MIGRAINE

Migraine may result from a of causes such as low blood sugar, infection, excessive intake of certain drugs like vitamin A, weak constitution, low energy, nutritional deficiency, overwork, improper sleep and rest, excessive smoking, drinking and sex. Menstruation in women may also be one of the important causes of migraine due to the effect of chemical hormone changes occurring during this period. This form of migraine is usually eliminated with menopause.

There are various factors which trigger off migraine. The most important is consuming food which the patient may be allergic to. Such foods include certain chocolates, cheese and other dairy products, fried foods in general, onions, tomatoes, citrus fruits as well as coffee, tea, nicotine and alcoholic drinks which stimulate or depress the nerves and alter the size of blood vessels. Other triggers include excessive bright light, eye-strain, excitement, fright, hurry, anger, resentment and depression after hard work.

There is a definite pattern for migraine. The pain rages on only one side of the head and often radiates from the eye. The right side of the head may be affected in one attack and in the next it may be the left side. Migraine attacks are usually preceded by a short period of depression , irritability and loss of appetite. The main symptoms are a pounding pain, nausea and vomiting. The blood vessels on the affected side of the head will be prominent and pulsating. Migraine gives fair warning before striking. The patient sees flashes of light or black spots or only parts of the objects in front of him. He may also feel numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face. Sometimes the numbness may affect both sides of the face and tongue and whole mouth, making speech slurred and difficult.

As the head ache develops, disturbed digestion becomes a marked feature. A severe attack of migraine is very tiring and the patient may have to rest in bed so as to exclude light and noise as far as possible, because both cause painful irritations. The whole of the head becomes hypersensitive and even the slightest movement adds to the intense pain.