Holiday Headaches

For many the notion of a "holiday headache" is associated with the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing for the holidays. To a migraineur (person who gets migraines) it means that at any minute a migraine can occur - often times because of something that was eaten or drank. It also means that the stress associated with aforementioned prep for the holidays can actually induce a hormonal reaction in the body to cause a migraine that may last for days.

Many of the migraines that occur during the month of December are triggered events, some of which can be avoided by following a few simple rules- the most difficult of which may be saying "NO."

What many people don't realize is that triggers can work in combination and compound the effect, especially when other factors are also in play. For example, you may be able to get away with drinking a single small glass of wine at home once in awhile, but couple it with other foods, excitement, and overactive hormonal rhythms and you could be playing with fire and paying the high price of a migraine.

Red wine is a well know major trigger, but are you prepared to refuse when your host offers you a glass of wine to join in on the celebration? How do you respond to that pushy offer to try your hostess's favorite dish? Being ready to refuse with a prepared answer may save you hours and even days fighting a horrible migraine. You shouldn't expect others to know what might bother you; rather you should be ready with a good explanation as to why you must decline the offer.

Since there is simply no way of knowing what is in the things served this time of the year at parties or potlucks, the best advice may be - when in doubt don't eat or drink it and politely decline. There is no shame in saying that you suffer from migraines that can be triggered by some foods, drinks and ingredients and that you can't afford to take a chance at getting one from eating cheese cake or whatever else is offered to you.

Although it is easier to avoid the things you know will cause you problems than it is to say no to Aunt Harriet's offer of her favorite holiday dish that may be loaded with hidden migraine triggers, why take the chance? And watch out for "secret recipe" dishes that may have been bought at a store and "replated" as they may be loaded with MSG, nitrates, tyramine, and other "do not touch" ingredients lying in wait to set off a migraine in you.

Holiday Triggers. The following is my list of key foods and drinks to avoid during this season for you to print and keep with you.

·         Almonds and nuts: Lots of these around, but don't eat them.

·         Wines, especially red wine - instead you may want to try a drink made of cranberry juice, club soda and a clear alcohol.

·         Cheeses - especially the cheese balls.

·         Sausage, little wieners, and other such things floating around in a crock pot full of the special BBQ sauce that may be loaded with MSG.

·         Spiced ciders and other drinks may look good, but make sure they don't contain something that bothers you like ginger.

·         Snack mixes - these are party and office favorites that may contain MSG to heighten the flavor of the ingredients found in these tasty treats.

·         Chocolate -I hate to mention this hard to resist holiday confection, but for many people it can be a real problem.

Know your triggers and try hard not to cheat just because it is a party. Triggers compound rapidly and the last thing you want it is to be missing out on the fun because of a migraine.

If you have any questions or are in doubt about something, ask us for advice. Add our phone number and email address to your cell phone contacts right now to make it easy to contact us with your questions or concerns. Phone: 1-866-867-5953 email: Questions@Tuliv.com.

I want to wish you a safe, wonderful, and most of all a migraine-free holiday season.

Lyle

To learn more about migraine triggers, please visit www.tuliv.com or click here to print our list.

Botox – How effective is it for migraines?

There has been a lot of talk lately about Botox for migraines. In spite of the recent FDA approval, the question still remains as to how well Botox works for migraines and is it safe.

Approval

Drug manufactures pay the FDA to approve their drugs and approval is not an indication that it works. The FDA's approval for use of Botox to fight migraines was based on the results of two studies involving 1,384 adults in North America and Europe. Since, half of those received the placebo; the approval was based on about 750 people in a population of 28 million migraineurs.

The studies used by the FDA showed that, "Onabotulinum toxin A [Botox]was proven in these trials to be moderately superior to placebo, and probably to natural outcome, in a population of chronic migraine patients of whom the majority was overusing acute medication and a substantial proportion had never received preventive drugs."

The report noted that the trials were not concerned about measuring the number of headaches, "Headache episodes, is clearly not an adequate outcome measure, nor clinically relevant in patients who have almost daily headaches and use symptomatic pain-relieving therapies."

It went on to say, "It is not known whether BOTOX [is] safe or effective to prevent headaches in patients with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days each month (episodic migraine)."

What does this mean? It appears to mean that there is more hype than reality to the claims. If the number of "headache episodes" is not a good measure of the outcome of something used to prevent migraines, than what is? Can you image getting a treatment for something where your expectations are not considered to be part of the measure of success?

Unfortunately, if one only listens to media, what doctors repeat from the drug reps, and drug advertisements, a person may never hear the complete story.

 (See FDA Report on Botox for Migraines)

How Botox Is Used to Treat Migraines

Botox to treat chronic migraines is given at intervals of about 12 weeks as multiple injections around the head and neck to try to dull future headache symptoms, the FDA says in a statement. The company [Allergan] says that when treating chronic migraine, qualified medical specialists administer 31 Botox injections into seven specific head and neck sites.

Guidelines

The American Academy of Neurology Guidelines for Use of Botulinum Toxin states "botulinum toxin injections should not be offered to patients with episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headaches." Dr. Markus Naumann, head of the Department of Neurology at Augsburg Hospital in Germany also wrote in the report, "It is no better than placebo injections for these types of headaches."

Controversy and New Warnings

One of the alarming controversies in the use of Botox is whether or not it can enter the brain. Leading scientists including Matteo Caleo of Italy's Institute of Neuroscience found that botulinum toxin can travel down nerve fibers and into the brain within days. While the effects of this are unknown, it raises questions about the safety of the drug, especially the long term effects.

FDA Safety Warnings

The new FDA required black box warnings for Botox state the effects of the botulinum toxin may spread from the area of injection to other areas of the body, causing symptoms similar to those of botulism. It should also be noted that so far there has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect when Botox has been used at the recommended dose to treat chronic migraine which was only approved for last month (October 2010).

Side Effects

It is interesting that the FDA report shows the most common adverse reactions reported by patients being treated for chronic migraine were headache and neck pain. The FDA report recommends patients thoroughly discuss Botox with their doctor before any treatment especially noting the use of prescription drugs such as muscle relaxants, cold medicines, and sleep aids, and also any problems with breathing or swallowing.  See list of side effects.

Become Informed Before Treatment

Although it is common for patients to accept new treatments from their doctor without question, when it comes to using new methods such as Botox you should become informed before making any decision to try it. There are several good reports and sources for information listed on the Botox page on Tuliv Migraine Prevention site.

Looking for Results

From my own migraine research, including interviews with over 1,000 migraineurs, I can report that I have yet to find anyone who has had any long term success with using botox for migraine prevention.

If you have already tried Botox for migraines or plan to try it, I would like to know the results for a future follow-up report on this subject. Please email me at Botox@Tuliv.com.  

Do What is Best for You

At this point you may be asking, "Now that I know more about Botox, what is the best thing for me to do now?"

If safety and performance are important to you, consider the safe all-natural migraine prevention formula Tuliv Migraine Defense. Migraine Defense works naturally on the cause of migraines.

Questions: Call 1-866-367-5953 for real answers to your migraine questions. There is no cost or obligation.

Migraine Gene Discoveries

Research Article by Lyle Henry  

 More good news came this past week for migraineurs when the International Headache Genetics Consortium published its research paper on "Finding the Gene for Common Migraines" explaining that the underlining cause of common migraines can be traced to a gene.

Not only is this news important in the advancement of migraine research in general, but closer to home, it reaffirms the premise of our research at Tuliv that we had released five years ago.

Tuliv (then known as Christian Body Migraine Research Foundation) started researching migraines in late 2001 and by 2005 had concluded that a gene to be found within the DNA of the mitochondria of specialized cells is the genetic cause of migraines.

We went on to state that these cells play a role in the production of a chemical that invokes the migraine attack. The findings of our combined research became the basis for the development of the Tuliv Migraine Defense product for the prevention of migraines.

Genes, of course, point to inherited properties of the body. One may inherit blue eyes, for example, or hemophilia that impairs the body's ability to control blood clotting. We have found that genetic migraines are most often seen in a mother-child relationship. In fact, the first genes identified for the migraine condition were found for a type of migraines called "familial migraines."  

You may be wondering how this discovery will help you. When it comes to inherited conditions, those related to the make-up of the DNA, there are no solutions available today that would alter the DNA or modify the gene to eliminate the condition. However, by better understanding what is happening in the body or as we like to say, the true cause of migraines, science and medical care can take  new approaches in developing prevention solutions that more closely focus on the source of the problem rather than continuing to only seek ways to address the symptoms.

Our challenge to educate those involved with migraines as to the real cause of migraine continues in order to help develop more natural migraine prevention treatments. In some ways, this flies in the face of the notion that migraines are caused by a malfunction of the brain which has propelled such anti-seizer drugs as Topamax into the forefront of migraine therapy.

The bottom line is that this research is good for you. It may help provide the direction and guidance for future studies that someday may provide an actual cure or dominant solution to bring about a complete end to migraine suffering.

Let me know your thoughts and questions. 1-866-367-5953 or Lyle@Tuliv.com

 Lyle

More Proof Found that Tuliv’s Theorem on Migraines is Correct

August 29, 2010

In 2005, Tuliv Ltd (then known as Christian Body Migraine Research Foundation) released its finding on the cause of migraines which included the notion that a "migraine gene" located within the mitochondria of specific cells was the genetic connection to migraines and the actual cause of the pain was induced by inflammatory chemicals released within the trigeminal-vascular system.

Tuliv's very successful migraine prevention product, Tuliv Migraine Defense is based on that migraine theorem. See www.Tuliv.com for more information.

This past week, Aarno Palotie, head of the International Headache Genetics Consortium at Britain's Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute presented his finding that coincide with and add credibility to the research of Lyle Henry of Tuliv.

Genetic Link to Common Migraines Found

PARIS — Gene detectives on Sunday announced they had found the first inherited link to common types of migraine, a finding that boosts hopes for new drugs to curb this painful and costly disorder. Scientists from 40 medical centres pored over the genetic profiles of more than 50,000 people, comparing those who suffered badly from migraines with others who were otherwise healthy. What came up in the net was a tiny but telltale variant of DNA that boosts the risk of getting migraines by around fifth.

"This is the first time we have been able to peer into the genomes of many thousands of people and find genetic clues to understand common migraine," said Aarno Palotie, head of the International Headache Genetics Consortium at Britain's Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, which led the study. Previous research has found links for some extreme, but mercifully rare, forms of migraine, but this is the first to pinpoint an association for common types of the disease.

The tiny genetic variant, or allele, is called rs1835740. Lying on Chromosome 8 between two genes, PGCP and MTDH/AEG-1, it allows a messenger chemical called glutamate to accumulate in junctions between brain cells, and this unleashes the migraine, the scientists believe. If so, drug engineers have a tempting target in preventing glutamate buildup, they hope.

The paper, published online in the journal Nature Genetics, cited figures that migraine affects 17 percent of European women and eight percent of men. The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks migraine in the top 20 diseases in terms of "years lived with disability," a benchmark of handicap. A US estimate put migraine's economic cost on a par with diabetes.

The study first compared the genome of more than 3,000 migraine sufferers in Finland, Germany and the Netherlands against that of some 10,000 non-sufferers. These results were then compared in a second phase with the genomes of a second batch, comprising 3,000 migraine patients and more than 40,000 otherwise healthy people. The study found rs1835740 to be one of several connecting genetic cogs in regulating glutamate levels. The allele alters the MTDH/AEG-1 gene, which in turn affects a gene called EAA2. The EAAT2 gene controls a protein that is responsible for clearing glutamate from the brain synapses. This protein has previously been linked with epilepsy, schizophrenia and various mood and anxiety disorders. The authors say further work is needed to confirm the findings and see whether other genetic culprits abound.

Patients in the study were recruited mainly from specialist headache clinics, which means they are likely to represent only the more extreme end of those who suffer from common migraines, said Gisela Terwindt of Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands. "In the future, we should look at associations across the general population, including also people who are less severely affected," she said.

Migraine is believed to occur when inflammatory chemicals are released around the nerves and blood vessels in the head, inducing pain that can be excruciating. It is sometimes accompanied by nausea and hyper-sensitivity to light and sound. Common migraines fall into two categories -- those with an "aura," or shimmering circle seen by the sufferer, and those without. Sufferers tend to be aged 35-45, although the frequency and duration of the attacks can very widely.

“Gut” Migraines

Liz Asks the Question:

I have heard that people with migraines often have "gut" problems.  Constipation with occasional diarrhea, hypochlorydia - difficulty digesting fats - -  Have you found this to be true?

-Liz 

Liz,

There can be any number of symptomatic events associated with migraines. These can be directly or indirectly associated with the actual occurrence of the migraine.

For example, a person may be constipated after a migraine attack, but it was the result of taking pain medications that cause constipation, rather than due to the migraine itself.

Pain by itself causes the body to react in various ways and quite often compromises the digestive system. Being in too much pain to eat is an obvious association.

There are other complicating factors to consider when looking at the idea of “gut” migraines, one of which is that of multiple symptoms from a single trigger. For example MSG, a well known trigger for migraines, also causes diarrhea for some people. A person who gets migraines may be subject to both conditions.

The nervous system can react quite differently to any given stimulus or situation, and during stress the body can produce up to forty times more cortisol (a stress hormone) than when the body is not under stress. Prolonged production of cortisol can disrupt the digestive system, irritating the large intestine and causing diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and bloating. Excessive production of digestive acids in the stomach may cause a painful burning.

Therefore, one of the triggers for migraines (excess cortisol) may also be the cause of the irritation of the digestive system.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Lyle

To learn more about migraine prevention, visit www.tuliv.com

You can send you migraine questions to Lyle@tuliv.com

Migraine Patterns: Changes Throughout Life

Research Article by Lyle Henry

 For many people, the onset of migraines begins around the time of puberty, and the frequency of occurrence adheres to a rather predictable pattern throughout a person's life. Others may not be affected by migraines until they are in their twenties; still others may not start having migraines until past the age of 40.

Women have additional conditions that can initiate the onset and progression of migraines, including menstrual cycles, taking birth control pills, post-pregnancy, and post-hysterectomy. Migraine patterns in both men and women can also be affected by adding hormones (HRT) to their bodies as the added hormones tend to change the natural balance and rhythms of life.

 The age of a person is one of the major factors affecting migraines. As mentioned earlier most migraines start at the age of puberty, become rather predictable between the ages of 20 to 35, and then sometime around the age of 40 (give or take a few years) worsen in intensity, duration, and frequency regardless of sex or earlier life patterns. As this progression continues, the pattern may transform into one of chronic daily migraines. Migraines generally subside once a person has reached full menopause or what many refer to as "having gone through menopause."

 Tuliv Migraine Research may have been one of the first to identify the relationship between the secretions from the pituitary gland and the occurrences of migraines in both episodic migraines and major pattern shifts. The pituitary gland controls the onset of puberty, monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, sexual functions, and eventually peri-menopause and menopause stages of life. The secretions from this gland control the production of certain types of hormones that cause a reaction that ultimately produces a chemical called CGRP that has been linked to the initiation a migraine attack.

 It was this discovery of the relationship between the pituitary gland and the production of CGRP that was the one of the premises for the migraine hypothesis that led to the development of the first migraine prevention formula that addresses the natural cause of migraines - Tuliv Migraine Defense.

 It is important to note here that there is no evidence of anything being wrong with the pituitary gland that would cause a migraine; rather, we are simply saying that there is a relationship between the secretions from the pituitary gland and the occurrence of migraines. By studying the role of the glands of the endocrine system in relationship to the occurrence of migraines, it appears that many of the mysteries of migraines can be solved.

 For more information, please see the Natural Cause of Migraines at www.Tuliv.com.

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

 

Migraine Patterns – Time of the Month

Research Article by Lyle Henry

This is part two of a series of articles on migraine patterns that will explore the occurrences of migraines based on the time of day, day of the month, and age of the person. In this second article we will address the time of the month.

That Time of the Month.

For many years migraine researchers have known there is a hormone connection to migraines in men, women, and children. The more precise cause of migraines may be seen as a change in specific neurochemicals that are released during phases of hormone production. It is easier to see the hormonal cause of migraines in women than in men because of the monthly menstrual cycle of women, even though the principle and hormones are exactly the same for men and women.

Menstrual cycles are actually controlled by the pituitary gland through the messenger hormones LH and FSH. If you have been reading my research, you may recall these are the hormones that are received by the cells that contain the migraine gene that gets involved in the production of a neurochemical that starts the migraine attack.

It is during the times when these hormones are at their highs and lows that most migraines occur. To say that estrogen or progesterone is the cause of a migraine is a misunderstanding of the effect of hormones on migraines. This misunderstanding has led to the over prescribing of additional hormones as a treatment for migraines, which seldom provides a stable solution and can lead to other problems in the body. We can readily see the adverse effect of hormones on migraine when we realize that birth control pills, which are hormones, generally cause more migraine headaches.

For more information, see the Natural Cause of Migraines at www.Tuliv.com.

Natural Cause - Natural Solution

Understanding how hormones are involved in migraines and their effect on migraine patterns provided the insight needed for the development of Tuliv Migraine Defense, the first and only migraine preventive that addresses the natural cause of migraines.

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

New Science Shows the Hormone Relationship in Migraines

Research Article by Lyle Henry

For many years migraine researchers have known there is a hormone connection to migraines. We can safely say that most migraines occurring in men, women, and children are caused by the body's inability to properly manage the changes in hormone production.

The more precise cause of migraines may be seen as a change in specific neurochemicals that are released during phases of hormone production. These neurochemicals affect the trigeminal nerve vascular system and sets into motion a progression of events, the outcome of which is a painful migraine headache and associated aura, nausea and vomiting.

DNA The reason some people get migraines can be found in the DNA makeup as an inherited gene. This gene has been identified and labeled as MTHFR and is found in the mitochondria of specific cells. These cells are the hormone producing cells for estrogen and progesterone for both men and women (yes, men produce the same hormones as women).

These cells receive their "production" orders by way of other hormones known as "messenger" hormones that are produced and secreted by the pituitary gland. The way these cells know that the messenger hormones are for them is through specialized proteins that are on the outside of the cell membrane called hormone receptors.

Deep Secrets of Migraines

Migraines occur when various hormone levels of the body fluctuate and most often when the "messenger" hormones are secreted from the pituitary gland into the blood stream to be received by the aforementioned specific cells in the body that have the migraine gene. For a still unknown reason, there is an adverse reaction in these cells that causes the production of neurochemical identified as CGRP to occur.

How Do Hormones Cause Migraines?

Hormones don't in the true sense of cause and effect; however, when we use the analogy of an automobile we can start to understand the relationship. Gasoline, for example does not make the car go; rather, gasoline makes the engine run which rotates the transmission gears, which make the wheels turn. Hormones are like the gasoline in that they start a reaction which results in the wheels turning that ends with a migraine.

To say that estrogen or progesterone is the cause of a migraine is a misunderstanding of the effect of hormones on migraines. This misunderstanding has led to the prescribing additional hormones as a treatment for migraines. We can readily see the adverse effect of hormones on migraine when we realize that birth control pills, which are hormones, generally cause migraine headaches.

Migraines occur outside the brain in what is called the trigeminal nerve vascular system. Those who have had migraine headaches can easily draw the path of this system as it starts at the temples and runs forward to branch out behind the eyes and down the jaw line. This system is comprised of hair-like nerve fibers that are intertwined with tiny blood vessels.

The pain of a migraine headache occurs when these tiny blood vessels dilate and begin to swell and expand to the point where they are actually putting pressure on the nerve endings. We often feel throbbing pain as the blood fills these vessels and pinch on nerves.

It is the neurochemical CGRP that causes the blood vessels to dilate and expand. To make matters worse, when the nerve fibers become irritated, they react in a way that can cause an increase in the level of CGRP in a round-robin effect that increases the pain level and the duration of a migraine attack.

To learn more see Tuliv Migraine Research.

Migraine Prevention

Thank you for your invitation to write about Migraine Defense.

Migraine Defense has become an essential component of my daily migraine preventive regime. Without it, I would experience non-stop, chronic head pain and much more frequent and severe migraines. I know Migraine Defense is responsible for this huge improvement in my life because I stopped using it for a several weeks to see what would happen and my constant debilitating head pain returned along with my more severe migraine attacks.

With Migraine Defense I am able to participate in my life fully again. My daily pain is gone and my migraines are reduced to once or twice a month and are easily treated with triptan medication. I'm able to work a part-time job that I love. I can meet my social and family obligations without fear of having to cancel at the last minute. I can be there for my daughter when she needs me, rather than my depending on her while I lie in the dark in the grip of pain. Recently my husband and I started ballroom dance lessons, something I couldn't even imagine doing a year ago. We just participated in a public showcase and now plan to enter a dance competition.

For a life-long sufferer of migraine whose condition had gradually devolved into one of chronic pain, ranging from somewhat debilitating to soul destroying, this is a pretty heady stuff (sorry for the pun). Migraine Defense has proven itself to be life restoring for me.

Sincerely,

Melanie Symonds

 

Resveratrol: What Our Research Shows

Research Article by Lyle Henry

There is much talk today about the next "fountain of youth" discovery - Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a natural substance found in many plants, including grapes, peanuts and Japanese Knotweed. The introduction of resveratrol as a "cure-all" with such claims as its being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory anti-cancer, antiviral, anti-aging, as well as a weight-loss and performance enhancing panacea, has given rise to its recent popularity.

We are concerned with the effect that resveratrol has on the occurrence of migraines.

Resveratrol is a basic substance found in red wine - in fact, that is how the properties of resveratrol were discovered; however, in resveratrol dietary supplements the concentration is much higher. A 5-ounce glass of red wine provides about 0.30-1.07 mg of resveratrol; by comparison, a dietary supplement can provide 100 mg of resveratrol per capsule. Since we know that red wine can easily trigger migraine headaches, it follows that taking resveratrol could do the same.

Headache is a reported side effect of taking resveratrol. These headaches can start within a day or two of first taking resveratrol and can continue for an extended length of time after stopping resveratrol. This is true even for those who do not get migraines.

The reason why resveratrol triggers migraines is that it promotes vasodilation by enhancing the production of a naturally occurring substance in the body called nitric oxide. If you have been following the migraine research of Tuliv, you have seen that nitric oxide is one of the most prominent factors involved in a migraine headache.

Our recommendation is to avoid resveratrol if you get migraines. If you are going to try it, do so with a controlled test and keep track of your results. You may want to print and use our headache dairy for such a purpose.

To learn more about what to avoid and why, please see Knowing Your Triggers. If you are in doubt about a supplement or something in your diet, please feel free to email us at Questions@Tuliv.net for assistance.

Migraines can be prevented - Read More.

---

References for this Article:

Resveratrol Increases Nitric Oxide Synthase, Induces Accumulation of p53 and p21WAF1/CIP1, and Suppresses Cultured Bovine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial CellProliferation by Perturbing Progression through S and G21 -
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [T-c. H., J. M. W.] and Brander Cancer Research Institute [G. J., Z. D.], New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595
http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/59/11/2596

Resveratrol stimulates nitric oxide production by increasing estrogen receptor -Src-caveolin-1 interaction and phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. - Klinge CM, Wickramasinghe NS, Ivanova MM, Dougherty SM. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
http://www.biotivia.com/bioforteresveratrol/evidence/resveratrolstimulatesnitricoxideproduction.html

Upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression after 24 to 72 hours incubation. Resveratrol-enhanced. eNOS expression and activity -
Dirk Taubert, MD, PhD, Reinhard Berkels, PhD, Department of Pharmacology University of Cologne, Cologne, German- 2003
http://www.circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/107/11/e78.pdf

Migraine Patterns - Time of the Day

Research Article by Lyle Henry

This is the first in a series of articles on migraine patterns that will explore the occurrences of migraines based on the time of day, day of the month, and age of the person. In this first article we will address the time of day.

Time of the Day

"What time of the day do your migraines start?" is one of the questions we ask someone who gets migraines. It is one of the most important questions in helping to determine what is happening inside the body to invoke a migraine.

A very common answer is "during the night;" however, when we ask for the exact time, most reply, "Around 4 AM." The other two most frequent replies as to when a person gets a migraine are "Shortly after getting up in the morning" (full-blown by noon) and "Sometime in the late afternoon."

These time patterns actually coincide with hormone changes in the body. When we look at which hormones fluctuate around these times, we find the hormone melatonin, from the pineal gland, and the hormone cortisol, from the adrenal gland.

The body begins producing melatonin (the hormone that helps us sleep) generally around 4 PM and it stops producing around 4 AM. Even though we see that this corresponds to times of migraines, we cannot jump to the conclusion that this hormone is a cause of migraines; rather, we must look at the actions of this hormone to see their effect on migraines.

The level of melatonin in the body affects how other hormones function, namely the two hormones that we are most interested in when researching the cause of migraines: Lutenizing Hormone (LH) and Folic Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (in both male and female bodies). These are hormones that have receptors on the cells that contain the known gene for migraines. Since we already know that fluctuations in the level of these hormones can invoke monthly menstrual migraines in women, we can reason that we are dealing with similar reactions as the cause of these other migraine occurrences.

Taking a melatonin supplement before bed can be helpful for some people in preventing or lessening the severity of early morning migraines. For those who take Tuliv Migraine Defense regularly and still may have some break-though 4 AM type migraines, adding a 1 mg time-released melatonin supplement at bedtime works synergistically to prevent these headaches.

What about a migraine that begins after we get up in the morning? Well, just as melatonin helps us sleep, the hormone cortisol helps us wake up and start the day. Cortisol is a powerful hormone used by the body to make us more alert, especially while under stress. Our research has shown that cortisol may be the underlying cause of stress headaches.

When we trace how cortisol works in the body, we see that it also has an effect on the LH and FSH hormones receptors on the "migraine gene" cells and so we again feel we are dealing with the same set of principles that are at the center of the cause of migraines.

We have mentioned three different times of the day when migraines are most likely to start, and yet we have named only two different hormones. That is because melatonin also appears to be involved in the occurrence of afternoon headaches.

Have you ever noticed how you begin to feel tired or let down in the late afternoon? That is when melatonin starts to enter the body. Melatonin is produced from serotonin, that is to say the pineal gland converts serotonin to melatonin. We have already mentioned above how melatonin affects the "migraine gene" cells. Although some migraine researchers see the lack of serotonin as the problem, what may actually be occurring is the reaction of melatonin after it has been converted from serotonin.

For the most part, Tuliv Migraine Defense prevents migraine no matter what time of the day; however, if this is not complete for all afternoon headaches, we may recommend adding the supplement 5-HTP, which appears to help increase serotonin or at least stabilize the depletion of it. Some research has indicated that 5-HTP alone may be helpful in preventing migraines or at least in reducing their frequency and severity.

The time when migraines occur reveals a great deal of information about what is happening in the body and points to the cause of migraines. By understanding and using this information, we can find natural ways to help prevent migraines. At Tuliv, we are dedicated to helping you find your best solution for a migraine-free life.

What time of the day do most of your migraines start? If you are unsure of any pattern, then please print a copy of our Migraine Diary and track your migraines for the next month and see what you find. We will be happy to go over the results with you, either by phone (1-866-367-5953) or by email Questions@Tuliv.net

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.net or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

Statin Drugs and Migraines

Research Article by Lyle Henry   

"My migraines came back and the only thing I've changed in my daily routine is I started a new cholesterol-lowering drug. Can statin drugs be a problem for migraineurs?" We recently received this question from one of our clients who takes Tuliv Migraine Defense daily and has been migraine-free for quite some time.

 There are times when a person starts taking a new prescription drug for various ailments and within a few days or weeks begins to see an increase in the frequency or severity of headaches. Even though many pharmaceuticals have headache listed as a side effect, they are often overlooked as the cause for changes in headache patterns. One of the reasons may be that for the general population the problem may not be as severe or common as it is for one prone to migraines and the reason for the increase is more subtle - such as the case of taking a statin drug.

Anytime there is a change in the headache pattern of a migraine, one should start looking for the reason by reviewing what has changed in terms of routines, diets, supplements and pharmaceuticals. In the case of changes in pharmaceuticals (and by this we mean starting on a drug, stopping one, or changing dosage), it is necessary to not only review the known side effects but to also investigate how the drug acts on the body. Specifically, we look at what effect this drug has on the components of a migraine including something that may increase the level of nitric oxide* in the body.

Statin drugs, including well-known medications such as Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Crestor, are prescribed for their lipid lowering effects. Unfortunately, statin drugs can and generally do increase the nitric oxide levels in the body through what is called nitric oxide synthase in isolated endothelial cells.

Endothelial cells make up the layer of flat cells lining the inside of blood vessels including those that are intertwined with the bilateral trigeminal nerve running forward along the temporal lobe area in the head - referred to as the trigeminal-vascular system. Expansion of these blood vessels leads to a migraine headache. In other words, these stain drugs can increase the level of nitric oxide in the very region where migraines occur.

The pain felt during a migraine headache is the result of the expansion of the blood vessels of the trigeminal-vascular system to the point where they are putting undue pressure on the hair-like nerve endings. This pressure and pinching is what is felt as sustained pain lasting for as long as the blood vessels are in this expanded state.

Since increasing the level of nitric oxide can initiate a migraine occurrence, taking a statin drug can result in an increased level of migraines. For the general population taking a statin drug (or for that matter increasing the level of nitric oxide) may not be a problem; however, for the person prone to migraines, the higher level of nitric oxide can be very painful.

You should always visit with your primary care professional before making any changes to your pharmaceutical scheme.

*Tuliv migraine research revealed that nitric oxide and L-tyrosine (in the form of tyramine) combine to generate the neurochemical that triggers the onset of a migraine. Elevating one or both of these substances increases your chance for a severe migraine headache. 

We welcome your questions and comments. You can contact Lyle Henry directly by email at Lyle@Tuliv.com or by calling 1-866-367-5953. There is no cost or obligation for his services.

Migraine Prevention for Children and Teens

For many of those affected by migraines the symptoms start between the ages of five and ten. Since migraine is a genetic condition, children that have a parent or grandparent with migraines should be observed for the onset and continuation of such symptoms.

During a sporadic migraine episode, a child often endures a severe headache that may be accompanied by nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and possible vision changes (auras). Children may also complain of pain or sinus stuffiness which is often misdiagnosed and falsely treated as sinus infection or congestion (see Tuliv Times December 2009). Naturally, doctors should be consulted in order to rule out other serious diseases or conditions.

As the child reaches puberty the frequency of migraines may begin to form a pattern, especially in young girls as they start menses. As the frequency or severity level of a child's migraines increases, the problem may wreak havoc on a child's quality of life and ability to take part in normal school activities. Since migraine pain can be so intense that a child often cannot think or function very well during or immediately following episodes, school absenteeism may result.

What is most important to understand is that there is no difference between the cause of migraines in a child and that of an adult; however, what should be of great concern is the treatment used in the case of children. The pharmaceutical medications prescribed today for the treatment and prevention of migraines have, for the most part, been approved for use only by adults and not for children.

In managing migraines in children the first question should be how often does he or she suffer a migraine? If the frequency is low (less than two days per month), then it may be a matter of using OTC pain relief, such as Ibuprofen or a NASAID, along with quiet rest as the best treatment. When considering starting a child on an adult only drug that may have adverse side effects, including learning disabilities, it is important to note that migraines are a lifetime problem that can last for several decades. You may want to try a natural solution first.

Migraine prevention in children should start with eliminating anything that may trigger a migraine episode. Although migraines triggers, as we know, are not the cause of migraines, they can be the reason for the onset of one. Since children are more prone to eat junk foods that may contain MSG or other problematic additives as well as drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, they must be taught what may lead to a migraine. When trying to determine what may be triggering a migraine, always look back at least 24 hours to review any food or activity leading to the migraine. By learning what to avoid your child may be able to reduce the number of migraines each month.

Children who have reached the age of puberty may benefit from our all natural migraine prevention solution, Tuliv Migraine Defense. Tuliv Migraine Defense has been safely used by children for the prevention of migraine since 2005. Sara writes about her 15 year old daughter, "Eileen, I just wanted to let you know how well your Migraine Defense formula is working for my daughter (just like you said it would). She started taking the recommended dosage and her migraines stopped completely within two weeks. She has been able to return to school and is doing fine."

For more testimonials on the use of Tuliv Migraine Defense, please visit www.Tuliv.com

If you have questions about your child having migraines, please call us at 1-866-367-5953 or send an email to Questions@Tuliv.com.