Migraine is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches often in association with a number of autonomic nervous system symptoms. Typically the headache affects one half of the head, is pulsating in nature, and lasts from 2 to 72 hours. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. The pain is generally made worse by physical activity. 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. 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. (Source: Wikipedia)
The second link gives a list of 18 symptoms that one is having migraine. (Aura, Depression, Irritability, etc)
A recent interview in Science Magazine (third link) details about the "Science of Migraines). Excerpts from this link:
"Q: What is the most cutting-edge treatment today?
A: The mainstay acute treatment for migraines are a class of drugs called triptans, which act on serotonin receptors. Serotonin is thought to be the underlying neurotransmitter involved in migraine, based on a lower than normal level of serotonin (5-HT) which increases during attacks. There's also a strong relationship between depression [which is linked to abnormal serotonin levels] and migraines: People with depression are more likely to get migraines, and people with migraines are more likely to be depressed. It's not entirely clear how triptans work, but they are able to abort attacks in some patients. They are wonderful drugs, but not everyone responds. The field is now wide open for new drug targets, especially ones that do not constrict blood vessels like the triptans."
[See third link for full interview]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migraine
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20537878,00.html
http://news.sciencemag.org/brain-behavior/2015/02/science-migraines
Here is what Mayo Clinic says about Migraine:
"Migraines can't be cured, but doctors will work with you to help you manage your condition."
- Pain-relieving medications. Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms that have already begun.
- Preventive medications. These types of drugs are taken regularly, often on a daily basis, to reduce the severity or frequency of migraines.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/basics/treatment/con-20026358
http://www.migrainetrust.org/treatment
Dear Prof. Nageswara Rao: Thanks for a great reply. Any Ayurvedic treatment available for treating Migraine??
A number of them are suggested. However we do not know how many will work or of any scientific evidence for the same.
http://www.homeveda.com/aches-and-pains/natural-ayurvedic-home-remedies-for-migraine.html
http://ayurveda-foryou.com/treat/migraine.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAjpUDCo3lI
Migraine patients often report that a strong cup of coffee can stop some attacks. This is not surprising to hear. Caffeine is a key active ingredient in many headache medications including ExcedrinTM, AnacinTM, MidolTM, Darvon CompoundTM, FioricetTM, and MigranalTM. Caffeine may aid in the body's absorption of these medicines, but can caffeine itself relieve headaches? Few research studies have examined this question, but the answer appears to be yes. Caffeine can provide some headache relief.
http://www.achenet.org/resources/caffeine_and_migraine/
http://www.migraineclinic.org.uk/about-headaches/basic-information-on-headaches-migraines/
Dear Prof. Krishnan - Thanks for pointing out the use of Coffee. My wife, Vidya, always takes a Coffee when she feels headache. As I don't take coffee, I resort to green tea. But as green tea is so light and at some times it tastes like plain hot water with aroma, it does not give me necessary relief, but I engage myself in some long walk and afterwards research work, which stays me away from splitting headache..
@ Sundar,
Well said, Coffee or Tea is individual's preference, but the aroma and heat (either with water or milk) does the magic.
Lack of sleep is one of the causes for migraine or splitting headache. Overwork in meeting some deadlines or long flight travel with many connecting flights give rise to migraine. For me, both are big problems - deadlines and long travels, but working with them are inevitable now..
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Medicine