Headaches afflict roughly 45 million Americans. More than half of those people have a specific type of headache called migraine - a condition that often leaves the victim sensitive to light and sound, nauseous, and in a great deal of pain. Migraines afflict people of both sexes and of all ages, but it is most common in adult women. In the junior high age category, girls are more likely to suffer with migraines than boys. It is believed that hormones play a big role in migraine headaches. There are certain things that will set the headache off (the trigger), and certain things that can be done to relieve the pain. First, a diagnosis by your doctor is necessary to rule out other possible causes of the pain.

Within the category of migraine headaches there are two primary types: classic and common. There are also 6 less common types of migraines, including one called “headache free migraine”. Classic migraines are known for the “aura” that occurs 10-30 minutes before the actual pain. These neurological symptoms may include problems with the eyes (flashing lights, zig zag lines, temporary loss of vision etc.), problems with speech, sensitivity to odor and/or sound, confusion, and/or weakness or even numbness in the limbs. Shortly after the “aura” a classic migraine sufferer will experience intense throbbing pain somewhere on one side of the face/head, and it may gravitate to the other side over the course of its duration – maybe as long as two days. The common migraine doesn’t have such a pronounced aura, but some aura-like symptoms, such as mood changes and extreme fatigue may occur.

One theory of the cause of a migraine is that artery-rich vessels at the base of the brain constrict when triggered by something. A domino effect occurs when certain triggers constrict the blood vessels and that in turn cuts down on the oxygen reaching the brain. The most helpful way to curtail migraines may be to keep a headache diary, then avoid the triggers that have set off previous headaches. The trigger is most often stress, and pain from that may be delayed by several hours, waking you up out of a sound sleep! Other triggers may include strong emotions such as depression, anxiety and anger. Bright/glaring light or simple changes in the weather can be triggers. Smoking can be a cause for a migraine to the smoker (nicotine causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict), but also to people breathing the second-hand smoke if they have sensitivity to it. Sleep can be a trigger, by either getting too much or too little or by having too many interruptions.

Many common foods are known to trigger severe migraines. The list includes, aged cheeses, chocolate, and nuts - including peanut butter. Some fresh fruits (citrus, bananas, kiwi, pineapple to name a few) and dried fruits like raisins and dates are generally considered to be healthy, but if they have set off a migraine in the past you will want to avoid them. Organ meats, potato chips, pizza or sourdough bread are sometimes to blame. Drinks and medicines that contain caffeine (such as Excedrin, Dristan, colas, tea, coffee and chocolate milk), as well as some alcoholic beverages (red wine, champagne, beer and whiskey) can be triggers as well. Food additives, such as nitrates in processed meats and the seasoning MSG, and even artificial sweeteners are often the culprits.

Although caffeine is sometimes a trigger, it can also be used in treatment. Sometimes relief is found in a caffeinated beverage or another caffeine-containing product. Treatment consists of both pain relief and preventative measures. Many over the counter painkillers are helpful, but it is often necessary to seek a prescription drug or some other treatment if the medicine is not doing the job. The disappointing factor in the following three remedies is that it takes several months of usage to determine whether or not they work. One of the remedies is Feverfew, an herb that is available in several forms and alleviates the inflammation in brain blood vessels. Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2) and magnesium may offer relief, and they are safe enough for pregnant women, but once again the results may not be seen for quite some time. Other people have had success with acupuncture and the application of essential oils such as peppermint and lavender to the skin. Sometimes a warm bath and a nap, or a massage, even if it is only to the neck, temples and scalp are effective in bringing some relief. Biofeedback and various relaxation techniques have proven useful as well. As you can tell from this discussion, much trial and error is required for the effective relief of migraine pain for each individual.

COMFORT FOOD RECIPES

Tapioca Pudding

Mix together in medium saucepan and let stand (no heat) for 5 minutes:

• 1/3 c. sugar
• 3 TB Minute© tapioca
• 2-3/4 c. milk
• 1 egg, well beaten

Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil. Remove from heat. Stir in:

• 1 tsp vanilla

Mixture will thicken up as it cools. Can be served warm or chilled. Store leftover pudding in the refrigerator.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

Preheat oven to 425^o.

In small bowl mix together:

• ¾ c. sugar
• dash salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp cloves

In large bowl beat:

• 2 large eggs

At low speed add:

• 1-15 oz can Libby’s© pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
• the above sugar/spice mixture
• 1-12 oz can Carnation© evaporated milk

Pour into deep unbaked 9” pie shell, or into 4-cup buttered casserole dish. Bake at 425^o for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350^o and continue to bake for 40-50 minutes – until knife inserted in center comes out clean. (Make sure crust is not getting too dark). Cool for 2 hours, then put in refrigerator.

Shepherd’s Pie Serves 4-6

Brown together then drain well:

• 1 lb. groundbeef
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Return meat mixture to pan. Add and heat gently:

• 1-10 oz can tomato soup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp crushed basil
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1-10 pkg frozen mixed vegetables, cooked according to pkg directions

Spread into a prepared 2-qt casserole dish. Top with:

• 3 cups hot, seasoned mashed potatoes

Sprinkle lightly on top:

• Paprika

Microwave 6-8 minutes, until hot throughout. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

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Endnotes

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/migraineupdate.htm

http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1/1700_50327.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/125/31003.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

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