Migraines are debilitating headaches thought to affect around 15 percent of the population. Tiny blood vessels in the brain rupture, causing microscopic bleeds. Although these are normally harmless, they cause a great deal of pain.
Symptoms of migraine include:
• Severe headache on one or both sides of the head
• Vomiting
• Vision disturbances – flashing lights, changes in color
• Aversion to light and noise
Symptoms of a migraine can last anywhere from a few hours up to 72 hours. They are usually followed by a period of exhaustion and weakness. The typical sufferer can have up to three migraines a month so they have a significant negative impact on quality of life.
However, there are ways you can relieve or prevent them altogether:
1. Keep a food diary. Some migraines are related to food intolerances and by using a food diary you will be able to see if there are any reoccurring triggers that preceded your migraine and you can eliminate those foods from your diet.
2. Many migraines are known to be triggered by caffeine, chocolate, cheese and alcohol so reduce or stop your consumption of these products.
3. Raised blood pressure can cause migraines. Even if you don’t have a blood pressure problem, there can be fluctuations in pressure that cause the vessels to rupture, resulting in migraine. Peppermint has been shown to lower blood pressure and has been shown to be an effective tonic at aborting migraine. A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice tested menthol, the main ingredient of peppermint, on patients suffering with migraines. Some had a placebo and some had menthol applied to the forehead and temples. The study found "the menthol solution was statistically superior to the placebo for pain relief. The menthol solution was also more efficacious in the alleviation of nausea and/or vomiting and phonophobia and/or photophobia. In the per-protocol population, there was significantly higher number of patients who experienced at least one pain free/pain relief after the application of menthol rather than the placebo. Menthol solution can be an efficacious, safe and tolerable therapeutic option for the abortive treatment of migraine." Drinking cups of peppermint tea as soon as you feel the onset of a migraine can prevent it from developing.
4. Feverfew is a herb that is known for its anti-migraine properties. It can ease the pain of migraines and reduce the frequency of attacks. It is available in tablet form from herbal stores, although herbalists say that the fresh plant is more effective at preventing migraines. Fresh leaves can be placed in a sandwich and eaten. If you are pregnant, you should not take feverfew.
5. Ginger tea has relieved the nausea and vomiting that accompanies some sufferer’s head pains. Ginger is widely used for the alleviation of upset stomachs, morning sickness and other nausea related illnesses.
6. Lie down flat during your migraine, in a darkened room with lights off and curtains drawn. This can ease the pain of your attack.
7. Cold contracts so place an ice pack, bag of frozen food or very cold flannels on your head. Keep a bowl of cold water next to your bed so you can reapply the flannel when it dries out. This will shrink your blood vessels and relieve the pain in addition to keeping you more comfortable.
8. If you have enough energy, consider having sex at the onset of a migraine. Sex releases powerful endorphins that relieve pain as well as relieving stress. Stress causes raised blood pressure and migraine.
9. Hormones can trigger migraines. Some are related to the contraceptive pill. If you think this is the case, stop taking it and choose a non-hormonal method of contraception. The menstrual cycle is also linked to migraines. More women than men suffer from migraines and some women notice a pattern in their migraines; for instance, they have one every month the day before their menstruation. Increasing your intake of riboflavin and B vitamins and eating foods high in protein and zinc can sometimes correct menstrual hormone imbalances. Often, migraines will stop at the onset of pregnancy. If you would like a baby, consider getting pregnant and get the benefits of this side-effect. Unfortunately in a small number of women, pregnancy worsens their migraines.
10. Limit the amount of time you spend at the computer or watching the television. Some migraines are triggered by over exposure to the lights from these.
Sources: Foods that Harm, Foods that Heal, Readers Digest, p. 232.
International Journal of Clinical Practice,Volume 64, Issue 4, pages 451–456, March 2010
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.