Migraine is one of the leading causes of disability among all diseases. The word Migraine comes from a Greek word ‘hemikrania’ in which ‘hemi’ stands for ‘half’ and ‘kranion’ stands for ‘skull’. So Migraine is defined as the self limited, recurring severe headache affecting mostly one half of the head which is pulsating in nature with some autonomous symptoms.
There are a lot of triggering factors responsible for the rise of Migraine cases
- Dehydration: Loss of water & electrolytes especially sodium can trigger migraine as it can dilute the blood stream & induce headache. Less intake of water is also responsible for dehydration. Over-hydration can also disturb the balance of electrolytes.
- So drink accordingly atleast 2.5 or 3 litres of water a day but don’t drink out of your body demands.
- Caffeine rich drinks like iced tea, cold coffee, alcoholic drinks (red wine) and soda are to be avoided as it causes dehydration. Water & beverages containing electrolytes is the good choice. Don’t let yourself be dehydrated.
- Eating habits: Skipping meals or irregular eating habits is also one of the triggering factors for this frustrating pain. Avoid fried, hot & spicy food. Intake of chocolates should be avoided as it dehydrates your system. Take proper meals at regular time intervals. Increase fibres or roughage. Take plenty of seasonal fruits.
- Sun exposure: Direct sunlight is one of the major triggers. Avoid stepping outside in the sun & don’t forget to carry a head wrap, scarf, hat or umbrella so that it can help you in avoiding headaches. Low barometric pressure or the barometric fluctuations in hot summer days can make the blood vessels dilates which releases Serotonin. This causes constriction of blood vessels & produces symptoms of aura like visual disturbances, mood changes etc. When the Seratonin levels fall, it again causes dilatation of blood vessels & induces a throbbing type of pain.
- Humidity: As the humidity increases, the sensitivity to odours also increases. Strong odours trigger migraine so avoid using strong smelling perfumes, oils, sunscreen etc. Purchase fragrance free products to avoid migraine.
- Sleep Patterns: Too much sleep & too less sleep should be avoided. You should follow a regular sleep pattern for better health. A good sleep is a key to prevent migraine.
- Exercise: Strumous physical exercises should be avoided to avoid excessive sweating which can lead to dehydration. It is better to do light exercises, yoga, dance etc.
Signs & symptoms
There are basically 4 phases of migraine, although not all phases are necessarily experienced, it may vary individual to individual.
- The Prodrome stage (40-50%); occurs hours or days before headache. Symptoms may comprise of altered mood, irritability, depression or euphoria, fatigue, yawning, excessive sleepiness, neck muscles stiffness, constipation or diarrhea, increased urination. This stage acts as an alarm that a migraine attack is near.
- The aura (20-30%); immediately precedes the headache. It can be visual, sensory or motor in nature.
- Symptoms may include photophobia, photopsia, scintillating scotoma, paresthesias, a feeling of pins and needles, hallucination, temporary dysphagia, vertigo, tingling, numbness or hypersensitivity to touch.
- The pain stage: Typical migraine pain is unilateral; may be bilateral at the onset or become generalized. The character of pain is throbbing. The onset is usually gradual, lasts for 4-72 hours; aggravated by physical activity.
- Accompanied symptoms may includes nausea(90%), photophobia, nasal stuffiness, polyuria, feeling of faintness.
- There may be localized oedema of scalp or face, scalp tenderness, prominence of vein or artery in temple, stiff neck. Impairment of mood and concentration is common.
- The postdrome stage: After an attack of migraine, patient may feel tired, cognitive difficulties, weakness, malaise or depression
Diagnosis
Many a times the headaches are frequently misdiagnosed as Migraine. So it is important to know how to form correct diagnosis.
Migraine with Aura: if the headache fulfils the following criteria.
- 5 or more attacks
- 4 hours to 3 days in duration
- 2 or more symptoms – unilateral location, pulsating or throbbing pain, severity- moderate to severe, aggravation by or avoidance of regular physical activities
- 1 or more accompanying symptoms- nausea, vomiting, photophobia
Migraine with Aura: Only 2 attacks are required to justify the diagnosis
Investigations
- MRI- Important diagnostic tool
- CT Scan
- Angiogram
- EEG- Useful in complicated migraine cases
Homoeopathic Intervention
Cure is possible with Constitutional treatment which is the only effective measure. Homoeopathic remedies not only help to alleviate the pain but also prevent its recurrence.
At Orbit Clinics, the homeopathic remedies which worked as wonders in the diagnosed cases of migraine are Natrum mur, Kali bichrom, Silicea, Spigelia, Aconite, Belladonna, Chelidonium, Selenium, Cedron, Sulphur, Calcarea, Phosphorus, Mag mur etc.
The basis of selection of homeopathic simillimum is Individualization; so it is always recommended to consult registered homeopath for the positive & promising results.
