Migrain
A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain
Symptoms of Migrain
Migraine is a chronic condition with recurrent attacks. Most (but not all) migraine attacks are associated with headaches.- Migraine headaches usually are described as an intense, throbbing or pounding pain that involves one temple. (Sometimes the pain is located in the forehead, around the eye, or at the back of the head).
- The pain usually is unilateral (on one side of the head), although about a third of the time the pain is bilateral (on both sides of the head).
- The unilateral headaches typically change sides from one attack to the next. (In fact, unilateral headaches that always occur on the same side should alert the doctor to consider a secondary headache, for example, one caused by a brain tumor).
- A migraine headache usually is aggravated by daily activities such as walking upstairs.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, facial pallor, cold hands, cold feet, and sensitivity to light and sound commonly accompany migraine headaches. As a result of this sensitivity to light and sound, migraine sufferers usually prefer to lie in a quiet, dark room during an attack. A typical attack lasts between 4 and 72 hours
An estimated 40%-60% of migraine attacks are preceded by premonitory (warning) symptoms lasting hours to days. The symptoms may include:
- sleepiness
- irritability
- fatigue
- depression or euphoria
- yawning
- cravings for sweet or salty food.
Non-medication therapies for Migraine
Therapy that does not involve medications can provide symptomatic and preventative therapy.- Using ice, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques may be helpful in stopping an attack once it has started.
- Sleep may be the best medicine if it is possible. Preventing migraine takes motivation for the patient to make some life changes. Patients are educated as to triggering factors that can be avoided. These triggers include:
- smoking, and
- avoiding certain foods especially those high in tyramine such as sharp cheeses or those containing sulphites (wines) or nitrates (nuts, pressed meats)