Migraine disorders can be incredibly disabling. In fact, the U.N.'s World Health Organization lists migraines as the nineteenth most debilitating condition in the world. Making matters worse is the fact that although many theories exist regarding the underlying physiological causes of migraines, no one is entirely certain of why migraine headaches happen in the first place.

That combination of circumstances has created a context ripe for phony solutions and outright quackery. There is a large group of people desperately hoping to find a "cure" for their painful headaches and the associated symptoms of migraines. The lack of a true understanding of the disease encourages development of solutions that lack any real medical basis.

Kevin Trudeau, once a millionaire self-styled entrepreneur, marketed a series of books that claimed to contain "secret cures" the pharma-medical industry "didn't want you to know about." Despite his wild claims of being privy to meetings involving a "secret society" that knew these remedies and having been at government research facilities that contained proof of extraterrestrial life, Trudeau convinced many people to purchase his books, which claimed (among other things) to offer a simple topically applied herbal cure for migraines that could make the pain disappear forever. Eventually, the Federal Trade Commission fined Trudeau and bound him to a consent decree preventing additional marketing of the "cure" books.

Meanwhile, others offer a variety of other so-called cures. Many of these are based on herbal and homeopathic solutions, because these substances are not regulated as tightly as are other options. Although marketers make bold assertions about the effectiveness of these migraine cures, there is often very little solid scientific research to back the claims and advertising focuses, instead, upon suspect testimonials and other anecdotal evidence.

As of today, there is no known cure for migraine disorders. There are, however, exciting developments in terms of treatment. Medical professionals are working with everything from surgical solutions (closing open PFOs in some patients) to the testing of "zappers" that hope to interrupt the neurological electric storm of a migraine headache. Pharmaceutical companies are working on improved anti-migraine medications, as well.

Until better solutions are discovered and fully tested, however, the best thing migraine sufferers can do is to consult with a medical professional and implement a regimen of preventative solutions and pharmaceutical interventions along with other proven safe strategies.

The allure of an easy cure is strong, and unscrupulous peddlers of migraine cures are prepared to take advantage of the frustration felt by many migraineurs. Never has the old adage "caveat emptor" been more appropriate. Buyers of any migraine "solution" should take care to understand what they are purchasing, any potential side effects associated with its use, and whether or not solid research backs the methodology. Resisting the seductive appeal of miracle cures will generally benefit both the migraine's health and his or her pocketbook, as well.