Everyone knows that migraine headaches are incredibly painful. The particular type of head pain called a migraine, though, is often not very well understood. For example, its symptoms are broader than those of a headache: they can include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound or light. In other words, in contrast to a standard headache, a migraine often involves additional distress throughout the body.
As if the broad-spectrum pain of migraines were not bad enough, it’s now been determined that the neurological disorder can cause permanent physical damage(1). Both the structure of the brain can change over time, as can its propensity to form lesions. The data was revealed in a recent issue of the academic journal Neurology.
Danish literature review of migraines generates findings
The study, conducted by Danish scientists, reviewed 19 previous studies to determine whether migraines might be a cause of lesions, circulatory aberrations, or size alterations within the brain. The research team looked both at groups of people suffering from standard (or “common”) migraines and groups with migraines that include auras. The aura group essentially experiences a sensory anomaly prior to onset of the attack – usually visual (such as spots or blotches), but other senses can be involved as well.
The findings are not good for those with migraines, strongly underscoring why finding quality migraine treatment is so crucial for those individuals. The specifics are detailed below:
- Brain lesions – The study found that compared to people who do not get migraine headaches, those suffering from migraines with aura are 68% more likely to develop brain lesions. Those with standard migraines are 34% more likely to get lesions than non-migraine people.
- Circulatory aberrations – It was also discovered that the development of circulatory problems within the brain was 44% more likely for migraine patients who had auras than those who did not.
- Size alterations – Alterations to the physical size of the brain were determined to be more likely in both migraine patient populations, those with and without aura, than in healthy control groups.
According to the research team, their primary conclusion was that “migraine may be a risk factor for structural changes in the brain.” Each of the above three examples represents a higher propensity for structural alteration in the brain for migraineurs.
Migraine treatment not just about solving pain
Sadly, those with migraines often think it best to live with the pain of the disorder. This new research shows how ill-advised that attitude is; in fact, lack of treatment can lead to permanent brain abnormalities. The good news is, there is a simple solution we offer at Weston Medical: MiRx Protocol™. Give us a call or fill out our Quick Appointment Request form now to learn more.
Sources:
(1) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265345.php
