Dr. S V Kulkarni

It is the most common problem seen in society today. A migraine is a common neurological condition characterised by a headache, but some people have associated symptoms of eye and ear.
Classic symptoms of a migraine:

1. Severe throbbing headache on one side of head
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Sensitivity to light and noise.
4. Prefer quite a dark room to sleep

Vestibular symptoms:

1. Vertigo
2. Dizziness
3. Imbalance
4. Unsteadiness
5. Sensitivity to motion

Hearing symptoms:

1. Muffled hearing
2. Ear fullness
3. Ringing in the ear or tinnitus

Causes of a migraine:
Migraine headaches probably relate to both abnormal discharges in cells within the brain and to the construction of the walls of the blood vessels in and around the brain. But the exact cause of a migraine is not known. Following are the provocating factors which make the condition worse

1. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
2. Stress altered sleep patterns
3. Diet fast food, oily food, processed food
4. Chocolates, cheeses
5. Coffee sodas with caffeine
6. Alcohol

Factors related to a migraine

1. More common in women than men
2. Symptoms are often worse during menstruation
3. Family history

Management

1. Avoid food, which triggers migraines e.g. Chocolate, alcohol, cheese, oily, spicy, junk and processed food
2. Relaxation exercise
3. Stress management
4. During menstrual period decrease the salt intake and take some diuretic
5. Ibruphen for pain after meal
6. Other treatment with the advice of neuro physician e.g.
   1. Beta blockers agents
   2. Calcium channel blockers
   3. Tricyclic antidepressants
   4. Seratonergic agents
   5. Gabapantin or neurontin
   6. Clongepam
   7. Acetazolamides or diamox
   8. Sodium valporate or depakots
   9. Topiramax
   10. Oxycarbazapine or trieptal

A brain stroke can affect anyone at any point of time when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. It can threaten major physical functions and can prove to be fatally dangerous at times. The brain stem which is placed right above the spinal cord controls the breathing, heartbeat and levels of blood pressure. It is also in charge of controlling some elementary functions such as swallowing, hearing, speech and eye movements

What are the different types of strokes?
There are three main kinds of stroke: ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. The The most common type of brain stroke is the ischemic stroke is caused by narrowing or blocking of arteries to the brain, which prevents the proper supplyof of blood to the brain. Sometimes it so happens that the blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body have travelled via the blood vessels and has been trapped in the blood vessel which provides blood to the brain. When the supply of blood to a part of the brain is hindered, the tissue in that area dies off owing to lack of oxygen. The other variant of brain stroke is termed as hemorrhagic stroke is caused when the blood vessels in and around the brain burstor or leak. Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible in order to minimize brain damage.

What are the common symptoms of a brain stroke?
The symptoms of the brain stroke are largely dependent on the area of the brain that has been affected. It can interfere with normal functioning, such as breathing and talking and other functions which human beings can perform without thinking such as eye movements or swallowing. Since all the signals from the brain as well as other parts of the body traverse through the brain stem, the interruption of blood flow often leads to numbness or paralysis in different parts of the body.

Who is likely to have a stroke?
Anyone is at a risk of developing brain stroke although ageing is directly proportional to the risk of having a stroke. Not only that an individual with a family history of brain stroke or transient ischemic attack is at a higher risk of developing stroke. People who have aged over 65 accounts for about 33 percent of all brain strokes. It is important to point here that individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol, cancer, autoimmune diseases and some blood disorders are at a higher risk of developing brain stroke.

There are a few factors which can increase the risk of developing stroke beyond any control. But there are certain lifestyle choices as well which aids in controlling the chances of being affected by stroke. It is crucial to refrain from long-term hormone replacement therapies as well as birth control pills, smoking, lack of physical activity, excessive use of alcohol and drug addiction. A brain stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, and when an individual has symptoms that resemble that of stroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Treatment for stroke:

• Treatment depends on the type of stroke.
• Ischemic strokes can be treated with 'clot-busting' drugs.
• Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated with surgery to repair or block blood vessel weaknesses.
• The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What is TPA?
TPA is a thrombolytic or a “Clot Buster” drug. This clot buster is used to break-up the clot that is causing a blockage or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and helps restore the blood flow to the area of the brain. It is given by intravenous (IV). This can be given only within 45.5 hrs of the onset of symptoms

Time is brain

Remember Every second Loss means brain cells die.

Rush to the nearest Stroke Centre whenever you experience such symptoms.

You can save the brain cells dying if you reach within 4.5 hrs by the CLOT BUSTER. 

Endovascular procedures:
Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, strongly recommended, in whichtrained  trained doctors try  removing a large blood clot bysending sending a wired-caged device called a stent retriever, to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain

Stroke prevention:
The good news is that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. It startswith with managing keyrisk risk factors, including 

• High blood pressure,
• Cigarette smoking,
• Diabetes Atrial fibrillation and
• Physical inactivity.

More than half of all strokes are caused by uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure, making it the most important risk factor to control. 

Rehabilitation:
The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a neurologist. Homoeopathic Remedies which may be helpful during stroke or after stroke: Creategus, Terminalia Arjuna, Arnica, Glonoine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Lachesis, Opium, Staphysagria, Gelsemium, Phosphorous etc. 

Note : Do not take any Homoeopathic medicine without consulting any Homoeopath.