Migraines

A migraine is a vascular headache that involves the excessive dilation or contraction of the brain’s blood vessels. There are two types of migraine; common and classic. In common migraines symptoms start slowly producing a throbbing pain that may last for two to seventy two hours. The pain is severe and is often centered at the temple or behind one ear. Alternatively it can begin at the back of the head and spread to one entire side of the head. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision and tingling and numbness in the arms and legs that can last for up to 18 hours. A classic migraine is similar to a common migraine but is preceded by a set of symptoms referred to as an aura, which can consist of speech disorders, weakness, and disturbances in the senses of vision and/or smell. The aura can consist of brilliant stars, sparks, flashes, or simple geometric forms passing across the field of vision. The most common symptom is an inability to see clearly. The visual disturbances may last for just a few seconds or persist for several hours and then disappear.

Any number of things can trigger a migraine in a susceptible individual including allergies, constipation, stress, liver malfunction, too much or too little sleep, emotional changes, hormonal changes, sun glare, flashing lights, lack of exercise, and changes in barometric pressure. Dental problems may also be a factor. Low blood sugar is also associated with migraine; studies have shown that blood sugar levels are low during an attack, and the lower the blood sugar level the more severe are the symptoms.

The conventional treatment for migraines include amitriptyline , diazepam and propranonol which are used as a preventative rather than as treatment for an acute attack. For acute attacks patients may well be exacerbating their condition as some pain relievers may actually increase the likelihood of an attack.

Often it has been possible to identify triggers in foods and poor digestive health that once recognised and changed remove or massively relieve people of their migraines.  It is definitely worth considering and I would be happy to help you.

 

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