A migraine is considered to be one of the worst headaches of all. It causes excruciating pain along with a range of other symptoms. Notably, a migraine pain is very different in nature compared to general headache. A migraine pain is mostly felt on any one side of the brain. Since a migraine is difficult to diagnose, here is a list of 5 signs that will help you to understand, if your headache qualifies as a migraine:

Vision splotches: It is very common among migraine patients to experience blind spots and a sudden flash of light. While this might appear to be a little unusual, it is pretty normal for migraine patients. The visual cortex of the brain is responsible for incidences like these. They often pace up and slow down to cause such unnatural feelings. For cases like this, the nerve gets activated by the optical lobe and crashes immediately resulting in such sensations. These visible auras are felt by both the eyes.
A spinning sensation: A migraine patient often gets a swirling sensation. This requires them to immediately lie down. This is accompanied with nausea and throwing up. Certain migraine-induced changes caused in the brain causes hearing imbalance which is very similar to vertigo. These auras often serve as the onset of a migraine and can last for over one hour before the actual migraine cycle starts. If a person is suffering from these symptoms, it is a clear indication that he is suffering from a migraine.
Light sensitivity: Migraine patients often becomes oversensitive to sound and light. This is perhaps the reason why most migraine sufferers like to spend more time in dark and solicitude. Studies have shown that sudden exposure to light activates the optic nerve fiber which in turn activates the pain receptors in the brain. A study conducted by the Nature Neuroscience journal conducted in the year 2010 showed that even blind person (with a migraine) suffers from a sudden glow of light.
Touch sensitivity: Sensory auras often cause sharp pain from tiniest of touches. This is a condition known as the allodynia. This is a condition by which the spine and the brain get super excited by the inflamed blood vessels. This condition should be reported to a doctor since the most common medicine of a migraine does not work well if a patient is suffering from allodynia.
Funny Face: Aura of the tongue, face and lips are known as cheiro-oral. There is a type of aura that makes even speaking and eating difficult. At time sufferers feel that they are suffering from serious diseases such as brain tumor. If this condition prevails, it makes sense to contact your doctor at the earliest and start medication.

5 Signs You Are Suffering From Migraine

Migraine headache is characterized by a severe headache usually affecting one side of the head. There are other symptoms along with headache like nausea/vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound. Some patients experience neurological phenomena like changes in vision, temporary loss of sensation and altered sensation, a phenomenon known as an aura (flashes of light, zigzag patterns, bright spots, tingling in the arms and the legs). Migraine headache can last for 2 to 3 days. 

Symptoms: The symptoms depend on the stage of a migraine attack. The stages of a migraine attack can be: 

Prodrome, Aura, Headache or attack, and Postdrome. 
Prodorme: One to two days prior to the migraine attack, patient may experience; 
Mood swings. 
Cravings for food. 
Increased yawning. 
Stiff neck. 
Constipation and frequent thirst and urination. 
In case of an aura (during or before a migraine), there may be visual, motor, speech, and sensory illusions and disturbances such as, 

Loss of vision. 
A strange sensation of needles pricking an arm or a leg. 
One side of the body becomes weak and numb. 
There are visual illusions such as the appearance of flashes of light, zigzag patterns, bright spots. 
There is a problem in hearing and speaking. 
In some cases, there may be a hemiplegic migraine (the limb becomes weak). 
During a Migraine Attack (lasts for 4 to 72 hours), there may be 

A throbbing pain on either one or both sides of the head 
Blurred vision, light-headedness. 
Nausea and vomiting 
Sensitivity to light and sound 
Sensitivity to touch and smell (though rare) 
In Postdrome (after a migraine), there can be 

Mood swings. 
A person may be sensitive to light and sound. 
Dizziness and weakness 
Confusion 
Extreme fatigue 
An amalgamation of environmental and genetic factors may be responsible for a migraine. Trigger varies for each patient: 

Stress and extreme physical exertion 
Obesity 
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks and beverages 
Salty and processed foods 
Altered sleeping habits 
Hormonal alterations in women (Constant fluctuation in the level of oestrogen) 
Oral contraceptives and certain vasodilators (nitroglycerin) 
Preservatives like MSG (monosodium glutamate) and Aspartame (sweetener) 
Sunshine, certain odours, travel, etc can trigger migraine. 
Treatment and Prevention: 

Medicines under supervision to abort an attack of migraine and special drugs to stop attacks. 
Lifestyle changes are helpful to decrease attacks: 
Avoid your trigger for migraine. 
Follow regular sleep -wake cycle. 
Regular exercise, meditation. 
Avoidance of alcohol, caffeine containing beverages. 
Other treatment options that can be availed from pain specialist: 
Transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation 
Intramuscular stimulation. 
Botulinum toxin injection. 
Occipital nerve block.

Migraine Pain - Facts About It!

Migraine is the most severe forms of headaches. Migraine attacks usually include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light along with the severe headaches, which are sometimes unbearable. If faced with this condition, there is only one way out to suffer through it, though pain medications do help manage the pain.

Being such a common condition, there is constant research being done about how to help people deal with migraines. In addition to popping pain killers, there is more than what a person can do to reduce the pain.

Identify the triggers: Those who have had migraine for a while would know what triggers the attack. Whether it is chocolates or eggs, get to know what can induce an attack, and if possible, stay away from it.
Stick to a schedule: Whether it is in terms of food or sleep, try and develop a routine and follow it.
Physical workout: Develop an exercise regime to cover at least 30 minutes of physical exercise. Most people see a dramatic difference with a regular exercise routine.
Bid goodbye to smoking: If you are a smoker, work at quitting this habit. It is one of the known triggers and also aggravates regular headaches.
Stress management: Whether you are going through physical or emotional stress, migraine attacks can become more frequent and severe. Manage physical stress by not sitting at the same location for prolonged periods and by doing small exercises to relax the shoulders, knees, and jaws. For emotional stress, identify what helps you relax and follow it. While deep breathing works for some, for others, it could be music. Whatever your relaxation technique may be, ensure that you follow it. Work on improving relationships that stress you out. A regular exercise routine and sleep pattern also helps in reducing physical stress.
Despite these methods, migraine attacks do happen. Follow the next few steps when you know you are getting an attack.

Stop your regular activities and find a calm environment for yourself. Let this place have less of light and sound as they can aggravate migraines.
Sleep if you are able to.
Go for a warm bath if possible.
Try hot or cold compresses, which can numb the senses and reduce the pain.
Have a caffeinated beverage as this will provides relief. Do not have it in excess as you will have hangover effects from the caffeine.
Use only those medications that were prescribed by your doctor. Do not experiment.
Lifestyle changes including exercise, diet, and stress management play a vital role in dealing with migraines.

Migraine - How To Deal With It?

Migraine, the extreme headache that comes back to haunt its victims every chance it gets, can actually be managed with a controlled diet. Of course, medication is the solution, and so is surgery with botulinum toxin in extreme chronic cases. But let s try lifestyle changes before going for any of that.

Symptoms of Migraine:

Pain on the sides of the head is the characteristic symptoms of migraine, but there are others:

A throbbing sensation in the head.

Nausea from constant pain.

Photosensitivity.

More than the usual aversion to loud noises.

Sweating, stomachache, and diarrhea rarely come with the more common symptoms of migraines, as stated above.

Causes of Migraine:

Migraine is often genetic. Pain triggers include:

Hormonal changes, as in during menstruation or pregnancy or puberty.

Emotional disturbances like anxiety, depression, shock, or even excitement.

Poor posture that puts stress on the neck or head.

Tiredness or lack of sleep.

Side-effects of medication such as sleeping pills, some contraceptive pills, and medication for hormone replacement therapy.

External triggers like second-hand smoke, loud noises, very bright lights, lack of oxygen in a poorly ventilated room, dust, any strong smell.

Food Triggers

Foods that trigger migraines include:

Aged cheese with high tyramine: Blue cheese, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, brie, parmesan, gorgonzola, English stilton, Swiss cheese,

Alcohol: Red wine, scotch, champagne, beer, and vodka trigger migraine by dehydrating the body and/or due to the sulfite preservative in them.

Food preservatives: Nitrite or nitrate compounds in preserved foods like ham, sausages, hotdogs, bacon, pepperoni, and deli meat.

MSG: Monosodium glutamate in soy sauce or anything labeled  hydrolyzed  is a trigger.

Sourdough: Baked yeast products like bread, rolls, donuts, and cakes.

Nuts: Peanuts, peanut butter, dried fruits, and some seeds and nuts trigger migraine in not all but some people.

Smoked or Dried Fish

Tomatoes

Onions

Citrus Fruits: Like lemon, orange, grapefruit, Greek citron, etc.

Beans: Like lima, fava, pinto, snow peas, lentils, pole, and broad beans.

Caffeine: Anything more than 200mg of caffeine can trigger migraines.

Artificial sweeteners: Due to aspartame or sucralose content.

Chocolate: Due to beta-phenylethylamine

Avoiding these food items can alleviate symptoms of migraine. This is why one should avoid these foods in their diet. However, it is advisable to consult a Dietician or Nutritionist before avoiding or taking any food item.

Food Which Help to Cure Migraine

The elimination of diet tactics is not enough to manage migraines. There are foods that must be included in the diet. They are:

Salmon: For the vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and blood pressure.

Dark chocolate: Due to the magnesium content.

Fresh figs: Due to potassium and electrolytes. Avoid dried figs as they contain tyramine.

Shrimp: Due to astaxanthin and vitamins and minerals to help with inflammation.

Carrots: Beta-carotene helps.

Sweet potatoes: Vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, Vitamin B group, manganese, copper, and potassium to the rescue.

Collard Greens

Kale

Quinoa

Ginger

Fresh fruits: Like bananas and apples.

Herbs: Like feverfew, butterbur.

Conclusion

Avoiding trigger foods, having migraines relieving foods, and having plenty of water along with enough sleep and some exercise can manage migraines well enough to not need medication.

All The Foods That Trigger Or Alleviate Migraine!

One of the most debilitating conditions that anyone can experience is migraine. They can severely limit you by affecting your personal and professional life as you are in constant pain. Migraine can manifest in a type of headache with intense pain, an acute sensitivity to light, vomiting and nausea. Often described as a severe throbbing pain in the head, it may stop you from completing regular daily tasks and may delay or postpone your work.

How can migraines be treated?
The exact cause for these debilitating migraine pain hasn't been pointed out yet, but certain triggers such as stress, hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, sun exposure, bright or flashing lights, among many others have been identified. The first line of defense for you would be to understand and identify what your triggers are. Once that is done, you can try and avoid them. If these still trigger a migraine or are about to trigger one, you can immediately take medications or steps to control it or at least lessen the pain to go through your day. Some of the options you can employ to this effect are mentioned below.

Medications to prevent a migraine attack: The medications mentioned here are specialized treatments and can only be taken after a consultation with a doctor. If you are deemed as a candidate for preventative medication for migraines, then either one or a combination of drugs from the following may be prescribed to you.
Valproate and Topiramate are anti-seizure medications which can be used to prevent migraines.
Propranolol, a type of beta blocker and used for cardio vascular problems, has proven to be very effective in preventing migraines.
Onabotulinumtoxin A or a type of Botox, has shown a lot of promise in preventing migraines and is being slowly rolled out as a proper drug as a treatment option.
Certain antidepressants have also shown to be quite effective in reducing the symptoms of migraines as well.
Medications to relieve pain: Some of the go to medications that help relieve your pain from migraine are mentioned below. Although some of them are OTC (over the counter) drugs, it is best advised that you consult with your doctor for medications which suit you better. The side effects of these medications can be bad and thus, it is not advised to continue them in the long run and to find other means to control pain from migraines. Some of the medications to relieve pain temporarily are:
Triptan is a drug used to treat severe migraines
Caffeine along with Ergotamine can also help dull the pain and deal with it.
Ibuprofen and aspirin and Acetaminophen are common pain killers that you can use
Codeine, which contains opioids are also used to treat this problem.
Metoclopramide and chlorpromazine are two examples of anti-nausea medications as vomiting along with nausea may frequently accompany your migraine.
Always remember that these medications can have strong side effects if not taken properly, therefore do not just pop a pill, consult your physician first and know which one should you take and how frequently. 

Severe Headache - Can it Be Migraine?

Migraine is a type of headache which can occur in varied intensities; the pain resulting from a migraine is pulsating and throbbing. This sort of a headache is usually accompanied by extreme sensitivity to sounds and light as well as severe nausea. One feature that significantly differentiates between migraine and any other type of headache is that the headache resulting from migraines usually develops on any one side of the head.

Causes of Migraine

The exact cause behind migraine is yet to be fully understood. Migraines are thought to be a result of combination of genetic and environmental factors.In majority of cases, migraines tend to run in families . There are few well known trigger factors for migraine. These are   stress, exertion, gastric disturbances, eating heavy food stuff, taking alcoholic drinks, coffee intake, hormone changes in females.

Symptoms of Migraine

The most characteristic symptom of migraine is one sided headache mostly of violent, throbbing and pulsating in nature. The accompanying symptoms include nausea, vomiting, blurring of vision, flashes of light before eyes, double vision, light/sound sensitivity, confusion and weakness.

Homeopathy is not in the favour of using temporary treatments like popping a painkiller to alleviate the throbbing, pulsating and often intolerable pain caused from migraine. Homeopathy aims at going deep down into the root of the problem and entirely removes the tendency of any patient to be shot with migraine headaches every now and then. That is why homeopathic medications may take some time in showing results. They do not offer any temporary relief like most allopathic treatments do. On the other hand, homeopathic medicines offer a long term relief and can cure the migraine problem permanently.

Though homeopathic treatments vary from person to person, there are a few homeopathic medicines, which are very effective in relieving migraine headaches.

Belladona for throbbing migraine attack: Belladonna is one of the most effective homeopathic medicines for treating migraine headache that is throbbing and violent in the temporal region of the head. If pain gets triggered without any prior prodromal symptoms and worsens by noise, touching and light, then Belladona is potent in removing the pain. This medicine is also good if you are unable to lie down because of pain and if your face turns red and hot when you are struck with excruciating pain. Have a few drops of Belladona and apply a mild pressure to feel better.
Glonoine for migraine with congestive headache: When you are struck with congestive headache, a rush of blood reaches the head region causing redness in face and head area with intolerable throbbing pain. You may even feel shocks around the head which get aggravated when exposed to heat or sunlight. It becomes impossible to tolerate any kind of warmth, and you may feel a bit relieved when you uncover the head. If you are affected with congestive headache, then consuming Glonoine can be of immense help.
Natrum Mur for migraine from grief and stress: This medicine is widely used for alleviating migraine caused from stress and grief. Natrum Mur is also effective in alleviating anaemic headaches, which mostly affect young women. It often leads to temporary sightlessness, and the pain feels as if thousands of small hammers are being throbbed within the brain. The pain tends to rise up after through the day, and the patient may feel better after sunset. If the pain gets triggered when the eye is strained, then Natrum Mur is the medication for you.
As you see, homeopathic treatments are great for reducing migraine attacks and your doctor will be able to guide you better on this matter. Homoeopathy treats each patient of Migraine by individualization and thus treats the root cause of migraine which could be Sun, stress, exertion etc.

How Homeopathy Helps In Handling Migraine!

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