The Menace of Migraines - I
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Migraines are a complex neurological disease brought on by the disorder of the central nervous system. They are severe and recurrent attacks of headache that may occur on any one or both sides of the head, lasting anything between 2 and 72 hours. (1)
Besides the debilitating pain, migraineurs often experience some symptoms that precede and/or last during the time the migraine episode is on. Here’s a list of some of the symptoms a migraineur may experience before or during an attack:
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sleep disturbances
• Visual disturbances/aura
• Hypersensitivity to sound
• Hypersensitivity to light
• Increased sensitivity to odors
• Frequent yawning
• Frequent need to urinate
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Non-visual aura
• Confusion
• Fatigue
The exact reason why a migraine attack begins is not yet clear to scientists. However, based on years of data gathered from cases that report for treatment assistance to clinics and hospitals, several migraine triggers have been identified. These triggers vary in people and also from time to time.
Here is an outline of some triggers:
• Calcium deficiency
• Allergy to your own hormones
• Increase in the levels of prostaglandins
• Magnesium deficiency
• Sleep deprivation
• Stress and depression
• Dietary changes
• Sudden and marked fluctuations in the intake levels of caffeine
• Weather and altitude
• Environmental changes (pollution)
• Intake of birth control pills and some prescription medications
• Sinusitis
• Brain tumor
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• High sugar content in food
• Neck-related conditions
• Inflammation of maxillary nerve
• Excessive salt intake through food
• Monosodium Glutamate
• Allergy to chemicals in citrus foods (2)
It is interesting to note that unlike some diseases, migraines has its many types. I have listed some of the more common types below.
• Ocular/Ophthalmoplegic/Ophthalmic/Retinal/Visual/Optical Migraines
Ocular migraines start from the region around the eye (eyelids, eyebrows, eye) and rarely from the temples or head. They are known to affect one eye at a time and may cause the eyelids to droop as the episode progresses.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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