Migraine

What is migraine?

Migraine is a type of neurological disease, characterized by pulsating headaches which are usually felt on one side of the head. Such a type of headache can be a significant cause of severe suffering for the affected individual.

What causes migraine?

Even today the exact cause of migraine is not well understood. However, interplay of genetic and environmental factors are thought to play foul. In addition to this, imbalance in the level of brain chemicals is also one of the major reasons for the onset of migraine.

There are various trigger factors identified for development of migraine. These include:

• Certain types of food
• Hormonal imbalances in women
• Stress
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Certain medications
• Physical factors
• Alterations in the sleep – wake pattern

What are different types of migraine?

Migraines are broadly classified under 2 categories, namely:

• Migraines with auras
•  Migraines without auras

How does migraine spread?

It is not an infectious disease and therefore does not spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of migraine?

The various symptoms of migraine include:

• 2 days prior to the onset of migraine, individuals experience these symptoms: Constipation, feelings of irritability and depression, craving for certain types of food, stiffness in the neck and yawning uncontrollably.
• During the attack, the symptoms include: development of pain in one or both sides of the head, nausea accompanied by vomiting, pulsating pain, blurred vision and the individual experiences sensitivity to light.

What are the different stages of migraine?

Migraine develops in 4 different stages. These include:

1.  Prodromal, characterized by onset of signs 2 days prior to the attack.
2. Aura – signs of nervous system disturbances
3. Attack – development of migraine pain
4. Postdrome – phase after the attack, wherein the individual feels drained out and is extremely tired.

What is the treatment of migraine?

It is not possible to cure migraines. However, with the combination of various treatment regimes, the condition can be effectively managed and individuals can lead a normal life. In majority of cases, the pain relieving medications form the basis of treatment regime. In addition to this, individuals are also given preventive medications which are required to be taken on a daily basis to prevent a migraine attack. Pain relieving medications are often given in conjugation with anti – nausea medications. This is so because, migraine attacks are many a times accompanied by feelings of nausea and vomiting.

How can migraine be prevented?

Making certain significant changes in the lifestyle can help to prevent migraine attacks. One of the important factors is to exercise regularly and maintain an active lifestyle. Individuals are also advised to avoid the trigger factors that can initiate a migraine headache. If estrogen containing medications is triggering the attacks, then it is better to control the dosage of the drug with the help of a doctor.

 Diet and lifestyle changes of migraine?

Exercising regularly and eating a well balanced diet should be adopted. Staying hungry and eating at odd hours can also trigger attacks. It is therefore suggested to maintain a proper sleep – wake cycle and an appropriate eating pattern.

What is Ayurvedic treatment of migraine?

Ayurvedic treatment of migraine focuses on good dietary habits and practicing yoga on a regular basis. In addition to these, the various medications prescribed include godanti bhasma, suvarna sutashekhara ras, vidhwasansa ras, chandanaadi vati and dashamoolarishta.