The type of migraine studied is called FHM, or familial hemiplegic migraine. Several different genetic mutations can cause FHM; Along with a headache, this type of migraine causes temporary paralysis of the limbs on one side of the body. FHM is rare, but by studying it researchers hope to learn about ordinary migraines.
Why did the researchers study FHM?
Previous research has shown that FHM mutations affect the function of calcium channels. The new study investigated the cellular effects of several mutations linked to FHM. The researchers looked at structures located in cell membranes called calcium channels, which allow calcium ions to enter cells.
What affect did the mutations have on migraine?
The researchers found that all of the mutations increased the flow of calcium ions into cells. At the same time, the maximum electrical current in calcium channels was decreased in cells that expressed FHM mutations. These changes in calcium channels most likely lead to an increased release of excitatory chemicals in the brain, making the brain overly excitable and favoring the slowly spreading abnormal electrical activity that causes the migraine aura and headache.
Are there any processes that might help researchers understand migraine?
Some people experience a visual aura, beginning at some point before the migraine, typically 20 to 40 minutes. The signs of an aura vary, but they may include seeing spots or lines, or in some cases, hallucinations. Although auras precede migraine pain, the researchers think there is some clinical evidence that the migraine aura and the headache are not necessarily sequential, and that the aura may not be the trigger for the pain.
According to this idea, the aura and headache could be parallel processes. According to the researchers, the increased calcium flowing into cells could lead to the aura, while the decrease in current could contribute to headache..
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences September 002;10.1073/pnas.192242399
This study suggests that therapies that address calcium channels can effectively treat migraine pain. I believe this to be true; I have used IV magnesium to help abort migraine pains in the patients I was caring for. It was quite effective in the majority of people.
However, even though magnesium is a natural mineral, when I used IV magnesium to treat migraines, I was using it as a drug. Since I have been using more extensive natural foundational therapies that address the cause of the problem, I have rarely found the need for IV magnesium, as I don"t see many patients with active migraines once they start the program.
It"s uncommon to experience no improvement after adopting the eating plan. Most migraines seem to have a food-based reaction relating to wheat, dairy, sugar, artificial preservatives or chemicals.
I also recommend psychological acupressure techniques like EFT to assist in the healing process. This technique focuses the attention on the cause of the stress, rather than just treating the pain. The new EFT videos are available and have been significantly updated and improved so you can learn to use this method on your own. We also have a free manual that is an additional guide you can use with the videos or independently. I have also provided an EFT referral page to locate a clinician near you if you are interested in working with someone who is already trained in EFT.
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