Migraine

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Migraine - Click to enlarge

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE
A migraine is a distinct and severe headache that can last from 1 hour up to 72 hours. Migraines are a recurrent, throbbing, headache that can be hereditary or caused by lifestyle factors.

For the sufferer, migraines cause immense pain and interfere with all aspects life. The symptoms of a migraine can include nausea, vomiting and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraines affect both sexes and all age groups. However, after puberty women experience migraines far more often than men do due to hormonal activity. The susceptible age groups are women aged 25 to 44. Approximately 17% of women and only 6% of men have experienced a migraine. The good news is, that migraine attacks generally lesson with age.

CAUSE OF A MIGRAINE
Migraines can be caused by one or many factors, including hereditary sensitivities or lifestyle factors.

Possible Causes of a migraine:

Stress
Hot Days
Dehydration
Loud Noises
Lack of Sleep
Skipping Meals
Hormone Changes
Eating Fried Foods
Certain Medications
Spine being Out of Alignment
Flickering lights (tv/computer/nightclub)
Substances such as aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and sodium nitrite
Foods (bacon, ham, caffeine, tannins, cocoa, chocolate, dairy products, wine, beer, whisky, alcohol)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A MIGRAINE
Usually the symptoms of a migraine comes in stages and become worse with time.

Symptoms May Include:

Yawning
Irritability
Feeling dizzy
Trouble speaking
Heightened Senses
Nausea or vomiting
Mild aches and Pains
Cravings for sweet foods
Throbbing within the head
Sensitivity to light and sound
Pain that worsens with physical activity
Pain concentrated on one side of the head

BEST TREATMENT FOR A MIGRAINE
There are no cures for a migraine, but you can receive relief from certain medications and treatments.

NATURAL HERBS & FOODS TO TREAT A MIGRAINE

Ginger alleviates migraines (including the nausea symptom) #1
Feverfew (50-80mgs per day) can reduce the symptoms of Migraines by up to 70% #2
Ginkgo biloba improves or cures Migraines (in approximately 80% of Migraine patients) #3
Flaxseed Oils (15-20gms per day)can alleviate the severity of headaches associated with migraines#4

TREATMENTS THAT REDUCE THE SYMPTOMS

Rest in a darkened room
Reduce the noise levels
Have a gentle pressure point massage
Drink 8-10 glasses of water per day
Keep the room temperature on a cooler level
Place your feet in a bucket of WARM water, with a cold towel over the head
Hot Foot Bath: Place your feet in a bucket of WARM water, with a cold towel over the head

LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT CAN PREVENT MIGRAINES

Always have a good night’s Rest
Eat your meals at regularly times
Wear sunglasses to reduce suns rays
Have a healthy diet with nuts, grains, seeds, fruits, vegetables and protein
Eliminate caffeine, tannins, cocoa, dairy products, wine and alcohol from your diet

MEDICATIONS
The most popular allopathic drugs taken for migraines are ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol. Although these drugs may offer some relief, it is beneficial to find out the cause, and then eliminate it.

COMPLICATIONS
If your migraine is not helped by the medication and treatments, see a GP for a strong migraine subscription.

DISCLAIMER: Information provided on this site is for informational purposes ONLY and is not designed to substitute your own medical physician or health professional’s advice. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or diseases.

Research:

#1 Srivasta, K. C., et al. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in migraine headache. J Ethnopharmacol. 39:267-273, 1992
#2 Johnson, E. S., et al. Efficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of migraine. British Medical Journal. 291(6495):569-573, 1985
#3 Sinclair, S., et al. Migraine headaches: nutritional, botanical and other alternative approaches. Alternative Medicine Review. 4(2):86-95, 1999
#4 Glueck, C. J., et al. Amelioration of severe migraine with omega-3 fatty acids: a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 43(4):710, 1986