Definition: ‘a recurrent throbbing headache that typically affects one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision.’ – Wikipedia
These headaches can last from 4 – 72 hours and will worsen with normal activity.Migraines commonly start from childhood and are most frequent in people in their 20s and 30s. They usually occur less frequently from the age 40 and onwards.
SYMPTOMS
- Pain is one sided
- Pain occurs behind the eye/eyes
- Moderate to severe
- Throbbing
- Aggravated by movement
- Excessive yawning
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and smell
- Affected vision (such as an aura)
- Vertigo or double vision
- Problems with articulation and coordination
- Stiffness in the neck and shoulders
- Tingling, pins, and needles, or numbness
- Speech disturbance
- Paralysis or loss of consciousness (rare)
- Lasts between 4 – 72 hours
CAUSES
- Tyramine and Phenylethylamine: which are commonly found in fermented cheese, chocolate, soy, citrus, and nuts
- Certain perfumes
- Alcohol
- Nitrites: which are in most foods that contain preservatives (hot dogs, deli meats, jerky, and pickled or cured foods)
- Eye strain: often from excessive reading, driving, or looking at electronic screens.
- Sulphites: which are found in processed foods, wine, and certain dried fruits such as prunes, and apricots
- Menstruation
- Weather: for example the change in barometric pressure
- Caffeine: intake or withdrawal
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Fatigue/lack of sleep
- Hunger/missed meals
- Back and neck pain
- Bright lights
- Excessive heat
- Pollutants/certain chemicals: e.g. paints, cleaning products
- Allergies
- Travel: via stress or high altitudes
- Inactiveness
- Loud noises
- Hormonal: due to oral contraceptives, pregnancy, or menopause
- Illness: such as the cold or flu
- Emotional triggers: such as arguments, excitement, and muscle tension
- Genetics
TREATMENT
- Avoid triggers
- Lie in a cool, dark, quiet room and wait for it to pass
- Avoid movement
- Place wet towel on forehead or neck
- Avoid reading or television
- Try to ‘sleep it off’
- Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and yoga
- Take pain-relieving medications straight away: such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen
- Take an anti-nausea medication
- Take preventative medications
REFERENCES
- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20537878,00.html
- http://rmhealthy.com/10-causes-of-a-migraine/10/http://www.health.vic.gov.au/edfactsheets/downloads/migraine.pdf
- http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/migraine
- http://www.bupa.com.au/health-and-wellness/health-information/az-health-information/migrainehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/headache-migraine
- http://headacheaustralia.org.au/migraine/https://www.humanhealthproject.org/migraine.html