migraine

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches often in association with a number of autonomic nervous system symptoms. The word derives from the Greek ἡμικρανία (hemikrania), "pain on one side of the head",^[1] from ἡμι- (hemi-), "half", and κρανίον (kranion), "skull".^[2]

Typically the headache is unilateral (affecting one half of the head) and pulsating in nature, lasting from 2 to 72 hours. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound) and the pain is generally aggravated by physical activity.^[3] Up to one-third of people with migraine headaches perceive an aura: a transient visual, sensory, language, or motor disturbance which signals that the headache will soon occur.^[3] Occasionally an aura can occur with little or no headache following it.

Migraines are believed to be due to a mixture of environmental and genetic factors.^[4] About two-thirds of cases run in families.^[5] Fluctuating hormone levels may also play a role, as migraines affect slightly more boys than girls before puberty, but about two to three times more women than men.^[6][7]Propensity for migraines usually decreases during pregnancy.^[6] The exact mechanisms of migraine are not known. It is, however, believed to be a neurovascular disorder.^[5] The primary theory is related to increased excitability of the cerebral cortex and abnormal control of pain neurons in thetrigeminal nucleus of the brainstem.^[8]

Initial recommended management is with simple analgesics such as ibuprofen and paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) for the headache, anantiemetic for the nausea, and the avoidance of triggers. Specific agents such as triptans or ergotamines may be used by those for whom simple analgesics are not effective. Globally, approximately 15% of the population is affected by migraines at some point in life.A migraine is a severe, painful headache that is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days.

This Medical News Today articles include essential details onwhat migraine headaches are, their causes, the signs and symptoms associated with migraines, how they are diagnosed, how to treat and prevent them, and when to consider going to the ER (in the UK it is called A&E, or Accident and Emergency).

At the end of some sections you may also see introductions to any recent developments that Medical News Today has covered.

What are migraine headaches?

Migraine headaches result from a combination of blood vessel enlargement and the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around these blood vessels.

During the headache, an artery enlarges that is located on the outside of the skull just under the skin of the temple (temporal artery). This causes a release of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery.

Migraine headaches can be very debilitating.

A migraine headache causes the sympathetic nervous system to respond with feelings of nausea,diarrhea, and vomiting. This response also delays the emptying of the stomach into the small intestine (affecting food absorption), decreases blood circulation (leading to cold hands and feet), and increases sensitivity to light and sound.

According to the National Library of Medicine¹, approximately 12% of Americans get migraine headaches. Females are much more likely to get them than males.

The National Headache Foundation⁵ (Foundation) says that over 37 million people in the United States suffer from migraine. It is a vascular headache which tends to affect people between 15 and 55 years of age. Approximately three-quarters of all migraine sufferers have a family history of migraine.

The Foundation adds that fewer than half of all migraine sufferers have been properly diagnosed by their healthcare provider. Migraine is commonly misdiagnosed as tension-type headache or sinus headacheGlonoine for Migraine Headaches

Glonoine, I have used it as a general medicine for migraine and have succeeded in many obstinate cases of migraine. There are no hardcore specific symptoms to prescribe Glonoine but general features of migraine like congestive headaches, throbbing headaches. Glonoine works well to treat headaches that result from an exposure to sun, heat etc. Other indication when Glonoine is strongly indicated is that Head feels enormously large as if the skull were too small for the brain. It is also very useful for headaches that result during the period of menopause. Another very important indication for Glonoine is the strong relationship that headaches have with sun. ‘Sun Headaches’ as they are often called as are related with the increase and decrease in the sun. Headache with strong throbbing are quite typical of Glonoine. I have used glonoine in various potencies ranging from 30c to 10m depending upon the merits of the case.

Belladonna for Migraine with congestive headaches

Listing of Belladonna here at number 2 in this article, doesn’t mean that it is any less effective than glonoine. On number of occasions (When indicated) belladonna has been my first choice. Symptoms that lead to prescribing glonoine in headache are quite similar to glonoine as both of them are used for congestive headaches. Sun aggravation usually differentiates belladonna form glonoine. Main indication for use of belladonna is headaches that become worse with light, noise, jar, lying down. Another important indication for belladonna in Migraine is that headaches tend to aggravate in the afternoon. Belladonna is also useful for headaches that usually occur in the forehead region. In a Calcarea patient belladonna usually works well to treat all kinds of headaches.

Iris Versicolor for migraine with vomiting and nausea

I have used this medicine for migraine headaches that are attended with severe nausea and vomiting.  Nausea can be so strong that the patient is not relieved by even by vomiting. Iris is indicated in headaches that are attended with visual disturbances. Headaches that begin with blurring of the vision are very effectively treated with it. Headaches in the frontal area and right temple, respond more favorably to this drug. Migraine headaches when associated with heartburn often respond very well to this homeopathy medicine

                                                             home remedies for headache

• If there is a burning sensation, apply a paste of ground clay or sandalwood powder mixed with rose water.
• When the headache is due to inflamed sinuses, inhale steam with vinegar added to the water.
• Mix ¼ teaspoon of clove powder with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil. Apply this paste on the affected area for 20-30 minutes.