Migraine Types, Symptoms & Variety Treatment

The classic feature of a migraine is a throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head only. This is caused by the narrowing and dilating of the blood vessels in a part of one side of the brain. An attack may last for up to two days.

There are two main types of migraine: common and the comparatively rare classical. Migraine can be hereditary, and may be triggered by many factors, including stress, hormonal changes (around menopause, menstruation, and occasionally pregnancy), oral contraceptives, and food that contains tyramine, an amino acid which affects the blood vessels. Foods rich in tyramine include bananas, cheese, chocolate, eggs, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, and wine. Migraine occurs in about 10 percent of the population, and is more common in women. Children may suffer from migraine, but this often manifests itself as an abdominal pain rather than a headache.

Symptoms 

Common migraine: slowly developing severe headache, lasting from a few hours to two days—made worse by the smallest movement or noise—nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Classical migraine: headache preceded by an aura which generally takes the form a visual disturbance—this may consist of temporary loss of vision, focusing problems, blind spots, and flashing lights, possible speech problems, occasional weakness or temporary paralysis of the limbs or extremities, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light.

Some 16–18 million Americans suffer from migraine. Studies suggest that people who feel compelled to excel are especially susceptible to migraine. About 60 percent of all migraine sufferers are women, and most patients first develop symptoms between the ages of 10 and 30.

TREATMENT 

Ayurveda 
Treatment would be aimed at Ayurvedic oral formulas, and panchakarma shirovirechana. Vilwadi lehya can help with nausea.

Chinese Herbalism 
The cause is believed to be excess Liver qi stagnation, weakness in the stomach, and an imbalance of stomach and liver. Useful herbs include cassia tora and chrysanthemum.

Herbalism 
Feverfew is an effective remedy for reducing the frequency of migraine. Take two or three small leaves between a little fresh bread, daily. Feverfew tablets are also available. The following herbs can be infused for treating a mild attack of neuralgia: balm, meadowsweet, rosemary, and skullcap. Apply a warm compress with Jamaican dogwood to the temples and forehead during an attack.

Aromatherapy 
Peppermint and lavender oils, applied to a cool compress, will help to relieve symptoms. Inhalations, baths, or massage of melissa, rosemary, or sweet marjoram can relieve the pain and shorten the duration of attacks. Used regularly, these methods can be preventive. A dab of lavender oil at the base of the nostrils can be used at the first signs of an attack. 

Homeopathy
Treatment is constitutional, but the following remedies may be helpful in the event of an attack: Pulsatilla, for headache which is worse in the evening or during menstruation, and aggravated by rich, fatty foods; also for tearfulness. Thuja, for a left-sided headache with the sensation of a nail being drilled into the skull. Silicea, for pain that begins in the back of the head, settling above an eye. This is alleviated by wrapping the head. Lycopodium, for pain that is worse on the right side of the body, painful temples and dizziness. Nat. mur., for a headache which is blinding and throbs, and which is worsened by warmth and movement, and where the attack is preceded by numbness around the mouth and nose.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Take extra vitamins B5, C, and E, and also evening primrose oil. Add fresh root ginger to food.