Migraines are a primary headache disorder known for recurrent headaches ranging from moderate to severe. Generally, only one side of the head is impacted, but in a third of the cases, both sides can be affected. The pain is throbbing and pulsating, lasting anywhere from 2 to 72 hours. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and sensitivity to light, sound, and certain smells. Physical activity can make the pain much worse. As many as one-third of migraine sufferers have what is called an aura. This is a warning sign that a migraine is about to occur. Auras are often visual in nature, causing strange visual hallucinations, blurry vision, temporary blind spots, zigzag lines, or other visual disturbances. It usually occurs about an hour before the head pain begins. In some cases, an aura occurs with no head pain following it.
Table of Contents
Causes of Migraines
Migraines are little understood since the brain does not have the capacity to feel pain. However, the nerves and blood vessels around the brain can. Migraines are believed to come about due to a mix of environmental factors and genetics. About two-thirds of those suffering from migraines have a family member who suffers as well.
Hormone levels also seem to have a part in the onset of migraines. Interestingly, migraines are seen more often in boys before puberty and more often in girls after puberty. Women have migraines three times more often than men. Pregnancy usually reduces the risk of migraines. This shows how hormones can clearly be involved.
Migraines and the Mental Health Connection
Migraines are incapacitating and cause you to miss out on many aspects of your life, such as relationships, social and family events, and work. What is seldom realized, though, is that in extreme cases, migraines actually rob people of their lives. This is because the risk of suicide tends to increase in people with migraines.
A study conducted by Pesa and Lage found that people with migraines and mental health comorbidities (meaning both conditions exist in the same person) are three times more likely to attempt taking their lives than those without migraines. Another study published by Dr. Naomi Breslau examined the risk of suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide in four different groups:
- Those who had a migraine with aura
- Those who had a migraine with aura and major depressive disorder
- Those who had a migraine without aura
- Those who had a migraine without aura and major depressive disorder
The results?
- People in group A had higher suicide attempts and thoughts than those who did not have migraines or depression
- People in group B had also had the same result as group A
- People in group B had higher suicide rates and thoughts than those with just one condition (either major depressive disorder or migraines)
- People in group C did not have an increased risk of suicide
- People in group D had significantly higher rates of suicide attempts and thoughts than people who did not have migraines or depression. Since group C did not have an increase, the increase here was attributed to major depressive disorder.
It appears that some of this can be due to the fact that throughout the different migraine phases the levels of neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) are negatively impacted. This can seriously impact your mood and bring about suicidal thoughts. Another thing to think about has to do with some of the medications that are used to care for migraines. These often contain some neuronal stabilizing agents, known as anticonvulsants, that have warnings stating they can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior.
More Statistics About Migraines
Here are some more facts that have been discovered about those suffering from migraines in correlation with suicide attempts:
- The suicide rate in migraine patients is much higher than the general population. Out of all migraine sufferers, those who are female and have an aura are at the highest risk.
- People with the most extreme and frequent migraines are more prone to attempting suicide.
- People who have migraines without aura contemplate suicide as much as those who have migraines with aura but are less inclined to act upon it.
- Those who have chronic daily headaches do not have the tendency to consider suicide as those with migraines do.
- One study revealed that 26 percent of those with bipolar disorder had frequent migraines.
- Those who have migraines with aura are more likely to have multiple anxiety disorders, depression, and hypomania than those who don’t have an aura.
Finding Natural Help for Migraines
Instead of adding more medication to the ones you may already take, it might be worth looking into a natural solution to your migraines. There is one area seeing much success. It is that of upper cervical chiropractic care. A study reveals just how helpful this can be. As many as 101 patients with migraines were observed. All had undergone some type of trauma to the head or neck due to things such as car accidents, sports-related accidents, and simple trips and falls. All were examined and found to have a misalignment in the bones of the upper neck, the C1 or C2 vertebra. They were given an adjustment specific to their needs and all of them reported seeing an improvement in their migraine symptoms. Some saw their migraines go away in as little 1 or 2 adjustments.
Here at Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego in San Diego, California, we use a gentle method to help realign the bones of the upper neck. We understand how a misalignment in this area can put undue pressure on the brainstem and cause the central nervous system to not work at its optimum leading to migraines. We do not pop or crack the spine to realign the bones; rather, we use a gentle, natural technique to help the bones move back into place naturally, leading to relief for most migraine patients.
To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
