I am a migraine sufferer and for that reason have read everything I could lay my hands on regarding the prevention of migraines, but even I was intrigued by something “new” I came across. I know my triggers and avoid them carefully. I am sensitive to many floral fragrances, the odor of bleach, cigarette smoke, monosodium glutamate, sulfites, nitrites, and lack of sleep.
The migraine begins at the top of my head and feels like someone is pounding my head with a sledge hammer. Each sound becomes amplified and intensifies the pain, and if I do not immediately ingest two Excedrin tablets I will find myself vomiting, having difficulty breathing, and literally incapacitated. I wish this was an exaggeration, but it is not. I have found that fortunately, if I take the Excedrin immediately at the onset of my migraine, I can ward off the pain.
If not I will be sick for two to three days. I compare a migraine to a speeding train. Once it has gathered up momentum it is very difficult to stop.
Half of the Migraine Sufferers in the U.S. Have Holes in their Hearts
In the December 2006 issue of Prevention Magazine Sarah Mahoney wrote Heart Surgery for Migraines. The article informs the reader that about half of the 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines are thought to have holes in their hearts.
Deborah Kerr, the subject in the magazine article, was at the end of her rope in finding relief from her constant plague of migraines. She had scoured the internet to find a solution for her dilemma. When she read of the experimental treatment being performed at Duke University, she volunteered to be a subject.
Deborah's doctor had found that she did indeed have a small hole in her heart. These holes are common in newborns, but usually close shortly after birth. Deborah's had not closed.
Deborah Finds Relief
The Duke cardiologist inserted a long thin tube through blood vessels and placed a metal patch over her heart. Deborah is pleased with the results. She is now nearly head ache free and her risk for stroke has been lowered.
According to a report aired on ABC news researchers at a major migraine conference held in Philadelphia were discussing a dramatic approach to preventing migraines. Although their statistics varied in that of the 28 million migraines sufferers in the U.S. this report estimated that 1/3 had PFOs. PFO refers to a patent foramen ovale, or a hole approximately the size of a pencil eraser found between the top two chambers of the heart.
Migraines and Strokes
In the case of Nancy Buie, she would be bedridden for days at a time with excruciating migraines. She would be sick to her stomach, unable to eat, and eventually had a series of small strokes. It was then that her doctor discovered a hole in her heart between the right and left atrium that was allowing tiny clots to pass through her heart and body and enter her brain causing strokes. The same clotting features most likely caused Nancy's head aches.
The procedure, which took less than 45 minutes under a local anesthesia, involved threading a collapsible mesh plug through a blood vessel in her leg. The collapsible plug when it reached the heart, expanded into place sealing the hole in Nancy's heart. Preliminary studies show that 50 % of those who participate in this procedure have experienced significant relief from migraines.
After Nancy's heart was repaired she stopped having strokes and migraines.
"It's given me my life back," Nancy said. "It's allowed me to do the things I like to do with my family and my friends. It is so exciting."
Good News for Stroke Victims
With all the good news reported on this subject, Dr. Simeon Margolis, M.D., P.H.D. of John Hopkins Medicine expressed concern over patients being overly optimistic regarding this procedure. He reminds patients that of those who benefited the most, most had had strokes. He recommends patients who suffer migraines, and have experienced strokes to visit a cardiologist.
Avoiding Migraines
Web M.D. offers tips to avoiding migraines, such as eating and sleeping at regular intervals. In other words, follow a routine schedule when possible. Also advised was keeping a food diary. Certain foods are known to trigger migraines, and knowing what the triggers are helps.
Migraine Triggers
- Emotional Stress
- Sensitivity to certain chemicals such as nitrites, nitrates, sulfides and monosodium glutamate
- Fatigue
- Caffeine
- Lack of caffeine, if your body is accustomed to it
- Barometric pressure
- Storm fronts, strong winds
- Menstrual periods
- Skipping meals
- Change in sleep pattern
- Chocolate
- Ice cream
- Bright lights
- Red wine
- Strong odors or fragrances
One or more of these listed items are triggers in different individuals, and there may be others that are not listed.
Avoiding Headaches
- Relaxation exercises
- Biofeedback
- Massage
- Learning to properly handle stress
- Avoiding triggers
- Sticking to a routine for eating and sleeping
- Keeping a food diary
- Avoiding cigarette smoke and strong odors
In this article we have discussed the cause of migraines and how to avoid them, the new research that points to patients who are migraine sufferers and also have tiny holes in their hearts; the relationship of PFOs, migraines, and strokes, and the procedure used to correct PFOs.
While there seems to be a correlation to migraines and pfo s, it is not highly recommended that all migraine sufferers seek out a cardiologist to get this procedure done. Personally, I have not made an appointment yet. Knowing ones triggers can be immensely beneficial. Take care, and live in good health.
Take care and sarangheyo!