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Identify migraine

Photo: S. Siva Saravanan

Migraine Learning to cope with it

Migraine is related to physiological alterations of blood flow in the brain. Pain due to migraine is acute because it comes from several directions, converging at one location in the brain.

Many sufferers of this painful headache know when they are getting it, since they begin to see an aura of spots and lights. Once this vanishes, terrible pain sets in. Migraine is the most common form of headache with high prevalence. About 15- 17 per cent of women and 5-7 per cent of men are affected by it. Though migraine may occur in all age groups, it is more prevalent among those in the age group 18-45.

Symptoms

Moderate to severe, throbbing headache

Often, one-sided pain; both sides of the head are affected less frequently

Pain occurs near the eye on the affected side

Pain that worsens with physical activity

Sensitivity to light and /or sound

Nausea or vomiting

Debilitating pain that hinders daily activities

Untreated attacks most commonly last from four to 72 hours, but can persist for weeks

Although many people suffer from migraine, there are many who do not understand it or its impact on life.

Though diverse theories exist, none of them are able to provide long-term prophylactic cure. On the contrary, prolonged use of pain killers triggers Medication Overuse Headache (MOH) or other side-effects.

Prevention

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the severity of migraines. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

*Try muscle relaxation meditation and yoga. They don't require any equipment.

*Spend at least half-an-hour listening to music, gardening, taking a hot bath or reading.

*Sleep seven to nine hours at night

*Rest in a dark, quiet room when you feel a headache coming on. Place an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure to painful areas on your scalp.

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