Migraine headaches are one of the most severe headaches that one can suffer from. These headaches tend to last for twenty-four to forty-eight hours and usually incapacitate the sufferer. The incidence is approx. 4 females to 1 male. The events of a migraine headache have been well studied. The onset is usually triggered by: food, chemical, stress, hormonal, sun exposure, lack of sleep, etc. The pro-drome period involves the following biochemical and physiological changes: Decreased serotonin levels in the brain (decreases pain threshold), platelet aggregation, increased histamine release, vasospasm, and the release of inflammatory modulators all lead to a decrease in blood supply. The result of this is a headache due to a rebound vasodilation in the blood vessels and the release of substance P that causes pain. Research has shown that a migraine can be triggered by: decreasing estrogen levels in women, injection of an inflammatory mediator called PGE1, or decreasing serotonin levels in the brain. Injecting serotonin during a migraine will cause it to cease. Dr. Metcalfe recommends that you keep a diary of when these headaches begin, end and the corresponding symptomatology. There is a strong genetic component to inheriting migraines.

Prodrome may consist of nausea, flickering visual changes, depression, fatigue, irritability, and sensitivity to light.
Headache may occur on one side or involve the entire head.
Vomiting may be present
Fatigue.

Lifestyle Changes:

Avoid initiators: stress, overexposure to sunlight, depression, nicotine, alcohol, food allergies.
Exercise everyday for 1 hour.
Sleep 8 hours/night.

Dietary Changes:

Identify and eliminate food allergies or intolerances.
Avoid foods high in amines: avocados, banana, cabbage, egg plant, pineapple, plum, potato, tomato, smoked foods, cheese, canned foods, wine, beer, aged meats, yeast extracts.
Avoid monosodiumglutamate = MSG
Increase fiber.
Eat yogurt daily.
Avoid caffeine.
12 glasses of water daily.

Migraine Management Protocol:

Feverfew Plus:
To prevent a migraine: take 1 tablet daily.
To treat a migraine: take 1 tablet four times a day.
Cal-Mag Chela-Max: 2 capsules twice daily.
Eskimo 3: 3 capsules daily with food.

Other beneficial products:

Ginkgo Biloba:
To prevent a migraine: take 1 capsule a day.
To treat a current migraine: take 1capsule four times a day while in pain.
If your migraines are associated with your menstrual cycle:
PMS Nutritional: 2 capsules twice daily with food. Take this everyday.
PMS Herbal: 3 capsules twice daily for two weeks before you start your period. Stop while bleeding, and restart 14 days later. Take with PMS Nutritional.
GLA 250: 2 capsules daily with food. Take everyday.