Migraine – How Can It Be Managed?

Migraine – How can it be Managed?

Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent headaches that are moderate to severe.  This headache is unilateral (affects one half of the head), and is pulsating in nature. It lasts from 2 to 72hours. Approximately 15% of world population is affected by migraine. It starts at puberty and is worst at middle age and subsides after menopause.

Causes

The underlying causes of migraines are unknown. It could be due to genetic, stress, hunger, fatigue, triggers such as hot or cold temperature, anxiety, gastritis and usage of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Apart from these, migraines are more likely to occur around menstruation.

Signs and Symptoms

The migraine pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smell, fatigue, listlessness, irritability and mood swings, depression or euphoria, craving for certain food and stiff muscles (especially neck). Constipation or diarrhoea, blurred vision, nasal stuffiness, diarrhoea, frequent urination, pallor or sweating and swelling or tenderness of the scalp may also occur.

Management

• Small frequent meals is recommended to prevent gastritis.
• Go low on spices.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, as this could trigger migraine.
• Include citrus fruits and sprouts to boost Vitamin C, as Vitamin C has proved to lower migraine attacks.
• Inclusion of lot of vegetables on a daily basis helps to nourish the body with micronutrients and also helps to prevent constipation.
• Consume at least one egg white a day to get good quality protein. Good quality protein lowers migraine attack.
• Avoid too cold and too hot drinks during migraine attack.
• Do not drink too cold water / drinks, as soon as you return from a hot temperature.
• Avoid sour curds when you get symptoms of migraine.
• Avoid triggers that induce migraine (as triggers differ from person to person).
• Use of an umbrella under hot sun can prevent migraine, as high temperature can induce migraine.
• Covering ears when you sleep under air condition (AC) prevents migraine.
• Listen to mild soft music.
• Destress yourself.
• Sleep for 7 – 8 hrs at night.

The above tips are simple remedies (without medication) to prevent migraine attack. Try out and stay away from migraine!

Uma Maheshwari PS,

Dietitian,

Happy Living Diet Clinic

+91 9900046344