Migraine

Migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headache attacks that
occur with additional symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or touch.
More than just the cause of “really bad headaches,” migraine is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. While intense, debilitating headaches frequently characterize it, additional symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty speaking
• Numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to light and sound

The condition often runs in families and can affect all ages. The diagnosis of migraine is determined based on clinical history, reported symptoms, and by ruling out other causes. The most common categories of migraine headaches (or attacks) are episodic versus chronic, and then those without aura and those with aura.

What does migraine feel like?

People describe migraine pain as:
• pulsating
• throbbing
• Perforating
• Pounding
• Debilitating

It can also feel like a severe, dull, steady ache. The pain may start out as mild. But without treatment, it can become moderate to severe. Migraine pain most commonly affects the forehead area. It’s usually on one side of the head but can occur on both sides or shift. Children are more likely to experience migraine on both sides of the head.

What are the symptoms of migraine?

Migraine symptoms may vary depending on the type of migraine you experience. They also vary depending on which phase of a migraine attack you’re in:

Prodrome: Symptoms may begin 1 to 2 days before the headache itself. You may
experience food cravings, changes in mood or energy, and neck stiffness, among other symptoms.

Aura: About one-quarter of people with migraine experience aura as part of an attack.
These are sensory symptoms (most often visual) that can last 5 to 60 minutes.

Headache: Most people experience head pain that can be severe and can last for hours to days. During this phase, people also experience increased sensitivity to light and sounds, nausea, and dizziness.

Postdrome: During this phase, you may experience changes in mood, difficulty
concentrating, and exhaustion. A mild, dull headache may persist. The duration and intensity of these phases can vary in different people. Not everyone experiences all the phases. In some cases, an attack can occur without a headache.

Migraine nausea: Many people experience nausea as a symptom of migraine. Many also vomit. These symptoms may start at the same time as the attack. However, they usually start about an hour after the headache begins.

What can trigger a migraine attack?

Many people with migraine report that something triggers their migraine attacks. These
could be things in their diet, changes in their environment, or other events. While migraine triggers can be very personal, commonly reported triggers include:

• Bright lights
• Severe heat, or other extremes in weather
• Dehydration
• Excess stress
• Loud sounds
• Intense physical activity
• Skipping meals
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Use of certain medications, like oral contraceptives
• Unusual smells
• Certain foods
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Traveling

If you experience a migraine attack, a homoeopath may ask you to keep a headache journal because every individual has different set of symptoms . Writing down what you were doing, what foods you ate, and what medications you took before your migraine attack began can help identify your triggers. Some of Homeopathic medicines used for migraine are:

• Gelsemium
• Belladonna
• Sangunaria can
• Cimicifuga
• Platina
• Natrum mur

Thorough history of the patient is needed to reach accurate remedy which will result in
lifelong relief from migraine after a short course of treatment.