Migraine Headaches and Aging – Cause to Celebrate?
Migraine Headaches and Aging Cause to Celebrate
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The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural remedies available for migraine headaches. Here isone in a series ofreports:
It's pretty common for people to complain about getting older; and we're often inundated with advertising and talk about the inevitable and highly unpleasant 'symptoms' that go along with the aging process. But if you are a person who suffers from migraines, here's some good news for a change...
The Good News
Studies show that one advantage of growing older is that migraine sufferers can finally expect some relief from their often debilitating migraine headaches. It's true. Researchers have found that 'older folks' who have often suffered a lifetime of painful migraines are less susceptible to migraine attacks. And if you've ever had a migraine headache, you know that this is very good news indeed!
It is estimated that only 2 to 10% of adults age 60 and older experience migraine attacks, compared to nearly 30% of younger adults. While migraine headaches can affect anyone, regardless of age, those closer to the age of 40 seem to be the most vulnerable.
For some reason, the frequency of migraine attacks increases as a person nears age 40, but then decreases significantly from age 40 and onward. The great news is that by the age of approximately 55, many people who have suffered from migraine headaches for years have reported that the frequency and or intensity of their migraine attacks become almost negligible.
The Effects Of Age
Studies on the phenomena of migraine tell us that more than half of migraine sufferers can expect a complete cessation of attacks by the time they reach age 65.
That is cause to celebrate, since migraine headaches can bring with them debilitating and crippling symptoms such as severe, localized pain on one or both sides of the head (often associated with pain in and around the face and neck), throbbing or pulsating pain, nausea with or without vomiting, sensitivity to odors, noise and sound, and visual disturbances (called auras) and sensitivity to light.
Approximately 20 percent of people with migraine headaches report experiencing an aura prior to the migraine. Symptoms of an aura include flashes of light, zig zags, or blind spots in your vision or tingling in one arm or leg.
Women vs. Men
However, even among seniors, elderly women remain more vulnerable to migraine attacks than senior men. While women can experience migraines throughout their adult lives, research points to a decrease in frequency as they enter and go through menopause; becoming less frequent and less severe.
Some studies show that a minority of women unfortunately experience the opposite, and experience their first migraines as they near perimenopause and menopause. This may be attributed to their body's unique reaction to the hormonal changes that accompany menopause.
For some reason, probably attributed to intense hormonal shifts, women are two to three times more likely to get migraine headaches than men, again pointing to the link between migraines and hormones.
The Economic and Social EffectsOver Time
While research indicates that many tension headache sufferers and migraine sufferers enjoy improvement as time goes on, doctors tell us that if you start to experience new headaches and you are over the age of 50, you should seek medical advice.
New-onset headaches (migraines and headaches newly experienced) can be the result of other health problems that should be taken very seriously.
People who experience migraine headaches on a regular basis (often 2 to 8 times per month) know too well the negative impact these migraines can have on their lives. Migraine headaches can have a severe impact on lost time at school, lost leisure time, and a loss in work productivity as well.
One study published in 2001 (Pharmacoeconomics, WG Gert et al. "The Multinational Impact of Migraine Symptoms on Healthcare Ultization and Work Loss") stated that migraine headaches were associated with a significant amount of time lost from work.
In screening 2,670 patients, the average estimates for lost work were 8.3 days lost due to absenteeism, and 11.2 days lost because of reduced efficiency. The estimated cost to employers was $3,309 per year (2000 prices).
Preventative Measures
Clearly, any reduction in the occurrence and intensity of migraines is a welcome relief for anyone, no matter how young or old you may be. While science has never understood why people get migraines, there are many triggers and patterns that sufferers learn over time to avoid; and many ways to help relieve and reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Here are a few:
Natural supplements that help support the health of the brain (herbs like feverfew and butterbur; 5-HTP, a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan, used to make the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin; magnesium; CO Q10; fish oil; and vitamin B12.)
Aromatherapy
Regular yoga practice
Massage and pressure point techniques
Neuro- and bio-feedback techniques
Magnet therapy
Chiropractic adjustments of the cervical spine
While migraine triggers are highly individual and varied, avoiding stress and becoming fatigued and over-tired is top on the list. Many migraine suffers find that avoiding synthetic fragrances, such as perfume, air fresheners, and fabric softeners can be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches.
It can be extremely helpful to keep a diary of your triggers and symptoms, to help you understand your body and your situation, and learn to identify the triggers that could be avoided.
Counting Your Blessings
So as each birthday rolls around, and people talk about the problems of aging, migraine sufferers certainly have cause to celebrate! Remember, aging can bring with it so many wonderful things, such as retiring and having more time available for self, family and friends... time to pursue and explore hobbies and simply enjoying life.
As time moves forward, the importance of good health and savoring the joys of life become more valuable and sacred, and having many years ahead of youwithout the burden of migrainesis a well-deserved bonus for many people.
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