Migraine

What Is Migraine?

• Migraine is a result of some abnormal activities in the brain that cause a severe headache. This is accompanied by over-sensitivity to light, sound or particular kind of smells. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Migraine?

• Though not all the migraine pains are similar, few common symptoms are: moderate to severe throbbing pain in either side of the head, which increases during any physical activity, sweating, temperature change of the body, abdominal pain, nausea, pain in the eyes etc.. There may be sensitivity to noise, smell and light.    

What Are The Causes Of Migraine?

Though real cause of migraine is still not known, possible causes could be:

• Central nervous disorder
• Genetic predispositions
• Abnormalities in brain chemical or nerve pathways
• Abnormalities in blood vessel system of brain, or vascular system.
• Things which can trigger the attack of migraine are skipping meals, salty foods, junk foods, hormonal changes, sensory triggers like exposure to light, noise or certain kinds of smells.    

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Migraine?

To relax from the migraine pain or other headaches, do the following:

• Lavender oil can be inhaled or applied directly to reduce the pain
• Peppermint oil stimulates a proper flow of oxygen into the bloodstream as this is the major cause of a migraine
• Basil oil relaxes the muscles and helps reduce a headache caused due to tension or tight muscles.    

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Migraine?

• Don’t spend too much time in front of the computer, mobile or any other electronic gadget.

What Are The Best Foods For Migraine?

Foods that can help keep migraine pain or other headaches in check are:

• Grains: The rich fibre content of grains keep the sugar level controlled as the dip in sugar level can trigger a migraine or a headache.
• Fish and Meat: These have plenty of essential fatty acids that inhibit the inflammation causing hormones’ production, therefore helping in decreasing the migraine pain or headaches. Salmon, mackerel, trout have high fatty acids amount. Tuna, Turkey, Chicken and beef liver have Vitamin B6 that can help decrease the ongoing pain.
• Seeds, Legumes and Nuts: Almonds, Cashews, Brown Rice, Peas and various other legumes have high amounts of Magnesium that can keep a migraine or other headaches away. Sesame seeds have the high amount of Vitamin E and magnesium and are good for the ailment.
• Fruits: The water found naturally in the fruits has many minerals that keep a migraine and other headaches at bay. Fruits like: watermelon, papaya, berries, melon, cucumber, tomatoes, cantaloupe, grapefruit, cherries, apricots, pineapples, apples, avocados must be consumed.
• Cinnamon and rosemary help in decreasing the headaches.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger root reduce the inflammation that causes a headache.    

What Are The Worst Foods For Migraine?

Foods that trigger a migraine and other headaches and must be avoided are:

• Pickled, fermented or marinated foods contain Monosodium Glutamine (MSG), that stimulates a migraine
• Asian foods, especially the Chinese foods, contain MSG in the flavouring, so must be avoided
• Caffeine (chocolates, tea, coffee, sodas, energy drinks)
• Aged Cheese: Tyramine, a monoamine found in blue cheese, Parmesan, Cheddar induce a migraine. Smoked fish and sausages also contain the same
• Preservative Sodium Nitrate found in various fast foods must not be consumed
• Onions contain tyramine that induces a migraine
• Artificial sugar containing drinks must not be consumed
• Alcohol, the red wine specifically. Though beer and white wine can also lead to a migraine.    

What Are The Medicines For Migraine?

What Are The Tips To Manage Migraine?

Lifestyle Changes to prevent the migraine pains:

• Have a proper sleep cycle with fixed sleeping and waking up time
• Regular Exercise
• Consume regular meals, as the dip in the sugar level, can be a cause of a migraine
• Drink adequate amount of water as dehydration can also be a cause of a migraine
• Stress is a major cause of a migraine, de-stress yourself through meditation, yoga, calm music or walk
• Additional therapies along with prescription like acupuncture, massage, and talk therapy can help reduce the ailment.