It is estimated that 13% of the world’s population suffers from migraine, to a lesser or greater degree.
Migraine headaches are more common amongst women than men, and women often experience migraines coinciding with their menstrual cycle.
This common health condition is still poorly understood, largely because of the great variation in migraine attack between individuals. Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, disturbed vision and sometimes even nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and sweating are just some of the symptoms recorded by migraine sufferers. In addition, there is often accompanying heightened sensitivity to environmental light, noise and smells.
Recent studies have observed that people who suffer from migraine, have a different blood vessel structure in their brains compared to those who are not sufferers, resulting in asymmetry of hemispheric cerebral blood flow. It is suggested that a sudden increase of blood flow in certain areas may activate pain signaling neurons. Meta studies also add support to a possible genetic susceptibility amongst families.
There are many other hypotheses presently being investigated as to possible causes of migraine attacks, amongst others, a drop in brain serotonin levels; unresolved emotional issues and a deficiency in vitamin B2, B6, B12 and folate.
Environmental migraine triggers vary from person to person; however, certain common triggers reported are:
Food (wheat, dairy, sugar, yeast, citrus, eggs, corn)
MSG and ASPARTAME are notorious triggers!
Drink (caffeine, alcohol – red wine, beer)
Allergies
Hunger – skipping meals / fasting
Changes in sleep patterns – too little or too much
Stress
Physical exertion
Hormones
Weather changes / altitude changes
External triggers – bright lights, strong smells, loud noise
Preventing migraine attacks starts by avoiding the triggers. In addition, food sensitivities can be greatly helped by restoring healthy gut function with its healthy microbiome. In general, eating a healthy balanced unrefined diet and avoiding processed foods, coupled to daily exercise to reduce stress levels, will help greatly to relieve the number of migraine attacks. A Mediterranean diet plan is probably the most beneficial of all. The intake of water through out the day is also very important.
Quick ways of relieving a migraine attack once you have it, is again very varied; amongst others – hot/cold compresses on forehead or behind ones neck; massage ears and crown of head; relaxation techniques that you enjoy.
