What is migraine?
Migraine is a state where you feel severe headache that is usually accompanied or followed by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Approximately 1 out of every 10 men suffers from migraine in India.
The two types of migraine are:
o Classical - This migraine is preceded by various symptoms including seeing blinking lights, short-term visual loss, speech problems, numbness of the face, etc.
o Common – Doesn’t show any symptoms
What happens during a migraine?
Both types of migraine usually start with sudden mood swings, unexpected hunger and irresistible food cravings. Migraine attacks usually last from anywhere between four to 72 hours and are often felt on only one side of your head. The person suffering from it can find some respite by resting in a dark, quiet room.
What causes a migraine?
Alterations in the size of the blood vessels and the levels of neurotransmitter substances (chemical messengers) in the brain cause migraines. A fall in the levels of the brain chemical serotonin is held responsible for the dilatation (widening) of the blood vessels, which in turn causes the migraine.
Given below are few of the many factors that can trigger migraines:
o Fatigue
o Anxiety
o Dehydration
o Skipped or delayed meals
o Various foods and drinks, for instance cheese, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcohol, etc.
Can it be cured or controlled?
Unfortunately it can not be cured but it can be controlled. You have to keep track of various triggers and symptoms and then take adequate measures well before the headache strikes.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor when:
o Medicines from the pharmacist are proving to be helpless
o You start getting migraines more frequently
o You can see changes in the normal migraine symptoms.
What treatments are there?
Treatments available to control migraines include:
o Taking painkillers as soon as you observe any of the symptoms
o Taking medicines that help in restoring regular levels of serotonin
o Avoiding triggers
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