Migraine is such a headache

As headaches go Migraine is the mother of all headaches. The extremely agonizing kind, it simply puts you off commission for the period of the attack and beyond. You will be off mood from the time you feel it coming on, till there is a let-up. The headache gone, the fear of another occurrence remains and you will think only and only of it. It becomes an obsession and this can invite another attack. It is a devastating, vicious circle.

Anger

Anxiety

Improper blood supply to the brain

Improper nutrition, starvation diets

Lack of rest or sleep

Menstrual issues, Change in life issues.

Photophobia, intolerance to light

Stress

Tension

Deficiency of serotonin a chemical in brain.

1. A severe and intense headache, which starts at one side of the head and radiates downwards. The pain may migrate from one side to another.
2. A relentless and pulsating headache. There is a feeling of someone hammering on the head.
3. Nausea and Vomiting.
4. Intolerance to strong light and shrill noises.
5. Aggravation of pain by movement or activity. The pain forces the patient to lie down.
6. There may be a forewarning in the form of flashes and crisscross lines in their vision. The headache follows this.

These symptoms may occur individually or in combination.

Occurrence of migraine headaches is more common in women than in men. Menstrual issues, Change in life issues (Hormonal changes of the menopause) is one of the main contributors.

Migraine headache diagnosis

This is very chancy. There is no decisive clinical test to diagnose migraine. Only menstrual migraine can be diagnosed by tests to determine the hormonal content. The doctor will have to base his diagnosis on symptoms, lifestyle, psychology and behavioral indications, usually a very tough job. CT scans and MRI are done to rule out other causes of head ache, such as tumors, blood clots and such. The results of these tests may show the presence and intensity of the head ache but not pin point the cause.

The conventional treatment of the condition is by medication. Migraine medicines are for the most part aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium etc., general over the counter pain killers. NASAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are also used. All of these have their own side effects, giving rise to new problems. As time goes by most of these become in-effective and the dosage is increased to provide relief. A practice that is not very desirable. The emphasis is on palliative care (Soothing and tiding over). For a lasting relief and permanent cure a lot of diagnostics to check all conditions that can possibly trigger a migraine headache is needed. Sometimes medicine for anxiety is prescribed, making the patient drowsy and unfit for day to day activities.

There are supplemental therapies which assist in coping with or reducing the rate of repetition of the attacks.

Homeopathy, Aroma Therapy, Acupuncture and Nature/Herbal remedies assist the prevention and treatment. The best part is that they do not interfere with the main course of treatment.Changes in lifestyle, reduction of dependency on substances like alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs or even prescription drugs are recommended. Psychiatric counseling may be in order for migraine triggered by tension.

Conventional wisdom says to have a good cry if you have an attack. The louder and frenzied, the better. This provides a good relief.

Bala says laugh your way out of an attack. This works too. O.K. Fat chance you would want to tickle yourself and laugh during an attack! Kill someone is more like it. But still try. It works.

Join a migraine support group. Learn from others experience Just talking about it can ease your pain.

Maintain a cheerful point of view. Do not get unduly emotional about common occurrences. Take it philosophically. Let go of small things. Don’t worry, be happy.

Exercise regularly. Workouts drive out stress. Good in migraine headaches.

Migraine headache Natural Remedies

Teas of Chamomile, Marjoram, Feverfew, Passion Flower, Cayenne, Ginkgo Biloba, or Peppermint are very useful in relieving pain during an attack. And if taken regularly reduce the frequency of attacks.

Poultices of Henna and vinegar paste, cinnamon or rosemary provide good relief.
Peppermint oil rub gives an almost instant relief.

A slice of ginger in the cheek is very helpful.

The Good News

The good news is that you can come out of this predicamenr if you spend enough time and money on it. Read up and be informed of your condition. Change your life style. I is in convinient, but you will get used to it.