MIGRAINE HEADACHES (The Dr AJ Series)

MIGRAINE HEADACHES

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Migraine headache is that throbbing/pounding severe headache that typically starts from one side but can gradually spread to other parts of the head. It can last from a few hours to about three days.

Causes of migraine headaches are not yet fully understood. Scientists think that imbalances in brain chemicals seem to play a huge role. Individuals seem to have specific triggers. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraine. Typically some women suffer a few days before monthly period highlighting the role played by hormones.

Every person who suffers from migraine is encouraged to observe their triggers if any. Some food additives, contraceptives, stress, too much light etc can trigger migraine headaches in some people.

A lot of migraine sufferers say they can tell when an attack is coming. Nausea, vomiting, flashes of light, tingling in hands and feet, some strong smell from nowhere, seeing funny shapes etc can precede a migraine attack.

When I was growing up I witnessed what I now understand to have been cluster headaches from my father. He would suffer from these severe episodes of headache. So bad these were that he would tie a wet towel just above his head. He couldn't even sit in one place but would pace up and down in his bedroom.

We knew that if dad had headaches we would stay away. Asked what part of the head was sore he would just point above his eyes. He would have these headaches for a period stretching to two weeks and could have one or two attacks a day during that period. That's why they were called cluster. After the two weeks he would have many months without headaches.

Migraine headaches can be managed by doctors but there are things one could do to prevent or at least to reduce the intensity of the headaches:

Identify what triggers it and avoid that.
Smoking has been suspected to worsen headaches (that includes passive smoking). Nicotine tends to narrow blood vessels in the head leading to headaches. Have adequate sleep.

Live a stress free life. Some of the loss we carry is not necessary:

God loves you
Dr AJ