MIGRAINE

Many people around the world suffer from migraine, but what is actually going on, it’s not just a normal headache, its way more than that. It is not known what chain of events happens to trigger it, but most will say they can feel it coming on, some even know what triggers it for them. And it usually ocurrs on one side of the head.

Migraine is from the Greek, hemi (half) , and kranion (skull). It is about three times more common in women than in men. The typical migraine headache affects one half of the head and pulsating in nature and lasting from any from 4 to 72 hours. Some people say they feel an aura, before the migraine manifests itself. This aura can be flashing lights or a “black hole” or dark spot in their vision. Migraine is brought on by the enlargement of the blood vessels that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibres that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain. Most attacks start between the ages of 10 and 45. It may run in families too.

Symptoms

Migraine suffers talk of an intense pounding on their temples, usually, as mentioned, on one side of the head, but it can change sides. Some suffer nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sensitivity to light, with the result that sufferers usually like to lay still in a dark room till the attack is gone. Here are some activities which may trigger migraines:

Alcohol
Allergic reactions
Bright lights
Certain odours or perfumes
Changes in hormone levels (which can occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle or with the use of birth control pills)
Changes in sleep patterns
Exercise
Loud noises
Missed meals
Physical or emotional stress
Smoking or exposure to smoke

Certain foods and preservatives in foods may trigger migraines in some people. Food-related triggers may include:

Any processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
Baked goods
Chocolate
Dairy products
Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Foods containing tyramine, which includes red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and certain beans
Fruits (avocado, banana, citrus fruit)
Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
Nuts
Onions
Peanut butter

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for migraine. Individuals must identify which are their triggers and avoid them. a good way to identify your triggers is to write down when you feel you are getting one (or afterwards), taking into account the when it happened, how severe it was, what did you eat prior to it,did you get enough sleep, etc.

When it ocurrs, rest in a cool, dark place (sounds very mushroom-like), and if you have been vomiting, drink plenty of water. Migraine is not something which you should “just live with”! You need to see a doctor and he/she will help in either eleviating the pain, or maybe even isolate the problem, which will eliminate future attacks.

Maybe you want to share your “remedies” of things that work for you. I am sure other will benefit from it.