Headaches and Migraines - Blackmore · PDF fileChronic headaches and migraines can be reduced...

The Homeopathic Treatment of

Headaches and Migraines and other

Alternative Treatments

Ravi’s Blog (2012)

Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine

Independent Research Project

by

Mary Paterson Blackmore

©2015

Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3

What is the Difference between a Migraine and a Headache? ........................................ 6

Headaches ...................................................................................................................... 7

Disorders Causing Secondary Headaches .................................................................... 10

Characteristics of Headache Disorders by Cause ......................................................... 11

Migraines ....................................................................................................................... 12

Dietary Triggers ............................................................................................................. 17

Treatment ...................................................................................................................... 21

Conventional Treatment ................................................................................................ 23

Drugs for Migraines and Cluster Headaches and their Side Effects .............................. 24

Supplements and Herbs ................................................................................................ 25

Acupuncture .................................................................................................................. 30

Chiropractic ................................................................................................................... 32

Osteopathy .................................................................................................................... 33

Massage and Physical Therapy .................................................................................... 34

Homeopathy .................................................................................................................. 35

Homeopathic Case Taking Techniques to Determine Remedies .................................. 36

A look at HEAD, PAIN in the Synthesis Repertory ........................................................ 39

Acute Case .................................................................................................................... 42

Chronic Case ................................................................................................................ 43

Common Homeopathic Remedies for Headaches and Migraines ................................. 45

Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 52

References .................................................................................................................... 53

Introduction

Homeopathic treatment, over time, can raise one’s level of wellness and vitality.

Chronic headaches and migraines can be reduced in frequency and intensity by treating

the totality of the symptoms of the individual. On occasion, it is necessary to treat

migraines and headaches therapeutically in acute situations. In both chronic and acute

cases, it is most useful if the root cause of the ailment can be determined and all

maintaining factors should be identified and removed as much as possible. Maintaining

factors would be anything preventing someone from getting well and that would depend

on the situation of the individual. For example, an individual could be receiving

homeopathic treatment for chronic asthma and living in a damp, mouldy, basement

apartment. That patient will likely not make significant progress toward health until that

maintaining cause is removed.

Samuel Hahnemann (1842), as summarized by Brewster O’Reilly (1996, pages 61-

64)states in §7 of the Organon, “In cases of disease where there is no obvious

occasioning or maintaining cause (causaoccasionalis) to be removedª, we can perceive

nothing but the disease signs. Therefore, it must be the symptoms alone by which the

disease demands and can point to the appropriate medicine for its relief, along with

regard for any contingent miasm and with attention to the attendant circumstances.( §5)

The totality of these symptoms is the outwardly reflected image of the inner wesen of

the disease, that is, is of the suffering of the life force. The totality of the symptoms must

be the principal or the only thing whereby the disease can make discernible what

remedy [curative means] it requires, the only thing that can determine the choice of the

most suitable helping-means. Thus, in a word, the totalityb of symptoms must be the

most important, indeed the only thing in every case of disease, that the medical-art

practitioner has to discern and to clear away, by means of his art, so that the disease

shall be cured and transformed into health.

§ 5 It will help the physician to bring about a cure if he can find out the data of the most

probable occasion of an acute disease, and the most significant factors in the entire history of a

protracted wasting sickness, enabling him to find out its fundamental cause. The fundamental

cause of a protracted wasting sickness mostly rests upon a chronic miasm. In these

investigations, the physician should take into account the patient’s:

1. discernible body constitution [especially in cases of protracted disease]

2. mental and emotional character [character of the Geist and the Gemüt]

3. occupations,

4. lifestyle and habits,

5. civic and domestic relationships [relationships outside and within the home],

6. age,

7. sexual function, etc.

7a. It goes without saying that the intelligent physician would immediately clear away any

occasioning or maintaining causes,, after which the indisposition usually gives way of its own

accord. For example, the physician would:

1. remove from the room the strong smelling flowers that are arousing faintness and

hysterical plights,

2. extract from the cornea the splinter that is arousing inflammation of the eye,

3. loosen the overtight bandage on a wounded limb that is threatening to cause gangrene,

and apply a more suitable one,

4. lay bare and tie off the injured artery that is inducing faintness

5. seek, through vomiting, to expel belladonna berries, etc. that have been swallowed,

6. extract foreign substances from the orifices of the body (nose, throat, ears, urethra,

rectum, genitalia),

7. crush bladder stones,

8. open the imperforate anus of the newborn infant, etc.

7b. From time immemorial, adherents of the old school (often unaware of any other

expedient) have used medicines in an attempt to combat and, wherever possible, to

suppress a single one of the various symptoms of a disease. This one-sidedness,

called symptomatic treatment, has rightly aroused general contempt because through it,

not only is nothing won but much is also spoiled.

A single symptom of disease is no more the disease itself than a single foot is the man

himself. This procedure is so much the more reprehensible because the single

symptom is treated with an opposed means which acts in an enantiopathic and

palliative manner. After a short period of relief, the symptom is only made all the

worse”.

* * * * *

The main purpose of this research paper is to explore, and outline homeopathic

treatment for headaches and migraines as a more natural alternative to prescription and

over the counter drugs, while keeping in mind the principles that homeopathy’s founding

father has laid out in the Organon. Other alternative treatment for headaches and

migraines will be explored and presented along with conventional treatment. There

should always be a choice for the individual and often that choice encompasses a

variety of treatments.

What is the Difference between a Migraine and a Headache?

A migraine is really only one type of headache. It is categorized as a vascular

headache and it is usually severe. Because of the nature of migraine headaches, it is

worthwhile to look at migraines in a separate class compared with other types of

headaches.

Migraines and headaches are governed by the nervous system. The nervous system is

a very complex structure controlled by the brain. The brain has over 14 billion nerve

centres, each receiving stimuli from both inside and outside of the body. The brain

processes the information received by the nerve cells and using the nervous system

sends a response to different parts of the body. Nerve cells can be damaged and they

don’t have the ability to repair themselves. Brain and nervous system disorders can be

very mild (nerve twinges) to extremely serious (stroke).

Headaches

Types of Headaches

1. Vascular

Migraine headaches are the most common type of vascular headaches. We will

explore migraines separately. Other types of vascular headaches are:

headaches resulting from fever, cluster headaches, and headaches resulting

from high blood pressure.

Cluster headaches affects mostly men, aged 20 – 40. It is common for

cluster headaches to be episodic and for 1 to 3 months patients can

experience at least one episode on a daily basis. They can go into

remission and not recur for months or years…or they may not go into

remission at all. The periodicity can indicate a hypothalamic dysfunction.

Cluster headaches are severe and one-sided, usually occurring during

sleep. On that one painful side, the nostril tends to lose its shape and

hang down slightly. The eye is often red and the eye will tear up.

2. Muscle Contraction (Tension)

Many people use this label to describe the type of headache brought on by stress

but in fact, tension headaches involve the tightening or tensing of the muscles of

the upper back, neck, and scalp. This may result from emotional or physical

stress. As noted by Cummings and Ullman (2004), loss of sleep, extreme heat

or cold, poor posture are examples of physical stresses that can lead to these

types of headaches.

Cummings and Ullman (2004) further note that the body responds to stress by

increasing muscle tone and prepares for a fight or flight response. One is not

always able to act physically in some situations and the muscle tension will build

to a point when headaches occur. The muscle is sore from overwork and this

tension constricts blood vessels and slows the blood flow to the overworked

muscles. Muscle contraction pain is usually a steady, dull ache that could be felt

at the temples, across the forehead. It may also be at the base of the head and

neck and these locations are often sensitive to touch. It might feel as if a tight,

constricting band were wrapped around the head.

3. Traction

Traction headaches indicate that there is another disorder in the body.

According to Walker, Hall, and Hurst (1990), traction headaches can be caused

by a wide variety of organic diseases of the head…

These include intracranial mass legions such as metastatic tumors, hematoma,

or abscesses. The tentorium (tentorium cerebella, meaning the tent of the

cerebellum), separates the occipital lobes from the cerebellum. If the mass is

above the tentorium, there can be pain in the frontal area or the vertex. If the

mass is below the tentorium, there can be pain at the occiput with cervical

muscle spasm.

The cerebellopontine angle is the space between the pons and the cerebellum.

Acoustic neuromas can grow in this space and the proximity to the cranial nerves

can cause a neurological problem. In this case, the patient would likely feel pain

behind the ear.

A headache resulting from an intracranial tumor can become more intense when

coughing, urinating, or straining to stool. These headaches are generally worse

on waking in the morning and gradually become less severe as the day

progresses. This is because standing and moving in an upright position

throughout the day decreases the intracranial pressure.

Connective tissue disease such as Giant Cell Arteritis can cause headaches.

The quality is intense, burning, throbbing, and persistent. Patients often present

with ocular chief complaints and chewing food can cause pain. Temporal Arteritis

is another disease that can cause vision loss in elderly patients.

Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) can also cause headache. The

patient will experience pain usually in the occiput when there is a lack of oxygen

to the basilar artery. There will be more pain in anterior region when the lack of

oxygen is in the carotid artery.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is another condition that can cause headaches. This

cranial neuralgia most often occurs in the elderly or middle aged. The patient

would experience brief, intense, shooting pains in the trigeminal nerve or one of

its branches.

Disease or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause

headache. The pain can be referred from the jaw and neck and can be

aggravated by chewing or talking.

4. Inflammatory

Headaches caused by inflammation indicates that there may be something else

very serious going on. It could be a disorder of the sinuses, spine, neck, ears, or

teeth.

If a patient presents with a headache concomitant with stiff shoulders and neck,

consider that the individual may have inflammation of the meninges or bacterial

meningitis. This can be caused by a virus, blood disease, tumors, or fungi.

For individuals suffering from headaches more than 3 times per month, the focus should

be on prevention. The best method is usually by making some lifestyle changes.

Effective therapies are to reduce stress, modify dietary habits, and to get regular

exercise.

Some types of headaches are indicators of more serious disorders in the body and

should be dealt with immediately. Examples are:

Sudden, severe headaches

Headaches that suddenly disappear with exertion (sub-arachnoid)

Headaches associated with a stiff neck

Headaches associated with fever or convulsions

Headaches following a blow to the head

Headaches accompanied by a loss of consciousness

Headaches associated with pain in either the eye or the ear

Headaches in someone who has previously never suffered from headaches

Recurring headaches in children

Disorders Causing Secondary Headaches

Headaches can occur as the result of primary or secondary disorders. Vascular and Tension

headaches would be considered primary disorders. Some Traction and Inflammatory

headaches would be examples of secondary disorders. The following table (178-1)taken from

page 1716 of the 19th Edition of the Merck Manual, outlines disorders causing a secondary

headache.

DISORDERS CAUSING SECONDARY HEADACHES

CAUSE

EXAMPLES

Extra-cranial disorders

Carotid or vertebral artery dissection (which also causes neck pain) or vertebral artery dissection (which also causes neck pain)

Dental disorders (e.g. infection, temporomandibular joint dysfunction)

Glaucoma

Sinusitis

Intracranial Disorders

Brain tumors and other masses

Chiari type I malformation

SDF lead with low-pressure headaches

Hemorrhage (intracerebral, subdural, subarachnoid)

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Infections (e.g. abscess, encephalitis, meningitis, subdural empyema)

Meningitis, noninfectious (eg. carcinomatous, chemical)

Obstructive hydrocephalus

Vascular disorders eg. vascular malformations, vasculitis, venous sinus

thrombosis)

Systemic Disorders

Acute severe hypertension

Bacteremia

Fever

Giant cell arteritis

Hypercapnia

Hypoxia (including altitude sickness)

Viral infections

Viremia

Drugs and toxins

Analgesic overuse

Caffeine withdrawal

Carbon monoxide

Hormones (e.g. estrogen)

Nitrates

Proton pump inhibitors

Characteristics of Headache Disorders by Cause The following table (178-2) taken from pages 1716 and 1717 of the 19th Edition of the Merck Manual,

outlines the characteristics of headache disorders by cause.

CHARACTERISTICS OF HEADACHE DISORDERS BY CAUSE

CAUSE

SUGGESTIVE FINDINGS

Primary headache disorders *

Cluster headache Unilateral orbitotemporal attacks at the same time of day

Deep, severe, lasting 30-180 min

Often with lacrimation, facial flushing, or Horner’s syndrome; restlessness

Migraine headache Frequently unilateral and pulsating, lasting 4-72 h; occasionally with aura, nausea, photophobia, sonophobia, or osmophobia

Worse with activity, preference to lie in the dark, resolution with sleep

Tension-type headache Frequent or continuous, mild, bilateral, and viselike occipital or frontal pain that spread to entire head

Worse at end of day

Secondary headaches

Acute angle-closure glaucoma Unilateral

Halos around lights, decreased visual acuity, conjunctival injection, vomiting

Encephalitis Fever, altered mental status, seizures, focal neurologic deficits

Giant cell arteritis

Age > 55

Unilateral throbbing pain, pain when combing hair, visual disturbances, jaw claudication, fever, weight loss, sweats, temporal artery tenderness, proximal myalgias

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension Migraine-like headaches, diplopia, pulsatile tinnitus, loss of peripheral vision, papilledema

Intracerebral hemorrhage Sudden onset

Vomiting, focal neurologic deficits, altered mental status

Meningitis Fever, meningismus, altered mental status

Sinusitis Positional facial or tooth pain, fever, purulent rhinorrhea

Subarachnoid hemorrhage Peak intensity a few seconds after headache onset (thunderclap headaches)

Vomiting, syncope, obtundation, meningismus

Subdural hematoma (chronic) Sleepiness, altered mental status, hemiparesis, loss of spontaneous venour pulsations, papilledema

Presence of risk factors (e.g. older age, coagulopathy, dementia, anticoagulant use, ethanol abuse)

Tumor or mass Eventually altered mental status, seizures, vomiting, diplopia when looking laterally, loss of spontaneous venous pulsations or papilledema, focal neurologic deficits

Migraines According to the Office of Communications and Public Liaison of the United States

(2015), migraine headaches are a neurological syndrome and they are characterized by

nausea and severe pulsating or throbbing headaches. Migraine symptoms are directly

related to changes in the blood vessels. In the initial stage of a migraine there is a

decrease in blood flow to the brain and that leads to a constriction.

There is often a warning symptom before any pain is felt. Approximately one third of

migraine sufferers are able to predict the onset of a migraine because it is preceded by

an "aura," or a visual disturbance. The aura may appear as flashing lights or lines in a

zig-zag pattern and occur with a temporary loss of vision. There can be other

indications of neurological impairment such as dizziness, slurred words, and numbness

on one side of the body.

The pain actually begins when the blood vessels that were narrowed open up too wide.

The nerve endings in the walls of the blood vessels are stimulated by the return of the

blood flow but there have been chemical changes in the blood that cause inflammation.

This combination of inflammation and stretched blood vessel walls causes pain in the

nerve endings. The pain will likely be localized to one side of the head but it can spread

to the other side.

“The International Headache Society diagnoses a migraine by its pain and number of

attacks (at least 5, lasting 4-72 hours if untreated)".(Office of Communications and

Public Liaison, 2015) Other symptoms include vomiting, increased sensitivity to light

and sound, and numbness and tingling in parts of the body.

More women experience migraine headaches than men. In fact, migraines are three

times more common in women. In some cases this may be attributed to changes in

hormone levels during menses. Over all, migraines affect approximately 10% of the

world’s population.

According to Platt (2008), many people believe they suffer from sinus headaches, but in

fact, the majority of these types of headaches fall into the category of migraines.

Studies suggest that about 90% of so-called sinus headaches are actually migraines.

When there is pressure around the eyes, behind the cheekbones, and in the forehead, it

indicates a problem with the sinuses. Acute sinus headaches are rare as it comes with

a bacterial infection of the nose and sinuses.

Sinus pain is easily confused with migraine pain because both conditions have some

common symptoms. The pain in the forehead and behind the eyes and cheekbones are

common and those symptoms can be accompanied by nasal discharge. Both

conditions can also be triggered by weather changes.

Phases of Migraines

1. Prodrome (Early Symptom) Phase

One or two days before a migraine, there may be slight changes an individual will notice that signify an oncoming migraine. Changes may include:

Constipation

Depression

Food cravings

Hyperactivity

Irritability

Neck stiffness

Uncontrollable yawning

2. Aura

Auras are symptoms of the nervous system and they can be visual, sensory,

motor, or verbal disturbances. Not every individual suffering from migraines

experiences an aura but if they do, each symptom usually begins very gradually

and builds. Symptoms can last 20 to 60 minutes. An aura immediately precedes

the headache. Examples of aura symptoms are:

Visual phenomena (various shapes, bright spots or flashes of light)

Loss of vision

Sensation of pins and needles in the arm or leg

Aphasia (speech or language problems)

Weakness of the limbs concomitant with aura (hemiplegic migraines)

3. Pain– Headache or Attack Phase

A migraine usually lasts from four to 72 hours if it is untreated, but the frequency

with which headaches occur varies from person to person. During a migraine the

following symptoms may be experienced:

Pain on one side or both sides of your head

Pulsating, throbbing pain

Sensitivity to light, sounds and sometimes smells

Nausea and vomiting

Blurred vision, lightheadedness, sometimes followed by fainting

4. Postdrome (late symptoms following attack)

The final phase, known as postdrome, occurs after a migraines attack. Some

people can feel mildly euphoric but most feel drained and washed out.

At this point in time, it is not really known what causes migraines. According to the

Office of Communications and Public Liaison (2015), scientists believed for many years

that migraines were linked to the dilation and constriction of blood vessels in the head.

Now, researchers believe that migraines have a genetic cause.

The pathophysiology of migraines is not fully understood yet so from a medical

perspective there is no cure. The main approach to treatment is to try to prevent the

attack in the first place. The best way to do this is through behavioural changes. Since

everyone will experience a migraine in their own unique way, it may be useful to keep a

diary of the experiences and the triggers that initiate the migraine. (Ehrlich, 2011).

There are certain common triggers for migraines that can be categorized as

environmental, behavioural, infectious, dietary, chemical, or hormonal. For example,

a chemical trigger may be monosodium glutamate that is commonly found in Chinese

Food. Some other dietary triggers can be fermented foods like pickles and red wine,

dairy products, chocolate, and nuts. Lack of sleep and the lack of a regular sleep

pattern can also play a role in triggering migraines. It is also believed that obesity can

contribute to migraines.

Doctors and researchers agree that migraines tend to run in families. There have been

studies done to locate genes that cause migraines but that research is just beginning.

According Health Union (2015), studies on family history with regard to migraines show

the following:

70 % of migraine sufferers have family history of migraine

one study showed a 50% greater risk of suffering from migraines if an

immediate family member suffered from migraines

research indicates if one parent suffers from migraines there is a 40% chance

that his or her child will also suffer from migraines

further research indicates that if both parents suffer from migraines there is a

90% chance that the child will also suffer from migraines

studies also show that a child is more than twice as likely to suffer from

migraines if his mother does

in a large study of 5,000+ twins in the United States research indicated that

for identical twins, if one twin suffered from migraines, there was a 35%

chance that the other did as well.

in that same study, done on fraternal twins, there was a 16% chance that if

one twin suffered from migraines the other twin would also suffer.

Usually, migraines will appear for the first time in those in their early teenage years,

around puberty. However, some younger children do experience migraines earlier

when they are unable to describe the sensations. An alert for a parent would be

recurrent vomiting in a young child between 2 to 4 years old. There may be some

stress in the child’s life that a parent will need to elicit somehow from the child in order

to remove that stressor from his or her life.

Often, migraines are triggered by psychological stress and other mental and emotional

issues. Stress at work is a common trigger. Ironically, it is not until after the stress is

relieved that the attack begins. Often, a business executive will be under constant

pressure and stress Monday to Friday at work and then he will suffer a migraine attack

when he is relaxing reading the newspapers on a relaxing weekend morning. Others

may experience migraines after the death of someone close to them. Other stress can

come from sleeping too long, fasting, certain foods and drinks, menstrual cycles, and

fluctuations in hormone levels.

According to the National Headache Foundation of the United States (2015), migraines

may also be triggered by abnormal electrical changes in the brain which may be linked

to high levels of calcium and glutamate and low levels of magnesium. A certain

phenomenon, “Cortical Spreading Depression”, starts with a wave of stimulation of the

neurons which is followed by a wave of depression. This change in electrical activity in

the nerve cells stimulates the release of peptides that irritate the nerves, especially the

trigeminal nerves. The trigeminal nerves transport sensation to the face and a good

part of the head.

The diagram on page 16 depicts the pathways of migraine headaches. It show the path

of the migraine from the onset in the brain: the electrical charges that cause the

migraine to spread throughout the brain, the changes in the nerve cell activity and blood

flow that sometimes result in numbness or tingling and visual disturbances, the dilation

of blood vessels and tissue inflammation caused by chemicals in the brain, and finally,

the spreading of the inflammation to other nerves fed from the transgeminal nerve that

causes the pain.

* National Headache Foundation (2015)

Dietary Triggers

It is challenging to identify food triggers for migraines because those triggers can be

different for many people. Sometimes certain foods become triggers when they are

combined with other factors such as stress and hormonal changes. A particular food

may not trigger a migraine each and every time. It could depend on the amount eaten.

The migraines may not come immediately following the trigger so that trigger becomes

harder to identify.

For those prone to migraines, it may be useful to keep a food diary. That way, food and

drink consumed around the time of migraine can be reviewed to detect patterns and

potentially point to triggers.

Although it may be difficult to identify a reliable list of migraines triggers for everyone,

the following is a selection of common migraines triggers that apply to many people.

Alcohol

Any type of alcoholic beverage can incite headaches in those susceptible to migraines.

This is a substance that affects many sufferers. Red wine is one of the most common

culprits. Sometimes, only a sip or two can cause pounding head pain.

Caffeine

This is an interesting substance because it can ease headache pain in some people

and in others it can trigger a migraine. Caffeine can help with the absorption of certain

medications for head pain. It is wise to limit the amount of caffeine to about 8 ounces

per day. That is a reasonable amount that is not usually enough to spark a migraine in

many migraine sufferers. For those who are excessive users of caffeine, it is best to

reduce intake gradually and never stop cold turkey. This can result in rebound

headaches.

Chocolate

“Chocolate is one of the few foods which has been investigated in double blind

controlled studies, to determine how much of a trigger it really is - unlike many other

food products, which have merely been included as part of larger studies using a wide

range of possibilities”. (Healy and Alexander, 2008) They elaborate on these studies to

show that there is not much evidence to support that chocolate is actually a trigger for

migraines.

In 1974 a study was done at London Hospital that concluded that chocolate may be a

trigger for migraines but it was not a significant one. (Healy and Alexander, 2008)

Another study at the University of Pittsburgh Pain Evaluation and Treatment Institute in

1997 also was inconclusive. They used a double blind protocol and placebo. Results

showed that there was no difference in frequency and intensity of migraines between

participants that were given chocolate and those who were given a carob placebo.

(Healy and Alexander, 2008)

That being said, hundreds of thousands of people who suffer from migraines say that

chocolate is a trigger for migraines. Many have said that when it is removed from their

diet that the migraines stopped and that when they re-introduced it the symptoms came

back immediately.

It isn’t clear whether chocolate actually triggers migraines. It may just signal that a

migraine is coming. Many people find that chocolate cravings increase when they are

under stress and also when they are undergoing hormonal changes, such as women

experience during the menstrual cycle. Stress and hormonal changes are common

triggers for migraines.

Tyramine and Tannins

Tyramine and Tannins are natural food compounds that can trigger migraines.

Tyramine is produced in the breakdown of the amino acid, Tyrasine. It can cause blood vessels to dilate and this may trigger migraines in some people.

Tyramine is found in:

Red wine

Beer

Avocados

Overripe bananas

Aged cheese

Pork

Soy products

Some processed meat

Nuts

Chocolate

Tannins are compounds from plants that can prevent the human body from absorbing

proteins and minerals. They generally leave a bitter taste in the mouth. They actually

can be found in food dyes and household cleaners as well. It isn’t clear why tannins

may be a trigger for migraines in some people but they certainly deprive the body of

nutrients it needs and that can make a body feel worse.

Tannins are abundant in:

Coffee

Tea

Chocolate

Red wine

Apple juice

Food additives

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a food additive that is commonly found in fast food,

take out, such as Chinese food (Shimer Bowers and Lliades, 2014). Many people say

they feel ill after consuming products with this additive. According to research

published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, it was noted that those

individuals sensitive to migraines as a result of food triggers were more likely to get a

headache after eating foods containing MSG than they were after consuming a placebo.

(Shimer Bowers and Lliades, 2014) Glutamates tend to widen blood vessels and this

has been linked to triggers for migraines.

Nitrates are found in processed deli meats and other smoked meat products. They can

also be found naturally in certain vegetables like broccoli and root vegetables. Texas

Neurology states, “Definitive clinical data is lacking, but migraine sufferers have

reported sensitivity to nitrites”. (Renee, 2014) Nitrates and Nitrites may contribute to

migraines because the body converts nitrates to nitrites. Renee (2014) further explains

that the body produces nitric oxide, a gas that expands the blood vessels. Nitrates

cause an increase in the production of nitric oxide, which can trigger migraines in

sensitive people. She goes on to discuss a study published in the journal, “Cephelagia”

June 2010, where results showed that prior to the onset of a migraine, nitric oxide stress

was present. The data suggests that consuming foods with a high nitrate content may

trigger migraines by increasing nitric oxide in the body, and in turn, increasing the risk of

nitric oxide stress in those who are susceptible to migraines. Renee (2014)

Artificial sweeteners

Aspartame is an artificial sweeter commonly used in diet soft drinks and other “diet”

foods. It really acts like a drug in the body releasing a neurotransmitter in the brain. It

may lower serotonin levels, which can alter an individual’s mood, cause depression, and

contribute to migraines. Studies have been conducted that do indicate a correlation

between aspartame and migraines.

The New England Journal of Medicine conducted one study that showed that study

participants who did not take Aspartame had a migraine attack on 24% of the days of

the study while those participants that did take Aspartame experienced migraines on

33% of the days. Migraine Headache Rx.com (2015) Another study indicates that

90% of migraines are triggered by allergic reactions to food additives or the actual food

and that 10% of migraine attacks can be linked to aspartame. Migraine Headache

Rx.com (2015) A study by the University of Florida reported that migraine frequency

increased by 50% in patients taking aspartame. Migraine Headache Rx.com (2015)

Avoiding Dietary Triggers

It is difficult to eliminate foods and drinks that we desire from our diet but it makes sense to pay attention and to regulate the amount of those substances that we know to trigger migraines or other ailments in our bodies.

It is a good idea to have regular meals and healthy snacks to help minimize the chance of migraines. Many people find that going without food for as little as four or five hours can trigger migraines.

On the flip side, eating too much can also trigger migraines. Obese people have a higher frequency and intensity of migraines than do people who have a healthy body weight. (Peterlin, 2011)

People that are prone to migraine attacks should eat a balanced, healthy diet, not smoke, drink alcohol in moderation, get lots of exercise, and try to reach and maintain a healthy body weight.

Treatment

Medical doctors have had some success in migraine prevention with drugs originally

used for epilepsy, high blood pressure, and depression. Botulinum toxin A, commonly

known as Botox, has been effective in the prevention of chronic migraines and it has

been approved for use in Canada.(Barton, 2012).Other drugs commonly prescribed for

prevention and acute treatment are outlined in the Merck Manual. An excerpt from that

book is found on page 24. However, with all of these drugs, there are certain side

effects.

Many people are now looking to more natural methods for dealing with chronic

migraines. Homeopathy is a safe, effective way to prevent and treat migraines. In the

case of chronic migraines, we want to look at the totality of the symptoms of the

individual. Achieving the best match between an individual’s symptom picture and

symptom picture of a homeopathic remedy will offer the best chance of eradicating this

neurological disorder.

In acute flare ups of the chronic migraines condition, over the counter drugs like

ibuprofen, aspirin, and Tylenol can lessen the severity of the symptoms. However, it is

possible that these types of drugs can cause headaches and migraines. The Merck

manual talks about the overuse of analgesics as a cause of secondary headaches.

The evidence shows that there is increased sensitivity after each successive migraine

attack. This can lead to a daily chronic migraine state, which is all the more reason for

one to take measures to prevent an occurrence. According to Platt (2008), “Powerful

drugs can treat the acute symptoms of migraines, but overusing these medications can

actually increase an individual’s susceptibility to further headaches, creating an ongoing

cycle of pain”.

Other therapies that are being tested for effectiveness in treating migraines are:

magnesium, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B12, riboflavin, fever-few, and butterbur. Also, “In

2010, a team of researchers found a common mutation in the gene TRESK, which

contains instructions for a certain potassium ion channel”. A role of a potassium

channel is to keep a nerve cell at rest. Mutations in potassium cells can cause the

nerve cells to be sensitive to lower levels of pain. Further genetic analyses may identify

other genes that are linked to migraines.

In the next sections the various treatments for migraines and headaches will be

explored, based on the following categories:

Conventional Drugs

Supplements and Herbs

Acupuncture

Chiropractic

Osteopathy

Homeopathy

* * * * *

Conventional Treatment

The chart on page 24 outlines the conventional drugs used in the prevention and

treatment of migraine and cluster headaches. Although these medications may help to

prevent headaches and relieve acute conditions, there are some serious side effects

with them.

Prevention

Some medications are better in helping to prevent migraines and cluster headaches.

Amitriptylines can also help with insomnia but a negative side effect is weight gain.

With Divalproex, there can also be weight gain. In addition, the gastro-intestinal (GI)

tract can be affected, tremors can be experienced, and that medication can cause a

condition called, alopecia, where the hair tends to fall out. Lithium can cause polyuria, a

condition in which great quantities of urine is passed. It can also cause weakness and

tremors. Topiramate can actually cause weight loss but it can also cause confusion and

depression, and other problems in the central nervous system (CNS). Verapamil can

cause constipation and hypotension, which can lead to weight gain.

Treatment

Other medications are better for acute treatment. One of these drugs is

Dihydroergotamine. It can help treat a migraine but it can also cause nausea and has

severe side effects on over use, such as vascular dysfunction of the extremities.

Triptans can cause flushing and a sense of pressure in throat or chest. It can also

cause paresthesias, a sensation of tingling or prickling, like pins and needles. Valproate

is similar to the preventative Divalproex in terms of its side effects; the weight gain, the

GI tract upset, the tremors, and the alopecia.

With all of these drugs, it is important to note the restrictions on taking them. Some are

contraindicated for people suffering other ailments or conditions. For example, Triptans

should not be given to individuals with coronary artery disease. Some of these drugs

should not be taken concurrently with other drugs. Dihydroergotamine should not be

taken concurrently with Triptans.

With all of these kinds of potential side effects, and the worry of taking a drug that

conflicts with another substance, is it really worth the benefit from migraine relief?

Drugs for Migraines and Cluster Headaches and their Side Effects The following table is based on table (178-4) from page 1721 of the 19th Edition of the Merck Manual,

outlines the various drugs and dosages for prevention and treatment of migraines and cluster headaches.

DRUGS FOR MIGRAINES AND CLUSTER HEADACHES

DRUGS DOSAGE COMMENTS/SIDE EFFECTS

Prevention *

Amitriptyline 10-100 mg po at bedtime used only for migraineshas anticholinergic effects – causes weight gain

helpful for insomnia

small doses are effective

Beta Blockers Atenolol 25-100 mg po once/day

Metoprolol 50-200 mg po once/day

Nadolol 20-160 mg po Once/day

Propranolol 20-160 mg po bid

Timolol 5-20 mg po once/day

used only for migraines

only beta blockers without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity used

avoided in patients with bradycardia, hypotension, or asthma

Divalproex Regular release 250-500 mg po bid

Extended release 500-1000 mg po once/day

can cause alopecia, GI upset, hepatic dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, tremor, weight gain

Lithium 300 mg po bid to qid used only for cluster headaches

may cause weakness, thirst, tremor, and polyuria

Topiramate 50-200 mg po usually once/day weight loss

CNS adverse effects – confusion, depression

Verapamil 240 mg once/day to tid most useful for cluster headaches

can cause hypotension and constipation

Treatment *

Dihydroergotamine 0.5 – 1 mg sc or IV

4 mg/ml. nasal spray

can cause nausea

contraindicated in patients with hypertension or coronary artery disease

cannot be used concurrently with triptans

Triptans Almotriptan 12.5 mg po

Eletriptan 20-40 mg po

Provatriptan 2.5 mg po

Frovatriptan 2.5 mg po

Naratriptan 2.5 mg po

Rizatriptan 10 mg po

Sumatriptan 50-100 mg po, 5-20 mg nasal spray, or 6 mg sc

Zolmitriptan 2.5-5 mg po or 5 mg nasal spray

can cause flushing, paresthesias, and sense of pressure in chest or throat

can repeat doses up to 3 times/day if headache recurs

contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease or uncontrolled hypertension

injections or nasal spray used for cluster headaches

Valproate 500-1000mg IV usually for patients who cannot tolerate triptans or vasoconstrictors

can cause alopecia, GI upset, hepatic dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, tremor, and weight gain

Supplements and Herbs

There has been a growing interest in recent years in more natural treatments for

managing headaches and migraines. Herbs, vitamins, and supplements can be used

effectively in the prevention and therapeutic treatment of headaches. Coenzyme Q10,

Magnesium, Riboflaven, Butterbur, Feverfew, and Ginger are some of the more

effective natural treatments.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that was initially identified in 1957. It is believed that it

works by boosting the energy reserves in the brain.

Sources of CoQ10 include: soybean oil, canola oil, hering, mackerel, cauliflower,

broccoli, chicken, beef, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, pistachio nuts, strawberries,

oranges, and boiled eggs.

According to Robert (2014), an article in the April 2002 issue of the Journal of the

International Headache Society, Cephalalgia, reports very encouraging results from an

open label trial of coenzyme Q10 as prevention for migraines.

In the study, 150 mg of coenzyme Q10 was the daily dose used. There were some

side effects that participants experienced, mostly related to gastrointestinal upset,

including nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and loss of appetite. In a large study, the

incidence rate was less than 1%, which is very favourable. It was found that in most

cases, participants could handle doses of up to 600 mg per day without negative side

effects.

Other points from the study worth noting are:

61.3% of participants in the trial experienced at least a 50% reduction in frequency of

migraine attacks by the end of the four-month trial.

study data suggests that it takes 5 - 12 weeks to achieve more than a 50% reduction

in migraine frequency

Coenzyme Q10 is effective for both the classic type of migraine (with aura) and the

common migraine (without aura).

Coenzyme Q10 can be given to almost any age group without worry of any significant

side effects. Although, in some individuals, there can be side effects of nausea, diarrhea,

and heartburn, for the vast majority of people, it appears to be a good choice for

preventative therapy.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals found in the body. It is mineral that is

naturally found in green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts, as well as in

nutritional supplements.

Women who are prone to migraines during menstrual cycles often have lower levels of

Magnesium and could benefit from Magnesium supplements. It may even help prevent

the migraine in the first place. It also is beneficial for women who suffer migraines

during pregnancy.

Magnesium helps regulate the body’s 24 hour clock that governs sleep, body

temperature, and hormone levels. It can calm nerve cells in the brain which affect

migraines. It usually takes about 3 cycles for the Magnesium to be effective. Some

people find it can cause diarrhea and an alternative in that case would be magnesium

Gluconate.

Wong (2015) discusses several studies that have been done to determine the

effectiveness of Magnesium in treating migraines. In one study, 81 participants were

given either a 600 mg per day dose of magnesium or a placebo. The study ran for 9

weeks. After that, in the group taking Magnesium, a 41.6% reduction in frequency of

migraines was reported. The statistics for the placebo group indicated only a 15.8%

reduction in migraine frequency. In total, 18.6% reported diarrhea as a side effect and

4.7% reported digestive irritation. Other studies indicate that magnesium does reduce

the frequency and also the severity of migraines.

Elements of the Body

* Anatomy & Physiology Connexions website (2013)

Butterbur

Butterbur root is a plant extract that can reduce the frequency of migraines by as much

as 50% when it used on a daily basis for 3 to 4 months. Scientists believe that

Butterbur works by decreasing inflammation and helping to promote the relaxation of

the smooth muscle lining of the cerebral blood vessel walls. 50 to 75mg of butterbur

extract taken twice per day for up to 4 months has been proven effective in preventing

migraines.

Platt (2008) discusses the effectiveness of Butterbur in reducing the number and

frequency of migraines. A small study of 60 participants in Germany had 33 adults take

50 mg of Butterbur extract two times per day while the remainder took a placebo twice

daily, for a total of 12 weeks. At the beginning of the study, the average was 3.3

migraines per month for the group. In the group taking Butterbur, after 4 weeks, the

average number or migraines was down to 1.8. After another 4 weeks, the average

was reduced to 1.3 or a 61% reduction. After another 4 weeks, the average was 1.7, a

49% reduction at the end of the study duration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:201_Elements_of_the_Human_Body-01.jpg

In a larger 4 month study of 245 participants, one third were given 75 mg of Butterbur

extract twice per day, another third were given 50 mg of Butterbur extract twice per day,

and the final third were given a placebo twice per day. At the end of the study period,

those taking the 75 mg. dose of Butterbur extract reported that migraine frequency had

been reduced by 50%. Those taking the 50 mg. dose had a minor reduction in

frequency of migraine relative to the placebo group. The results indicated by taking 50

to 75 mg. of Butterbur extract twice daily were comparable to the results achieved by

some preventive prescription medications. However, Butterbur is safer and has less

negative side effects than those drugs.

B12 (Riboflaven)

Research so far has shown that those who suffer from migraine headaches have

reduced mitochondrial energy reserves in between migraine attacks. Vitamin B12, or

Riboflaven, is critical to mitochondrial energy production and has been proven effective

in the prevention of migraines. (Erlich, 2011).

In a trial of 55 migraine sufferers, it showed that 60% of those who took 400mg of

Riboflavin each day had at least 50% reduction in migraines at three months. A further

study of 23 patients confirmed these numbers and further to that, those patients had

continued results at 6 months.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and its action on nausea and pain. In

a double blind clinical trial of 100 migraine sufferers, the efficacy of Ginger was

compared to a conventional treatment, Sumatriptan, in treating migraine headaches.

(Hudson, 2014) Participants were given a 250 mg capsule of ginger or 50 mg of

Sumatriptan at the onset of a migraine. The study was conducted over a one month

timeframe and checkpoints were done at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes then again after

24 hours. Research indicates that 70% of participants taking Sumatriptan felt relief after

2 hours. 63% of those taking Ginger felt relief after 2 hours. These are similar results

but the real difference is in the side effects. With participants taking Ginger, the only

clinical side effect reported was mild dyspepsia, while those taking the Sumatriptan

reported dizziness, vertigo, heartburn, and a sensation of being sedated.

Feverfew

Feverfew, or Tanacetumparthenium, is a plant of the sunflower family. It is also called

Wild Chamomile. It has been used extensively in Europe as an herbal medicine.

Feverfew contains parthenolide, which is a compound that may reduce inflammation,

help muscle spasms, and also help prevent constriction of blood vessels in the brain.

There have been some studies done to determine the effectiveness of Feverfew.

(Erlich, 2011). In Britain, a survey of 270 migraine sufferers reported that 70% felt much

better after taking 2 or 3 fresh Feverfew leaves daily. It was found in further studies that

Feverfew can be used to treat chronic migraine as a preventive method and it can also

be used in acute cases. The studies suggest that Feverfew, taken in dried leaf

capsules daily may reduce the occurrences of migraine in chronic migraine sufferers.

Another study gave migraine sufferers a combination of Feverfew and White Willow

(Salix alba) twice daily for 12 weeks. The White Willow has similar properties to aspirin.

Results indicated that participants had a reduced number of migraines that were shorter

in duration and less painful.

Another 3 month study with 49 participants combined Feverfew, Magnesium, and

Vitamin B12. Results were a 50% reduction in the number of migraines.

It may depend on which supplement is taken whether the Feverfew is effective in

treating migraines. Further studies are needed.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic technique using needles to pierce the body. It

has been around since 200BC and was developed in China. Acupuncture can have an

effect on the nervous system, the spinal cord, and the brainstem. It works on areas of

the brain that control the transmission of pain and the individual’s emotional response to

it. There are two different styles of Acupuncture practiced today, each with their own

philosophical approach.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Illness and disease are a disturbance of qui. The qi is an energy form or the vital force

which is very similar to a concept used in homeopathy. Qi flows along 14 meridians on

the surface of the body where the acupuncture points are located. The purpose of the

acupuncture treatment is to repair the flow of qi through those meridians. There has

been a disturbance of the vital force that requires intervention. This procedure is

individualized to the person requiring treatment. The needles would not necessarily be

placed in the same location on different individuals.

Western Medical Acupuncture Western Medical Acupuncture uses a more modern scientific philosophy. It is based

on the biological effects of the procedure as well as on clinical research. It uses local

points like the head and the neck in addition to distant points like the feet and hands.

Also used is “trigger point” acupuncture in which the needles are placed in tender spots

in the muscles in an effort to release a muscle spasm.

Studies

Studies done to date have almost exclusively focused on prevention of headaches.

There has not been much research into acute treatment.

Berkovitz, (2010) states that evidence supports the value of acupuncture in the

treatment of idiopathic headaches based on the Cochrane systematic review of 16

studies involving 1151 participants. Since then, large clinical studies have been done

and the results compared with standard allopathic treatment. The results indicate

persistent and clinically relevant benefits equivalent to specialist drugs. However, no

convincing evidence of superiority to “sham” acupuncture has been shown for

headaches. Sham acupuncture is a method where needles are inserted less deeply

into the skin and away from the traditional acupuncture points. The purpose is to

simulate a placebo for studies. It is really only useful for patients that have never

experienced acupuncture before and do not know what the needles are supposed to

feel like or where the acupuncture points really are. So what does this really mean?

Some believe that acupuncture doesn’t work at all and is no better than a placebo.

Others believe that the study shows that it doesn’t really matter how the acupuncture is

done, and where and how deep the needles are inserted into the skin. They believe that

acupuncture is considerably better than no treatment at all and that it is as good if not

better than conventional treatment and has less side effects.

In another study, chronic headache sufferers were given 12 sessions of acupuncture for

3 months. Results indicated: 34% less days with headaches, 15% less sick days, 15%

medication required, and 25% fewer visits to the doctor.

Safety

Obviously when dealing with needles, a trained practitioner is a must and sterile, single-

use needles are required. However, side effects can occur. There may be some slight

bruising and bleeding as the needle does puncture the skin. Sometimes existing

symptoms are temporarily worsened but that is generally only about 1% of people. 3%

actually experience a kind of euphoria. It is extremely rare to have severe side effects

such as puncturing of the lung or the heart membrane.

Chiropractic

Some studies have indicated that spinal manipulation therapy may be beneficial in

treating migraine headaches. (Erlich, 2011) In one clinical trial, 22% of patients

receiving chiropractic treatment reported a 90+% decrease in the number of migraine

attacks experienced. Of those people, 49% also reported a very significant decrease in

the intensity of the migraines.

In another study, migraines sufferers were assigned randomly to receive either Elavil

medication taken daily, chiropractic spinal manipulation, or a combination of both of

those treatments. The results indicated that the chiropractic treatment was as effective

as the Elavil in reducing the number of migraines and it had much fewer side effects.

Combining the Elavil and chiropractic treatment did not increase the effectiveness.

There have been additional studies done comparing chiropractic with other medications

and results showed that both were equally effective in reducing the number of

migraines. More research is needed to determine if chiropractic can actually prevent

migraines.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is alternative medical treatment that focuses on the physical manipulation of

the muscle tissue and bones. The philosophy of osteopathy is that the body has a

natural ability to heal itself. It is important for all of the fluids of the body (blood, lymph,

synovial fluid, digestive juices, cerebrospinal fluid, etc), to circulate freely, without any

blockage. The blockages can be either structural or non-structural. Structural

blockages can be twists and curves inside the body in bones, organs, or tissues that are

misaligned. They can affect the circulation of fluids in the body.

Some recent studies have provided some controversial results with regard to the benefit

of osteopathic treatment for migraines. Cerritelli, F. et al, (2013) discuss one study that

did show the efficacy of osteopathic treatment for migraines. The study was conducted

at the Department of Neurology at Ancona United Hospitals in 2010, from March to

November. Participants were divided into three groups: patients receiving osteopathic

treatment, patients receiving conventional medication (triptans), and patients receiving

sham therapy. The results showed a significant difference between the osteopathic

group compared to those groups receiving conventional medication and sham treatment

which suggests that osteopathic treatment can be considered a valid therapy in

managing migraines in patients.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Erlich (2011) discusses the benefits of Reflexology for migraine sufferers. Reflexology

is a technique that applies pressure to specific locations or “reflex points” on the hands

and the feet. The theory is that these locations correspond to other locations within the

body. There has not been a great deal of research done on this to date but preliminary

studies indicate that Reflexology may provide pain relief for migraine sufferers.

As noted by Quin, Chandler, and Moraska (2002), muscle specific massage therapy

can help decrease the frequency and duration of chronic tension headaches. A study

was done where chronic tension headache sufferers were treated with a structured

massage therapy directed specifically at the neck and shoulder muscles. The intensity,

frequency, and duration of the headaches were recorded and compared with baseline

measurements. Results showed that the frequency of headaches was significantly

reduced during the first week of treatment and the duration of the headaches decreased

over the full study period, but the intensity of the headaches remained constant.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy has been used throughout the world since Samuel Hahnemann introduced

this system of medicine in the late 1700s. Homeopathy is based on the Law of Similars,

like cures like or “Similia Similibus Curentur”, which means that a remedy produces

symptoms in a healthy person that will cure a persona in a diseased state. It is the

opposite of allopathic medications that suppress symptoms.

Although it has been proven over and over by homeopaths for hundreds of years, some

are skeptical of its efficacy. Some say that remedies contain nothing and that they are

so dilated they do not contain even a trace of the original substance.

There are a number of theories on how homeopathy works but nobody has been able to

explain it plausibly in terms of conventional science or show research to back up those

theories. Of late, there has been much scientific research into nanoparticles. One study

done in India using state of the art measuring devices reports that nanoparticles of the

original homeopathic substance can be found floating in the top layer of the water

solution. (Chikramane, P. et al, 2010) So far this has been found in potencies of up to

200ch. Research is ongoing and it is encouraging that there is beginning to be real,

concrete, scientific proof that there is substance to homeopathic remedies! News on

this research is very timely, considering that Homeopathy was regulated in Ontario

effective April 1, 2015.

Homeopathic Case Taking Techniques to Determine Remedies

1. Determine Onset of headache

What triggers the headache?

Is it the individual’s mental or emotional state? Is it stress related? What does that

really mean? The homeopath must “chunk down” to get to the bottom of what that

means to this individual. Stress can come from many things and what is stressful for

one individual may be invigorating for another. Is the person suffering a grief? Did

they lose someone close to them? Are they going through a divorce? It could be

many things and they are all unique to an individual.

Is it brought on by lack of sleep? Has the person been working long hours and not

getting enough sleep on a consistent basis?

Could strong odours like gasoline, paint, garlic, and other substances be triggering

the migraine?

Is the migraine brought on by eating or drinking too much? Perhaps it is only certain

foods that trigger the migraine. Does skipping a meal or meals bring on a migraine?

2. What type of pain is it?

Throbbing? Pulsating? Cutting? Stabbing? Hammering? Burning? Aching? Dull?

Pressing? Constant? Gnawing? Bursting? Radiating?

3. Where is the pain located?

At the occiput? In the forehead? At the vertex? At the temples? Is it only one

sided? Which side?

Does the headache start in one place and travel to other places?

(Hershoff,2000, p.176)

4. What other symptoms are associated with the headache?

Is the face flushed? Are the pupils dilated? How about the pulse? Is the vision

affected? Does the headache come on only around the menses? Are there

digestive or bowel issues? Are there concomitant symptoms with the headache? Is

there vertigo?

5. What makes the headache either worse or better?

Time modalities are perhaps the most important in terms of reliability and general

quality of the symptom. For example, if a person has a recurring headache that

always begins at 3pm, it is significant and most useful when narrowing down the

selection of remedies. If it is worse from 4pm to 8pm, that is another significant

differentiating symptom.

Other modalities will deal with what may make the pain better or worse such as how

it is affected by hot or cold applications, grief, emotional upset, light, pressure, noise,

motion, standing, sitting, movement of eyes, movement in general, being in a warm,

stuffy room, being outside in open air, being in the dark.

6. What sensations does the patient feel?

The more the patient can express the sensation using a metaphor, the better the

value of the symptom. For example, if the patient says the pain is “like a vice or

band around my head”, this will be useful as it is descriptive. Sullivan and Rees,

(2008) say that the word “metaphor” comes from the Greek “amphora”, a storage

container used for transporting valuable goods. Since we use metaphor as a way to

transport meaning from one kind of thing to another, the word, “metaphor” is itself a

metaphor.

A look at HEAD, PAIN in the Synthesis Repertory

To repertorize headache or migraine symptoms it would be useful to begin with HEAD –

PAIN in the repertory. For this example, the Synthesis repertory from Radar Opus

software will be used. It is important to repertorize using descriptive symptoms,

considering the root cause of the pain, the location of the pain, the side affected, the

characteristics of the pain, what aggravates the symptom, what ameliorates the

symptom, what other symptoms are concomitant, what sensations are present with the

symptom, and if there is any periodicity or time modalities. The repertory chart on page

40 shows the top remedies that cover the majority of headache and migraine symptoms

and also the remedies that score high for each individual symptom. It does not cover all

possible symptoms, only the main ones. In addition, it should be pointed out that this

repertorization is strictly for visual illustration. A good homeopath will never take the

repertory results at face value. She will use it as a tool to narrow down the selection of

remedies but will go the Materia Medica and Provings to choose the similimum, or the

remedy that has the symptom picture that best matches the symptom picture of the

individual.

Repertory Chart for HEAD –PAIN with location, modalities, sensations

The following chart groups a selection of migraine and headache symptoms by location, sensation, modalities, and

concomitants and shows the remedies that score highest in the Synthesis Repertory based only on those symptoms.

It shows only the remedies that scored at least a “3” in the repertory for a particular symptom (of the top 30 remedies

ranked). The purpose is to stress the main remedies or those remedies strongly indicated based on that symptom.

This is most useful in acute cases. When we look to a chronic remedy as a means of prevention of headaches and

migraines we would be more interested in seeing that the remedy covers all or most of the symptoms, regardless of

the repertory score, rather than strongly covering only a few symptoms. The following repertory chart represents a

good selection of headache and migraine symptom and the remedies

Symptoms Remedies

Location

Left Sided Sepia

Right Sided Sepia, Calcarea Carbonica, Belladonna

Forehead Natrum Muriaticum, Sulphur, Belladonn, Phosphorus, Bryonia, Nux Vomica,

Pulsatilla, Mercurius, Silica, Spigelia, Natrum Carbonicum, Ignatia

Temples China, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Kali Carbonicum, Lycopodium, Thuja

Vertex Sulphur

Occiput China, Sepia, Belladonna, Bryonia, Nux Vomica, Silica, Petroleum, Glonoinum,

Causticum

Sensation

Aching Natrum Muriaticum

Compressed Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Ignatia

Sore Nux vomica, China, Belladonna, Mercurius, Silica, Nitric Acid

Bursting Sepia, Bryonia, Phosphorus, Lachesis, CalcareaCarbonica, Natrum Muriaticum,

China, Belladonna, Glonoinum, Mercurius

Burning Phosphorus, Mercurius

Boring Sepia, Belladonna

Drawing Nux Vomica, Cina, Sulphur, Mercurius

Stitching China, Sulphur, Pulsatilla, Kali Carbonicum

Dull Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla

Pressing Sulphur

Shooting Kali Carbonicum

Modalites

Worse Stooping Sepia, Sulphur, Belladonna, Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Mercurius, Sigelia

Worse Open Air China, Mercurius

Worse Walking Bryonia, Belladonna, Glonoinum, Lycopodium

Worse during menses Natrum Muriaticum, Sepia, Belladonna, Lycopodium, Glonoinum

Worse standing Pulsatilla, Spigelia

Worse motion Belladonna, Bryonia, Nitric Acid

Better walking Phosphorus, RhusTox, Lycopodium

Time Modalities

Afternoon Belladonna

Morning Nux Vomica, Agaricus

Concomitants

Nausea Conium

Vomiting Pulsatilla

Constipation Bryonia

Acute Case In this simple hypothetical example, a 45 year old woman has experienced a headache

for the past 3 days, always around 3:00pm, with violent, bursting pain in her right

temple, and red, flushed face. Belladonna looks to be an excellent choice for this

woman because it covers the totality of her headache symptoms. It is important to note

the high rankings of 3s (meaning that the remedy has been effective for most people

most of the time) for the symptoms in acute cases because the situation is intense and

immediate action is called for.

Chronic Case In this chronic case a young woman, 28, reports chief complaints of: nasal migraines,

social anxiety, and problems with self-acceptance. Her migraines start in the morning

and follow the arc of light intensity during the day. She has a fear of going to sleep

because she fears that she won’t wake up and will die in her sleep. She also is very

disappointed in the relationship she has with her mother. She has a history of inflamed,

swollen tonsils and had three occurrences in the past summer. The characteristic

migraine symptom in this case is that the migraine pain increases in the morning until

noon and then decreases until sunset, when it goes away. If one were to prescribe on

only that symptom, the choice might be Glonoinum, as it has a stronger ranking than

other remedies, as can be seen in chart 2 on the following page.

However, this is a chronic case and it is important to look at her total symptom picture.

As it can be seen in Chart 1 on the following page, Natrum Muriaticum is the only

remedy that covers ALL of the characteristic symptoms of the case. In a chronic case,

that is more important than selecting the remedy specifically for the migraine

symptom(s). The repertory is not the authoritative source. The repertory only provides

some direction in exploring Materia Medica and Provings to match the symptom picture

of the remedy with the symptom picture of the individual.

Chart 1 – Most Characteristic Total Symptoms

Chart 2Note: Glonoinum has a value of 3 for the first migraine symptom but it does not at all

cover the other symptoms and the totality of the case

Common Homeopathic Remedies for Headaches and Migraines

Symptoms Aconite

Side Left

Cause Apprehensiveness, sunstroke

Concomitants Cold limbs

Starts Comes on suddenly

Affected Parts Temples, top of head, forehead

Type of Pain throbbing

Modalities Worse in cold or drafty surroundings

Sensation Like a tight band/hot iron around head or as if brains are being forced out of head

Symptoms Apis

Side frontal, left, right

Cause Cerebral diseases

Concomitants Vertigo, nausea, vomiting

Starts Comes on suddenly

Affected Parts Pain from gums into head, eyeballs

Type of Pain Stinging, stabbing, burning, pressing, or general aching

Modalities Worse, hot, stuffy surroundings, motion, stooping

Better: pressing head firmly with hands

Sensation Body feels bruised and tender, head feels as if it has gone to sleep, tingling, head

as if too full, seems too large, pain as if a bee had stung her

Symptoms Argentum Nitricum

Side One sided, usually right

Cause Over studying, eye strain, sugar, exertion, stomach upset, hysteria

Concomitants Fear of failure, crowds, heights anticipation, impulse, obsession, chilliness

Starts Forehead, eyes

Affected Parts Frontal area of head, forehead, extends to eyes and lower jaw

Type of Pain Digging, stabbing, vice-like, pressing

Modalities Worse: warmth, on waking, mental work Better: hard pressure, open air

Sensation Band/vice-like, head feels expanded, hollow, dizziness,dullness, trembling

Symptoms Arnica

Side both

Cause Mechanical injuries, concussion

Concomitants Greenish vomiting

Starts forehead

Affected Parts Pressive headache as if head was being distended from within outward, drawing

in vertex and occiput, tearing towards temples

Type of Pain Aching, sharp, pressing, darting, as if a knife was drawn through head

transversely from left side – followed by internal coldness of head

Modalities Worse stooping, near warm stove, motion, ascending stairs

Sensation Head feels bruised, as if rolled up in a lump, sensation as if a liquid was

fluctuating in brain on day following an attack

Symptoms Belladonna

Side Right

Cause Colds, sinus, migraines, sun, head injury, getting head chilled

Concomitants Cold extremities, hot skin and flushed red face, eyes sensitive to light

Starts in back of skull or upper neck

Affected Parts Spreads to forehead and temple, dilated pupils

Type of Pain Violent, throbbing, pounding, sudden, intense

Time Modalities Worse at 3pm, often begins in late morning or afternoon

Modalities Worse: jarring, light, noise, touch, sun, climbing or descending, afternoon

Better from sitting or firm pressure

Sensation Delirious, drowsy

Symptoms Bryonia

Side Left

Cause Stress, constipation, anger, coffee, onset am on first motion

Concomitants Nausea, vomiting, constipation, irritability

Starts Left eye or forehead

Affected Parts Centered over left eye, side and front, extending to occiput

Type of Pain Sharp, stabbing, steady aching, throbbing, bursting, stitching

Modalities Worse: slightest eye or head movement, morning on first movement, stooping,

jarring, touch, cough

Better: firm pressure, lying, dark

Sensation Head feels bruised, crushing weight

Symptoms Cimicifuga (sinus)

Side n/a

Cause Indulgences or excessive activity

Concomitants Vertigo and dizziness, congestion

Starts Occiput or vertex

Affected Parts Occiput, extending to vertex and forehead, eyeballs

Type of Pain Aching, bursting, pressing, shooting

Modalities Better: warmth, eating, open air

Worse: morning, cold (except headache), during menses; the more profuse the

flow, the greater the suffering.

Sensation Brain feels too large, head sensitive to pressure, top of head as if it would fly off

Symptoms Cocculus

Side

Cause Loss of sleep, mental, emotional strain, injury, during travel

Concomitants Very weak muscles, feelings of guilt, worry for others, upset by others rudeness,

nausea, vomiting

Starts occiput

Affected Parts Occipital area, forehead, temples, vertex

Modalities Worse: talking, motion, jarring, noise, light, during menses, loss of sleep, alcohol

Better: warmth, rest, in doors

Sensation Heavy head as if in a daze, head feels empty, separate from body, numbness, as

if something forcible closed eyes, or as if eyes were being torn out

Symptoms Gelsemium

Side Right

Cause Weakness, inability to face a challenge, emotional excitement

Concomitants irritable, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, trembling, preceded by dim vision

Starts At occiput, extending upward or to the forehead

Affected Parts Right sided, face purple and congested-looking, expression dull and heavy

Dilated pupils, limbs weak and shaky

Type of Pain Dull, sore, sharp, neuralgic, aching

Time Modalities Worse at 10am

Modalities Worse: light, noise, motion, jarring

Better: napping, urinating

Sensation Head feels full and swollen, like a band bound tightly around the head, light headed, sensation of falling

Symptoms Glonoinum

Side both

Cause Side effect of overuse of nitroglycerine, sunstroke

Concomitants Injection of the sclera, flushed face, bounding carotids

Starts Root of nose

Affected Parts Temples mostly, forehead

Type of Pain Violent throbbing, pulsating, bursting

Modalities Worse: stooping, shaking head, alcohol, motion, jarring, heat, tight collars sun(headaches

come and go with the sun even without direct exposure)

Better: external pressure, lying in the dark

Sensation Every heartbeat sets up an answering thump and throb in the head, as if skull too small

Symptoms Hypericum

Side both

Cause A fall

Concomitants Tingling, drawing pains in cheek and chin

Starts vertex

Affected Parts Hypersensitive scalp, vertex, cheeks, chin

Type of Pain Bursting, aching, shooting, dull, heavy

Modalities Worse in damp, foggy weather

Sensation As if whole brain would be pressed asunder, brain feels compressed, sensation of being

lifted high in air with a fall on occiput

Symptoms Ignatia

Side Right, frontal

Cause Grief, abuse of coffee, smoking, alcohol

Concomitants Nausea, vomiting, eyes red and swollen

Starts Right side of forehead beginning at inner end of right eyebrowrunning around eye

Affected Parts Frontal head above root of nose,

Type of Pain Pressing, throbbing, jerking

Time Modalities 8 A. M. every morning, worse until 10.30 gradually improves and disappears about 1 P. M

Modalities Worse: light, sound, thinking, raising eyes

Better: lying on painful area, warmth

Sensation Feels like a tight band across forehead or a nail driven out through side of the head,

sensation as if eyeball would be pressed out

Symptoms IrisVersicolor

Side Right – can alternate sides

Cause Begins during day of rest after stress (weekend), sweets

Concomitants Dimness of vision just prior, nausea and vomiting follow headache

Starts Blurring of vision prior to onset of headache, comes on at regular intervals,

headache preceded by dimness of vision or visual changes, at temples, forehead

Affected Parts Centered in temple, above or below eye

Type of Pain Constriction like a band

Modalities Worse: after vomiting, lying, rest, evening

Better from moving around, walking in open air, gentle motion

Sensation Scalp feels tight

Symptoms Kali Bichromicum

Side Both but usually one sided

Cause Suppression of nasal discharge

Concomitants Nausea, vomiting food and bile, vertigo

Starts Morning - with blindness followed by headache in Temples or above eye

Affected Parts Temples, eyes, forehead, extending to back of head as day goes on

Type of Pain Sudden, violent, shooting pain over eyebrow, throbbing

Modalities Better: heat, lying, pressing head against anything, open air

Worse: beer, morning, hot weather, undressing. Stooping, moving around

Time Modalities Headache every day at same time, attack at 9am

Sensation As if head would burst

Symptoms Lachesis

Side Left

Cause Hormone imbalance, sun, alcohol, colds, menopause, PMS

Concomitants Heat and flushing, palpitations, heat on top of head, dim vision

Starts Onset am

Affected Parts Vertex and left side of head, extending to nose, back

Type of Pain Pulsating, stabbing, pressing, bursting, heavy

Modalities Worse: after sleep, touch, sun, heat, before menses Better: flow of menses and

mucous, lying, pressure

Sensation Sensitive scalp

Symptoms Lycopodium

Side Right

Cause Skipping meals

Concomitants Dizziness, stiff neck, constipation

Affected Parts Frontal, neck, face, teeth, eyes

Type of Pain Hammering, throbbing, pressing, dull, burning, tearing, boring

Time Modalities Worse: 4pm – 8pm

Modalities Worse: concentration, right side, warmth of bed, warmth from walking

Better: lying down, open cold air, uncovering head

Sensation Feels like temples are being screwed into each other

Symptoms NatrumMuriaticum

Side Often Right

Cause Sunstroke, mental exertion

Concomitants Eyes sensitive to light, constipation, nausea, vomiting

Starts Often right sided, attach preceded by numbness and tingling in lops, nose, and

tongue

Affected Parts Eyes, forehead, vertex

Type of Pain Pounding, throbbing

Time Modalities 10am – 3pm, occurs just before or after menstrual period

Modalities Worse: grief, emotional upsets, too much sun, eye strain, warmth, moving around

Better: lying in dark, perspiration, cold applications, quiet

Sensation Feels like a thousand little hammers were knocking on the brain, head feels

overstuffed and congested

Symptoms Nux Vomica

Side Right

Cause Overeating, excess of alcohol, coffee or drugs, loss of sleep, excessive mental

work, stress

Concomitants Irritability, sick feeling, vomiting, gas, sour or bitter taste, constipation, vertigo

Affected Parts Occiput, forehead

Type of Pain Dull, dizzy, bruising, pressing

Modalities Worse: first thing in morning, sounds, cold air to head

Better: wrapping head, warm room, leaning head on something, by evening

Sensation As if beaten around the head, light headed, as if a piece of forehead would fall out

Symptoms Pulsatilla

Side Semi-lateral

Cause Rich, fatty foods, ice cream, menses

Concomitants Weepiness, patient wants company and consolation

Starts Temples, forehead, eyes

Affected Parts Forehead, one side, changes location frequently

Type of Pain Stinging, pulsating, dull

Modalities Worse : in evening, during menses, from rich fatty food, blowing nose, staring

intently at something, raising eyes

Better: gentle motion especially walking slowly in open air, pressure

Sensation Head feels like it will burst, bruised sensation

Symptoms Sanguinaria

Side Right

Cause Missing meals, nasal blockage, menopause, heartburn, sun

Concomitants Digestive problems, allergies, nausea

Starts at back of head, pain extending into right eye, right shoulder, recurs periodically

Affected Parts Extends to forehead, tension in neck and shoulder, bursting feeling in eye

Type of Pain Bursting, sharp, splitting, knifelike, throbbing

Modalities Worse - jarring, light, noise, morning, motion

Better for vomiting, burping, passing gas, after sleep, firm pressure

Sensation Sinking feeling

Symptoms Sepia

Side Left

Cause Anxiety, vexation, fatigue

Concomitants Dizziness, nausea, weariness, coldness, irritability, anxiety in pit of stomach

Affected Parts Forehead, vertex, temples

Type of Pain Pain in shocks or jerks, shooting pains from inside out, pressing, pulsating

Time Modality Periodical headache comes on at 2pm and lasts until bed time

Modalities Worse: missing meals, menses, menopause, indoors, migraines after catching

least cold

Better: lying on painful side, open air, closing eyes, rest in dark room

Sensation As if head would burst, eyes would fall out

Symptoms Silica

Side One sided

Cause Mental exertion, menses

Concomitants Nervousness, chilliness, head sweats, nausea

Starts Usually right sided, starts in back of head then shifts and settles above one eye

Affected Parts vertex, occiput, forehead, nape of neck

Type of Pain Violent, shooting, pulsating burning

Time Modality Headache every 7th day, morning

Modalities Worse: drafts, going out in cold without a hat, noise, motion, light, stooping

Better: wrapping head up warmly and tightly, hot compresses, warm room, dark

Sensation Headache as if everything would press out and burst skull ; as if brain and eyes

were forced forward.

Symptoms Spigelia

Side Left

Cause Rainy weather, bright lights

Concomitants Stiff neck and shoulders

Starts Headache beginning at cerebellum (in morning), spreading over left side of head,

causing violent and pulsating pain in left temple and over left eye

Affected Parts in or around eyes extending to eye sockets, frontal part of head,

Type of Pain Violent throbbing, stitching pain, sharp pain, pulsating pain, shooting

Modalities Worse: stooping, motion, noise, cold stormy weather

Better: lying with head propped up, temporary relief from washing with cold water

but pain is worse after (for other symptoms reverse is true)

Sensation Pain seems to pulse with every heartbeat

Symptoms RutaGraveolens

Side N/A

Cause Fatigue, alcohol, a fall, reading

Concomitants Heat in head with much restlessness

Starts forehead

Affected Parts Frontal to temporal bone

Type of Pain Pressing, bruising

Modalities Worse from reading, better from rest

Sensation As if a nail were driven into head

Symptoms Sulphur

Side both

Cause Loss of fluids, suppressed eruptions, excess of spirits

Concomitants Nausea, alopecia, pimples on forehead

Starts Usually temples or above eye

Affected Parts Vertex, temples forehead, occiput

Type of Pain Throbbing in crown, pressing on vertex, tearing or stitches in forehead or temples,

from within outward, aching in forehead, pinching from temple to temple

Modalities Worse: on waking, eating, stooping, open air, in sun, warm food, wet weather,

catching cold, worry

Better: indoors, sitting in a warm room, closing eyes

Time Modalities Often begins at 9am and gradually gets worse throughout day and ends at 4pm

Sensation as if head were enlarged , as of a weight pressing on top of brain and a cord tied

around head, as if emptiness in occiput, continuous feeling of cold spot on vertex

Symptoms Thuja

Side Left

Cause Tea, nervous, sycotic or syphilitic headaches, sunstroke

Concomitants Nervous, weak, anemic

Starts Forehead, temples

Affected Parts Forehead, temples, vertex, occiput

Type of Pain Boring, drawing, sticking, violent, neuralgic, rheumatic

Modalities Worse: sexual excesses, overheating, overlifting

Better: exercising in open air, looking upward, turning head backward

Time Modalities Severe bone pain 7pm-9pm, pressing in vertex 3-4am and worse afternoon

Sensation as if head were screwed asunder in articulation of malar bone and upper jaw, as

if a nail were driven into vertex with a jerk, as if forehead would fall out, on left

side as if a convex button were being pressed on part

This chart was compiled using a variety of sources including the following: Allen (2000),Boger (2011),

Cummings, Ullman (2004), Desy (2015), Gursche (1997), Hershoff (2000), Lockie (2000), Morrison

(1993).

Conclusion Although scientists say there is currently no cure for migraine headaches, they really

mean that there is no allopathic cure.

Homeopathy can be used effectively in the prevention of headaches and migraines by

determining the chronic remedy for the individual that will improve the overall health and

well-being of the individual by stimulating the Vital Force so the headaches never

happen in the first place. It can also be used in acute flare ups, therapeutically, to

alleviate the condition.

Other alternative treatments can complement homeopathy but it is important to pay

attention to antidoting factors. Certain homeopathic remedies can be antidoted by

strong odors, nutritional supplements, and certain foods.

Arguably, acupuncture has been used effectively in alleviating migraine symptoms and

probably is more useful for migraine prevention. It is more of a chronic treatment. It is

an energy medicine like homeopathy so it is best to use one treatment at a time so the

energy does not conflict. Osteopathy is also another energy therapy.

There is a place for all types of treatment and even allopathic or conventional

medication has its place. All treatments can have side effects. Even homeopathy, if

used incorrectly, can have side effects. In comparing treatment for headaches and

migraines, the best treatment, is one that gets to the root of the problem and provides a

lasting solution. Homeopathy, when used to treat the chronic case has the potential to

eradicate the headache and migraine symptoms from an individual’s total symptom

picture.

References

Allen, T. (2000)Allen’s Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica, [Online] vol 1-10,

Available from: http://homeoint.org/allen/a.htm. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Allergan Inc., (2015)Chronic Migraines – Symptoms and Triggers, [Online] Available

from: http://www.mychronicmigraines.com/symptoms-

triggers/?cid=sem_mcm_bin_s_1_1257. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site (2013) [Online] Available from:

http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Barton, A. (2012) Botox Approved to Treat Migraines in Canada, The Globe and Mail,

[Online] 10th September. Available from:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-

button/botox-approved-to-treat-migraines-in-canada/article619200/ [Accessed: 5thApril

2015]

Berkovitz, S., Dr. MRCP, (2010)Acupuncture for migraines – 2010, [Online] Available

from: http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraines-2010-

12583. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Boger, C.M., M. (2011)A Synoptic Key of the Materia Medica. New Delhi: B. Jain

Publishers Ltd.

Brewster O'Reilly, W, PHD., (1996) Organon of the Medical Art by Dr. Samuel

Hahnemann (6th Edition), Palo Alto, Birdcage Books

Campellone, J.V., M.D., (2013)Migraines, [Online]Available

from:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000709.htm.[Accessed: 9th April

2015]

Carson-DeWitt, R., (2009)Dietary Supplements and Botanicals for Migraines

Headaches, [Online] Available from: http://headaches.about.com/lw/Health-

Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Dietary-Supplements-and-Botanicals-for-Migraines-

Headaches.htm?utm_term=vitamin%20b12%20for%20migraines&utm_content=p1-

main-2-title&utm_medium=sem-sub&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-3b674668-

81d1-47be-9b48-95e24423d44e-0-ab_msb_ocode-

29584&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=vitamin%20b12%20for%20migraines&dqi=

feverfew&o=29584&l=sem&qsrc=1&askid=3b674668-81d1-47be-9b48-95e24423d44e-

0-ab_msb. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

http://homeoint.org/allen/a.htm

http://www.mychronicmigraine.com/symptoms-triggers/?cid=sem_mcm_bin_s_1_1257

http://www.mychronicmigraine.com/symptoms-triggers/?cid=sem_mcm_bin_s_1_1257

http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/botox-approved-to-treat-migraines-in-canada/article619200/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/the-hot-button/botox-approved-to-treat-migraines-in-canada/article619200/

http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraines-2010-12583

http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraines-2010-12583

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000709.htm

http://headaches.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Dietary-Supplements-and-Botanicals-for-Migraine-Headaches.htm?utm_term=vitamin%20b12%20for%20migraine&utm_content=p1-main-2-title&utm_medium=sem-sub&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-3b674668-81d1-47be-9b48-95e24423d44e-0-ab_msb_ocode-29584&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=vitamin%20b12%20for%20migraine&dqi=feverfew&o=29584&l=sem&qsrc=1&askid=3b674668-81d1-47be-9b48-95e24423d44e-0-ab_msb








Cerritelli, Rl, Caprani, E., DiVincenzo, Ml, Ginevri, L., Messi, G., Renzetti, C.,Cozzolino,

V., Frattesi, C., Barlafante, G., Foschi, N., (2013) Is osteopathic manipulative treatment

effective in migraine? [Online] Volume 16, Issue 1, Pages e1–e2.Available at:

http://www.journalofosteopathicmedicine.com/article/S1746-0689(13)00002-3/abstract.

[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Chen, T., Dr., (n/a) Homeopathy and conventional (allopathic) medicine, [Online]

Available from: http://www.abchomeopathy.com/works.htm. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Chikramane, P., Suresh, A., Bellare, J., Kane, S., (2010) Extreme homeopathic dilutions

retain starting materials: A nanoparticulate perspective, PubMed. [Online]Homeopathy

2010 Oct;99(4):231-42. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2010.05.006. Available from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20970092. [Accessed: 9thApril 2015].

Collins, S.(2012)Acupuncture May Be Effective for Migraines, [Online] Available from:

http://www.migrainestrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraines-2010-

12583.[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Cummings, S., M.D., Ullman, D., MPH (2004) Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic

Medicines, New York, Penguin Group

Desy, P (2015)Homeopathic Remedies for Headaches, [Online] Available from:

http://healing.about.com/od/homeopathy/a/homeo_headache.htm. [Accessed: 9th April

2015]

Ehrlich, S., NMD, (2011) Migraines Headache/University of Maryland Medical Centre,

[Online] Available from:http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-

headache.[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Gursche, S., MH, (1997) Encyclopedia of NaturalHealing, Burnaby: Alive Publishing

Health Union, (2015)Coenzyme Q10 for Migraines.[Online] Available from:

http://migraines.com/migraines-treatment/natural-remedies/coenzyme-q10/[Accessed:

9th April 2015]

Health Union, (2015)Migraines and Family History, [Online} Available from:

http://migraine.com/migraines-and-family-history/. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

http://www.journalofosteopathicmedicine.com/article/S1746-0689(13)00002-3/abstract

http://www.abchomeopathy.com/works.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20970092

http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraine-2010-12583

http://www.migrainetrust.org/research-article-acupuncture-for-migraine-2010-12583

http://healing.about.com/od/homeopathy/a/homeo_headache.htm

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-headache

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/migraine-headache

http://migraines.com/migraines-treatment/natural-remedies/coenzyme-q10/

http://migraine.com/migraines-and-family-history/

Healy, J., Alexander, G., (2008)Migraines and Chocolate.[Online] Available from:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Migraines-and-Chocolate&id=1602780. [Accessed: 9th April

2015]

Hering, C., (2014)The guiding Symptoms of the Materia Medica,[Online] Available from:

http://www.legatum.sk/en:mm:hering:start. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Hershoff, Asa, ND., (2000) Homeopathic Remedies, New York: Penguin Putnam Inc.

Hudson, T., ND., (2014) Ginger vs. Sumatriptan for Common Migraine. [Online]Available from:http://drtorihudson.com/botanicals/ginger-vs-sumatriptan-for-common-migraine/Accessed: April 7, 2015.

Krusz, J.C., MD and Robert, T, (2015) Migraines – Myth and Reality.[Online] Available

from: http://www.migraines.org/. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Krusz, J.C., MD. Robert, T., (2015) Migraines – Treatment and Management.[Online]

Available from: http://www.migraines.org/. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Lockie, A, Dr., (2000) Encyclopedia of Homeopathy, New York, Dorling Kindersley

Publishing Inc.

Lockie, A, Dr., (1989)The preventive role of homeopathy and the treatment of

headaches and migraines. [Online] Available from:

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/conditions-a-z/the-

preventive-role-of-homeopathy-and-the-treatment-of-headaches-and-migraines/.


Magee, Elaine, MPH, RD, (2015) Eat to Minimize Your Migraines. [Online] Available

from: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56182.[Accessed: 9th

April 2015]

Migraine Headache Rx.com (2015)The Migraine-Aspartame Connection. [Online]

Available from:

http://migraineheadacherx.com/the_migraine_aspartame_connection.php.[Accesed: 9th

April 2015]

Morrison, R., MD, (1993) Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms,

Grass Valley: Hahnemann Clinic Publishing

National Headache Foundation, (2015)Migraine. [Online] Available from:

http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Migraine. [Accessed:

9th April 2015]

http://ezinearticles.com/?Migraines-and-Chocolate&id=1602780

http://www.legatum.sk/en:mm:hering:start

http://drtorihudson.com/botanicals/ginger-vs-sumatriptan-for-common-migraine/

http://drtorihudson.com/botanicals/ginger-vs-sumatriptan-for-common-migraine/

http://www.migraines.org/

http://www.migraines.org/

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/conditions-a-z/the-preventive-role-of-homeopathy-and-the-treatment-of-headaches-and-migraine/

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/conditions-a-z/the-preventive-role-of-homeopathy-and-the-treatment-of-headaches-and-migraine/

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56182

http://migraineheadacherx.com/the_migraine_aspartame_connection.php

http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Migraine

Office of Communications and Public Liaison (2015) NINDS Migraines Information

Page.[Online] Available from:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraines/migraines.htm. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Office of Communications and Public Liaison, (2015) NINDS Headache Information

Page.[Online] Available from:

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/headache.htm. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Peterlin, B., (2011)Migraine and Obesity – What You Should Know.[Online] Available

from:

http://www.achenet.org/resources/migraine_and_obesity_what_you_should_know/.


Platt, C, (2008)Preventing Migraines Pain with Butterbur. [Online] Available from:

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2008/8/Preventing-Migraine-Pain-with-Butterbur/Page-

01.[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Porter, RS, MD (2011) The Merck manual of Diagnosis and therapy (19th Edition),

Stanton, Merck Sharp &Dohme Corp.

Quin, C., DC., Chandler, C., BS., Moraska, A., PHD., (2002) Massage Therapy and

Frequency of Tension Headaches. [Online] Available from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447303/.[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Ravi’s blog, (2012)Migraines Treatment in Homeopathy.[Online] Available from:

http://www.feelgoodhomeopathy.com/blog/migraines-treatment-homeopathy.


Renee, J (2014) Do High Nitrate Foods Cause Migraine?,[Online] Available from:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/467735-high-nitrate-foods-migraines/.[Accessed: 9th

April 2015]

Robert, T., (2014)Coenzyme Q10 As a Migraines Preventive. [Online] Available from:

http://headaches.about.com/cs/prevention/a/coq10_prev.htm?utm_term=migraines%20r

esearch%20studies&utm_content=p1-main-5-

title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-92f6e70c-4ed4-4942-

8e4c-f50af523215b-0-ab_msb_ocode-

4349&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=migraines%20research%20studies&dqi=Re

search%2520papers%2520on%2520migraines&o=4349&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=92f6

e70c-4ed4-4942-8e4c-f50af523215b-0-ab_msb. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine/migraine.htm

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/headache.htm

http://www.achenet.org/resources/migraine_and_obesity_what_you_should_know/

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2008/8/Preventing-Migraine-Pain-with-Butterbur/Page-01

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2008/8/Preventing-Migraine-Pain-with-Butterbur/Page-01

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447303/

http://www.feelgoodhomeopathy.com/blog/migraine-treatment-homeopathy

http://www.livestrong.com/article/467735-high-nitrate-foods-migraines/

http://headaches.about.com/cs/prevention/a/coq10_prev.htm?utm_term=migraines%20research%20studies&utm_content=p1-main-5-title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-92f6e70c-4ed4-4942-8e4c-f50af523215b-0-ab_msb_ocode-4349&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=migraines%20research%20studies&dqi=Research%2520papers%2520on%2520migraines&o=4349&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=92f6e70c-4ed4-4942-8e4c-f50af523215b-0-ab_msb







Shimer Bowers, E., MD., Lliades, C., MD., (2014) Does MSG Cause Migraines?[Online]

Available from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine/does-msg-cause-

migraines.aspx. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Schroyens, F.,(2009)Synthesis Treasure Edition, Radar Opus software, release

1.40.11.

Sullivan, W., Rees, J, (2008), Clean Language, Bethel, Crown House Publishing

Company

Ulman, D., (2015) Homeopathic Medicines for Headaches. [Online] Available from:

http://www.homeopathic.com/Articles/Using_homeopathy_for_ailments/Homeopathic_M

edicines_for_Headaches.html. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Walker, H., Hall W., Hurst, J., (1990) Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and

Laboratory Examinations, 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths

Ward, E. MS. RD., (2015)Identifying Food Triggers for Migraines. [Online] Available

from: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/identifying-food-triggers-

for-migraines. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

WebMD, (2015)Migraines and Headaches Health Centre.[Online] Available from:

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-symtpoms-

types. [Accessed: 9th April 2015]

Wong, C, N.D., (2015)Natural Remedies for Migraine Relief. [Online] Available from:

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm?utm_term=feverfew

%20benefits&utm_content=p1-main-3-

title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-09523078-f4a0-4aed-

9ef6-6deee8e8a5a1-0-ab_msb_ocode-

22880&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=feverfew%20benefits&dqi=The%2520Heal

th%2520Benefits%2520of%2520Feverfew&o=22880&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=0952307

8-f4a0-4aed-9ef6-6deee8e8a5a1-0-ab_msb.[Accessed: 9th April 2015]

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine/does-msg-cause-migraines.aspx

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine/does-msg-cause-migraines.aspx

http://www.homeopathic.com/Articles/Using_homeopathy_for_ailments/Homeopathic_Medicines_for_Headaches.html

http://www.homeopathic.com/Articles/Using_homeopathy_for_ailments/Homeopathic_Medicines_for_Headaches.html

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/identifying-food-triggers-for-migraines

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/identifying-food-triggers-for-migraines

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-symtpoms-types

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/migraines-headaches-symtpoms-types

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm?utm_term=feverfew%20benefits&utm_content=p1-main-3-title&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=msn&utm_campaign=adid-09523078-f4a0-4aed-9ef6-6deee8e8a5a1-0-ab_msb_ocode-22880&ad=semD&an=msn_s&am=broad&q=feverfew%20benefits&dqi=The%2520Health%2520Benefits%2520of%2520Feverfew&o=22880&l=sem&qsrc=999&askid=09523078-f4a0-4aed-9ef6-6deee8e8a5a1-0-ab_msb







Headaches and Migraines - Blackmore · PDF fileChronic headaches and migraines can be reduced...

Documents

Transcript of Headaches and Migraines - Blackmore · PDF fileChronic headaches and migraines can be reduced...