IS OXIDATIVE STRESS THE CAUSE OF MIGRAINE

I found this article in the Daily Mail today, as a Migraine sufferer since my teens this is an interesting finding. I usually know my triggers and can catch it before it develops too bad. I eat a good diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and am very aware of consuming plenty of antioxidants. However Migraine doesn't just affect the arteries in the brain, the arteries in the abdomen are often affected. Many children who suffer from periodic tummy pains go on to develop Migraine and I often have both areas affected, the study seems to focus on headaches and Migraine isn't limited to headaches, so  the findings on more research will be interesting.

 

Migraine breakthrough as scientists discover the process that triggers EVERY symptom - paving the way for a cure

• Scientist at University of Maine examined a range of triggers, such as dehydration or air pollution, and compared how each of them affected brain
• He found surplus of free radicals, the corrosive molecules produced by our bodies as we process oxygen, were at the root of all headaches
• The surplus creates an imbalance in the body called ‘oxidative stress’

Migraines have a single cause that is to blame for every symptom ranging from pain to nausea, a new study has claimed. 

Scientists found that a surplus of free radicals, the corrosive molecules produced by our bodies as we process oxygen, were at the root of all headaches.

The surplus creates an imbalance in the body which is called ‘oxidative stress’, when there are not enough antioxidant defences to fend off the free radicals.

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The common theme behind all headaches is oxidative stress - and this is responsible for every symptom ranging from pain to nausea

The researchers said that their findings could one day help find a cure for migraines - which could be as simple as taking a vitamin.

Jonathan Borkum, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Maine, studied 2,000 papers on migraines to come to his conclusion.

He looked at a range of triggers, such as dehydration or air pollution, and compared how each of them affected the brain.

Professor Borkum found that the common theme behind all headaches was oxidative stress which he described as a ‘plausible unifying principle behind the types of migraine triggers encountered in clinical practice’.

Free radicals have also been linked to cancer and some experts believe they are the reason why we age.

The discovery means that headaches could be prevented or alleviated using supplements such as beta carotene and vitamin C which bind and shut down free radicals.

However they may have health risks and one study found that antioxidant supplements were associated with higher risk of death than those who did not take them.

An estimated one in 10 people suffer from migraines which can last for hours and can be so serious that patients are unable to function.

Elizabeth Loder, chief of the Division of Headache and Pain at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, who was not involved in the study, said that sometimes what people think is the trigger for a headache is actually a symptom.

She told the Boston Globe that some people think chocolate causes headaches, but the craving for something sweet may actually be a sign of a coming headache. 

The discovery means that headaches could be prevented or alleviated using supplements such as beta carotene and vitamin C which bind and shut down free radicals

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