Migraine is a severe and painful type of headache that can occur along with warning signs, such as, blind spots, tingling in arms and legs, nausea and vomiting. Migraine causes pain in half of the head. The excruciating pain caused in Migraine can lasts for more than hours or even days. Migraine problems are very common and mostly seen in women when in their reproductive years. Migraine is often misdiagnosed as tension type of headache or sinus headache.

The exact cause of migraine is not known; however, it is thought to be caused due to abnormal brain activity causing unusual chemical disturbances and blood flow in the brain. Some of the factors that could trigger a Migraine attack are:

• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud sounds, temperature change, strong odours.
• Physical or emotional stress, tension, excitement or depression.
• Excess exercises, jet lag
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Smoking
• Hormonal disturbances due to menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills or even during menopause.
• Medication

Symptoms of Migraine

Migraine can cause severe pain, mostly to one side of the head. This pain is mostly extremely intolerable and pulsing in nature. During a migraine attack, the patient can do no regular activities and feels physically sick. In case a patient faces symptoms that he/she doesn’t normally, then they should approach a doctor as early as possible.

Diagnosis of Migraine

The international headache society recommends a “5,4,3,2,1 criteria”, which stands for:

5 or more attacks

4 hours to 3 days in duration

Atleast 2 conditions such as location, pain, avoidance of routine activity

1 additional symptom such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound or light

Treatment of Migraine

Ideally there is no cure for migraine; however, some additions or changes to daily routine and incorporating a healthy lifestyle can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, such as, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, drinking plenty of water, avoiding some types of food items, and doing regular physical exercise. Medication can be taken to prevent attack or reduce the symptoms if attack occurs. Apart from some over the counter drugs, patients should always take medications as prescribed by doctors.

Surgery

Botox injection made up of Botulinum toxic is a proven method of eliminating migraines in patients. This treatment is used for patients who have not been completed treated by the traditional methods. Migraine cannot be completely treated; however, the symptoms and frequency of attack can be controlled and eventually reduced.