Migraines were not popularly known till recent times, but there were people who used to experience it. It is a vascular form of headache, which is accompanied by onset of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and for some people it can begin with a throbbing pain occurring on one side of the head.According to a study, migraine occurs more in women than in men, and it begins among the people aged 10 to 45 years. The exact cause has not been detected for migraine, as anything can trigger the onset of migraine.
Commenting on the reason for the onset of migraine, Dr Jose R. Alappat, General Practitioner, Al Shaab Medical Centre of DM Healthcare states, “Migraine takes place due to an abnormal activity which takes place in the brain and affects the normal functioning of the brain. There is a belief that the attack begins in the brain and involves nerve pathways and the exertion of chemicals, which are harmful for the body. There is an entire episode of migraine which occurs and will not end till it doesn’t finish its complete cycle of events.”
There are four phases of a migraine episode: Prodrome, Aura, Headache and Postdrome. Prodrome aka pre-headache can occur a few hours or even a few days before the onset of the migraine episode. It is like a warning signal for the person. The Aura follows the prodrome and lasts less than an hour. It may start with visual disturbances as flashes of light, zigzag lines or inability to view anything clearly. The headache is when the actual migraine begins and the postdrome marks the end of the entire episode, after the Migraine has completed its entire cycle.There is no complete cure for migraine but one should find out what factors trigger migraine. The treatment should be undertaken as soon as the onset of migraine takes place, i.e., before it completes its entire cycle. The best treatment for this is to take rest in a dark, quiet room, and one must take their medications properly on time. One must not delay in consulting their doctor if the migraine becomes unbearable and severe. If the migraine is frequent and severe, medicines to prevent or delay the frequency are considered. Following a good diet is essential as well.
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