A migraine is a throbbing or pulsating headache that is often one sided (unilateral), but can be both sided (bilateral), and associated with nausea; vomiting; increased sensitivity to light, sound, and smells and sleep disruption. Many times a migraine is preceded by an aura. An aura is a group of symptoms, including visual disturbances that occur before the actual headache. But an aura occurs in only a small percentage of the people.
Incidence:
- Migraines may occur at any age, but usually begin between the ages of 10 and 40 and diminish after age 50. Some people experience several migraines a month, while others have only a few migraines throughout their lifetime.
- Migraines are more common in women than in men,
- Migraines may run in families.
Cause:
The cause of Migraine is unknown. The headache occurs because of abnormal brain activity, which is triggered by changes in the body or environment. On stimulation the trigeminal nerve releases substances that cause inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain and the surrounding tissues covering the brain.
This inflammatory reaction accounts for the throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances.
Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
- Bright lights
- Perfumes
- Lack of sleep
- Exercise
- Loud noises
- Hunger
- Alcohol
- Physical or emotional stress
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Menstrual cycle in women
- Certain foods like chocolates, pickles, nuts etc
Symptoms:
In about 25% of people, migraines are preceded by an aura or warning sign which includes temporary disturbances like blurred vision, tingling sensations, loss of balance, talking difficulties, etc. It may occur just a few minutes to 24 hours before.
Migraine pains are throbbing, pulsating type that can be dull to severe. The pain may be on one side or both sides of the head. disrupt the persons family and work life. The pain may last for several hours to a few days. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness are some of the other symptoms that accompany the pain.
General Treatment:
- Drink water to maintain hydration, especially if you have vomited
- Place a cool cloth on the head
- Rest in a dark quiet room
Homoeopathic Treatment:
Homoeopathy is a branch of alternative medicine that is holistic and aims to treat the person rather than the disease. It tries to cure the root cause of the disease and not just the superficial signs and symptoms. Many people with migraine have found a cure with Homoeopathy.