some migraine headache sufferers may get partial relief by taking a B-vitamin
supplement. In an Australian clinical trial, a daily dose of 2 mg of folic acid,
25 mg of vitamin B6 and 400 micrograms of B12 reduced migraine disability in
half, while also reducing the frequency and severity of headaches. Previous
clinical trials had associated some migraine attacks with a genetic dysfunction
that leads to higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine which B vitamins have
been shown to lower. The investigators divided 52 volunteers into two groups,
one receiving the B vitamins and the other took placebo pills. After six months,
the vitamin group showed a 40% reduction in homocysteine levels and significant
improvements in migraine attacks, while the placebo group showed no changes.
Pharmacogenetics and Genomics.
Tension
headache
A tension headache is
characterized by tight, painful pressure across the forehead. The pain may also
extend into the neck, and is usually steady, rather than sharp or stabbing.
Tension headaches may be brought on by everyday stress and frustration,
eyestrain and poor posture. Some people with tension headache may have
additional symptoms such as fatigue, depression and difficulty sleeping.
Causes of
Headaches
Most headaches are muscle tension headaches, migraines, or head
pain with no obvious cause. Many headaches are related to problems with the eyes, nose,
throat, teeth, and ears. Most chronic headaches attributed to eyestrain are actually
tension headaches; a new, severe pain in or around the eyes may signal high fluid pressure
(glaucoma) in the eye and is a medical emergency. High blood pressure may produce a
throbbing sensation in the head, but high blood pressure rarely causes chronic headaches. Emotional or physical stress, genetic, hormone level fluctuations, weather changes,
glare/flickering lights, premenstrual syndrome, lack or excess sleep, missed meals,
alcohol, chocolate, birth control pills, menstruation. Drugs such as antibiotics
(tetracycline, Bactrim) corticosteroids, Accutane, tamoxifen, Tagamet.
Headache Diagnosis
Usually a doctor can determine the cause of a headache from the
patient's medical history and a physical examination. However, occasionally blood tests
may be needed to detect an underlying illness. Only rarely are chronic headaches caused by
brain tumors, brain injuries, or lack of oxygen to the brain. If the doctor suspects a
tumor, stroke, or other problem with the brain, computed tomography (CT) scanning or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to provide images of the brain.
Treatment of Tension
Headache
Several types of nonpharmacologic treatment, including
physical exercise, relaxation training, and acupuncture can provide long-lasting
improvements for patients with chronic tension type headaches.
Treatment of migraine headaches
Wake up at the same time each morning.
Exercise at least 3 times a week. Exercise stimulates endorphins.
No smoking, no caffeine after 3 pm.
No artificial sweeteners.
No MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Reduce or eliminate red wine, cheese, alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine.
Try a gluten free diet.
Standard tension headache
treatment
Tension headaches may be
prevented by prescription medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, beta
blockers and divalproex sodium. Over-the-counter medications -- such as aspirin,
acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- can help alleviate pain.
Headache and
gastrointestinal problems have some relation
Symptoms of headache are higher in people with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
such as nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, than in people who
don't have these bothersome symptoms. Dr. Anne Hege Aamodt and associates from
the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, reviewed
questionnaires completed by 43,700 participants in the Nord-Trondelag Health
Study, including information on GI symptoms as well as headache. After adjusting
for gender, age, depression, anxiety and other factors that might influence the
results, the research team noted a significantly higher prevalence of headache
among participants with reflux, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, compared to
those without such complaints. Cephalalgia, February 2008.
Risk of migraine headache
Migraine patients who have frequent attacks or a long history of migraines have
an increased risk of progressive brain damage. Headache, July/August, 2008.
Natural headache treatment
questions
I am a 46 year old female who has had problems with headaches (some migraine
some cluster some tension). I can sometimes have severe headaches 5 or more days
a week. Occassionally I will go several weeks with none at all. Some headaches
involve shoulders and neck, some are definitely migraine, its just a whirlwind
of chronic head pain. I often develop headaches while sleeping. I have been in
the condition for more than 20 years. My MD prescribed a myriad of medications
from
amitryptylene to zoloft and everything in between including maxalt. I have
chronic insomnia and I am definitely depressed. I don't know if depression
causes pain or pain causes depression but it doesn't matter because knowing that
wouldn't stop either. I spend 70% of my time trying to resolve the pain I'm in.
I read recently about two substances that can affect seratonin levels L-tryptophan
and Lithium oratate. I am eager to try them. Can I use them safely
simultaneously. I want to use the L-tryptophan at night and the LO during the
day. Is this safe in your opinion?
It is best to learn how each supplement works by itself
before combining. We cannot make any predictions on how any product, natural or
pharmaceutical, will affect a person, that is not possible for us to know.