Migraine - Causes and Cure

A migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

Some people who get migraines have warning symptoms, called an aura, before the actual headache begins. An aura is a group of symptoms, including vision disturbances that are a warning sign that a bad headache is coming.

Causes of Migraine

A migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity, which can be triggered by a number of factors. Today, most medical experts believe the attack begins in the brain, and involves nerve pathways and chemicals. The changes affect blood flow in the brain and surrounding tissues.

Alcohol, stress and anxiety, certain odors or perfumes, loud noises or bright lights, and smoking may trigger a migraine. Migraine attacks may also be triggered by:

• Caffeine withdrawal

• Changes in hormone levels during a woman's menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Exercise or other physical stress

• Missed meals

• Smoking or exposure to smoke

Migraine headaches can be triggered by certain foods. The most common are:

• Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, as well as foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG)

• Baked goods, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, and dairy products

• Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, cheese, fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans

• Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)

• Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)

• Onions

Symptoms of Migraine

There are many symptoms of migraine. An eye is needed to be kept on all the headaches. You may be ignoring a severe headache for long. But now it’s time to check. It may be a migraine which you would have never thought of.

Vision disturbances, or aura, are considered a "warning sign" that a migraine is coming. The aura occurs in both eyes and may involve any or all of the following:

• A temporary blind spot

• Blurred vision

• Eye pain

• Seeing stars or zigzag lines

• Tunnel vision

Other warning signs include yawning, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and trouble finding the right words.

Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:

• Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating

• Are worse on one side of the head

• Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours

• Last 6 to 48 hours

Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:

• Chills

• Increased urination

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness

• Problems concentrating, trouble finding words

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Sweating

Treatment of Migraine

Well, there is no specific cure for migraine. The symptoms of migraine have to be treated right away and, to prevent those symptoms by working on the triggers that lead to migraine.

Prevention and cure for migraine should start at home itself. If migraine persists for long and becomes intolerable, then, you should consult the doctor as soon as possible. Take the prescribed medicines regularly to make it effective.

Sleep is the best medicine available for migraine patients.

Generally, leading a healthy lifestyle, with good nutrition, an adequate intake of fluids, sufficient sleep and some exercise helps a long way in treating migraine.