DO YOU SUFFER MIGRAINE ATTACKS?

Headache is one of the most common health problems everyone identifies with. Migraine, the most prevalent headache syndrome at present affects almost 6-15% men, 14-35% women and 4-5% children. A migraine attach can last from several hours to even days. The word migraine has French origin and means `half the head’.

The two most prevalent types of migraines are :- Classic Migraine & Common Migraine.

Symptoms of Classic Migraine.

• The sufferer faces AURA (neurological symptom) before this type migraine attack.
• The person may see flashing lights or zig-zag lines, or even he / she can temporarily loose vision.
• Intense hammering pain in the forehead, ear, or around the eyes, usually starts from one side of the head & may shift to the other side gradually.
• Difficulty in speaking, weakness of an arm or leg, tingling of the hands & face.
• Can last up to two days.

Symptoms of Common Migraine.

• Before the attack the sufferer has mood changes, fatigue, mental fuzziness etc.
• Photophobia and Phonophobia.
• Nausea, vomiting, increased urination and diarrhea are some common signs.
• Can last for a longer period of 3 to 4 days.

Trigger Factors of Migraine.
The triggering factors may differ for every person. Some of the common ones are:

• Stress, anger, physical or mental fatigue.
• Alcohol, especially red wine
• Smoking or exposure to smoke.
• Sleep deprivation or frequent changes in sleeping patterns.
• Caffeine, chocolates, banana, citrus fruits, fermented foods, nuts, old cheese, figs, monosodium, glutamate (MSG) or nitrate containing foods.
• Birth control pills or fluctuating menstrual cycles and other hormonal factors.
• Tension at home, office . . . .
• Humid or low temperature and frequent weather changes.
• Strong scents, perfumes or pesticides.
• Irritating loud noises or repeated sounds, even bright lights.

Treatment /Cure.

• The best way to prevent migraine attacks is to avoid the triggering factors.
• Migraine sufferers themselves should analyze the type of migraine attacks they suffer and the triggering factors too.
• Consult your doctor for the medication type you should use. Doctors may advise you to take Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
• Herbal treatment is also an option.
• Do exercise 15-30 minutes a day.
• Change your eating habits; avoid caffeine, citrus fruits and other migraine triggering foods.
• Go for a medical check-up every 3 months.

So, don’t take your frequent headaches lightly and prevent yourself from the painful MIGRAINE ATTACKS coz “Prevention is better than cure”.

Wishing all a good & prosperous health this festive season & ahead!

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