Preventative Migraine Treatment

Migraine headaches can cause pulsing and throbbing pain in one side of the head.  They are commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.  The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown, but they may be caused by changes in the brainstem and trigeminal nerve.  Imbalances in the brain chemical serotonin may also play a role, as does a family history of migraine attacks.   If you think you suffer from migraine headaches, your physician will perform a neurological exam and may order tests including an MRI and blood work.  There are prescription medications that can be prescribed to both prevent migraines and help stop them once they begin.

There are also various non-pharmacologic agents that are beneficial for migraine prevention. According to the American Academy of Neurology, Butterbur root (a perennial shrub), effectively prevents migraines.  It is marketed as a food supplement in the United States, and is generally well tolerated at a dose of 50mg daily (in two divided doses).  The most common side-effect during use is gastrointestinal upset, primarily burping.  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) aid in mitochondrial energy metabolism; their use has been shown in studies to lessen the frequency of migraine attacks.   Vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium may also aid in migraine prevention.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, maintains offices in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.   Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.

Natural Migraine Relief Remedies in Tampa and St. Petersburg

Anne Hermann, M.D.

Relief from migraine pain does not have to come in the form of medications that often leave the patient with terrible side effects.  The common prescription and over the counter migraine relief often comes at the expense of uncomfortable side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, weight gain, ulcers, seizures and dizziness.

There are alternatives to migraine relief that can be found in simple, natural ingredients that are effective almost immediately.

Medical research has proven that 300 mg of CoQ10 will decrease the occurrence of migraines by 50%.  It is necessary take either the high potency gel caps or tablets with some kind of fat because CoQ10 is absorbed by fat.

Medical studies have also shown that Riboflavin (vitamin B2) can cut migraines by 50%.  Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works to increase the energy that produces brain cells.  Lack of energy or too little riboflavin can cause migraines.  It is necessary to take 400 mg of riboflavin a day to prevent migraines.  Riboflavin can be found in foods such as dairy, nuts, seafood and leafy greens but you would have to ingest large amounts of these foods to get 400mg, so a riboflavin supplement is recommended.

Magnesium is the third supplement that can reduce the occurrence of migraines. Migraines can be due to reduced blood flow and pressure in the blood vessels.  Magnesium’s role is to tone the blood vessels which can prevent migraines.  The recommended dose of magnesium is 600 mg a day.  Leafy greens, nuts, berries, fish, bananas, raisins and yogurt can give you only a portion of the daily requirement, so a magnesium supplement taken with vitamin B6 is recommended.

Anne Hermann, M.D. is double board certified in Internal Medicine and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. To schedule your appointment Tampa or St. Petersburg, please call (813) 902-9559.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.