Handling Migraines "Head on" Worrisome

Even if you are only a casual television viewer, you may have seen the particularly annoying, but memorable advertisement for a new product, known as HeadOn. The ad features constant repetition of the product name as a woman is shown using it.

HeadOn is a tube containing a stick of comprised of various ingredients that can be topically applied to the forehead. One can think of it as a deodorant bar or glue stick that the user rubs on the head.

The commercial implies that HeadOn offers quick and safe pain relief for headaches of any type–including migraines. Migraine sufferers are always on the look out for new treatment aids and developments, and many will undoubtedly be interested in trying HeadOn as a means of mitigating the negative symptoms of migraines.

However, some experts aren't convinced that tackling migraine headaches "HeadOn" will offer any real relief.

HeadOn contains a series of active ingredients including Blue Flag, White Bryonny and potassium dichromate. The manufacturers refer to the potassium dichromate as an analgesic pain reliever and argue that all of the active ingredients are considered legitimate and well-recognized homeopathic remedies.

What the makers of HeadOn don't mention is that potassium dichromate may also act as a carcinogen. That safety concern might be manageable if Headon had been proven to actually reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches, but it hasn't. As is too often the case with lightly regulated, or completely unregulated, herbal products, there is very little research to support the bold statements made by HeadOn in its current advertising blitz.

Instead, it appears as if the makers of HeadOn rely purely upon anecdotal evidence in support of their pain relief claims. FDA approval for the anti-migraine stick is lacking, as is credible double-blind scientific research. Although some people may have experienced pain relief through the use of potassium dichromate in HeadOn or other products, there is little reason to embrace this well-advertised product as a miracle cure for migraines.

The root cause of migraine headaches is unknown. However, there is absolutely no scientific reason to believe that the complicated neurological electrical storm associated with migraines can be brought under control by the use of a collection of "herbs on a stick." Other recognized migraine treatment options, interventions and preventative measures appear to be more likely to produce results than use of HeadOn or any other topical herbal analgesic product.

There are some dangers to the use of HeadOn. They may not be substantial, but when coupled with the lack of potential for a real reduction in migraine symptoms, those risks are enough to dejustify use of the product.

The idea of rubbing something on your head and making migraines disappear is seductive. According to some expert analysts, however, it is also nothing short of fantasy. Those who need to use an analgesic while confronting a migraine should, after proper professional recommendation, rely on any number of proven over the counter pain relievers.

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