MIGRAINE

What is a migraine?
Migraine is a severe headache that typically last from 4-72 hours, usually on one side of the head and often accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity. This is due to temporary changes in the nerve conduction within the brain. This causes inflammatory changes in the nerve cells that create pain.

Some people may see light flashes or experiencing tingling sensations in the limbs before a migraine begins. These flashes are referred to as aura. Other people report certain food cravings, irritability, or feelings of depression before a migraine strikes.

Symptoms of migraine
You may get a migraine at any time. Sometimes you may be able to sense when a migraine attack is about to start. This is different from aura, and includes signs such as irritability, lack of concentration, food cravings and tiredness.

The general symptoms of migraines include:

• a headache that lasts anything from four up to 72 hours. 
• pulsating or throbbing pain, often just on one side of your head. 
• a headache that gets worse when you’re active or stops you from being active. 
• feeling sick or vomiting.
• increased sensitivity to light and noise.

Most people don’t need to see their Doctor when they get a migraine. However, it’s a good idea if:

• your migraines become more frequent or get worse over time. 
• you’re over 50 and haven’t had a migraine before.
• you get aura symptoms lasting more than an hour.
• People who get migraines generally don’t get any symptoms between attacks.

Causes of Migraine
It’s not fully understood what causes migraines, but they may be caused by a chemical called serotonin. Low levels of serotonin cause changes to the blood vessels in your brain. It’s not known exactly what causes the serotonin levels to change.

You may find it useful to keep a diary to track what might be triggering your migraines or making them worse.

Common triggers include:

• stress
• changes in sleep patterns
• poor posture or tension in your neck and shoulders
• certain food or drink – commonly chocolate, cheese, alcohol, caffeine
• loud noises
• bright or flickering lights
• certain smells
• strenuous exercise if you’re not used to it
• skipping meals
• not drinking enough fluid.

Women who see drops in estrogen around their periods or during pregnancy may have migraines because of the hormonal fluctuations.
Other less common triggers may include high blood pressure, smoking, toothache, eye strain or taking certain sleeping tablets.

Foods that contain a lot of sodium, as well as foods with additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) or artificial sweeteners like aspartame, could also cause migraines. Other triggers can include stress, alcohol consumption, changes in the weather, changes in sleeping habits and certain medications

Foods That Trigger Migraines

• Caffeine : Foods with caffeine include coffee, tea and chocolate
• Artificial sweeteners : Sugar alternatives
• Alcohol : Mainly Red Wine, Beer
• Chocolate
• Foods containing MSG (Monosodium glutamate)
• Cured meats including deli meats, ham, hot dogs, and sausages
• Aged cheeses : feta, blue cheese, parmesan
• Pickled and fermented foods
• Frozen foods
• Salty foods
• Eggs, tomatoes, onions, wheat including pasta and bread products, citrus fruits etc can also trigger migraine

What Foods Can You Eat to Prevent Migraines?

Pain-safe foods and beverages can include:

• orange, yellow, and green vegetables, such as summer squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach
• carbonated, spring, or tap water
• rice, especially brown rice
• dried or cooked fruits, particularly non-citrus kinds such as cherries and cranberries
• natural sweeteners or flavors, such as maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Migraine treatment medicines
There are several medicines that can be taken to help relieve migraines. Your doctor can recommend the most suitable migraine treatments for you. To be most effective, medicines to treat a migraine are best taken as soon as migraine symptoms are noticed.

Self-care for migraines
The following self-care measures can help when you have a migraine. These measures can be used in addition to medicines.

• Rest or sleep in a dark, quiet room.
• Try to stay still and avoid activities, including reading, watching television or using a screen.
• Apply a cold compress to your forehead or the back of your neck.
• Gently massage or apply gentle pressure to painful areas of your forehead and scalp.

Other treatments for preventing migraines
Other treatments that may be useful in preventing migraines include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of psychological therapy that has been shown to be as effective as medicines in preventing migraines);
• acupuncture;
• relaxation exercises; and
• stress management training.

Although these therapies may be useful on their own, they may be more effective when used together with preventive medicines for migraine.