Migraine is a very common condition affecting both sexes but rather more common in females. It is estimated that close to one billion people in the world suffer from migraines. It is three times more common in females. About 20 million attacks occur worldwide everyday. During migraine, blood vessels around the brain expand and irritate the tissues and nerves around them causing pain. The exact cause of

migraine is unknown but maybe a neurological problem. A number of factors can trigger pain like stress, hormonal or environmental changes, long term exposure to sun, lack of sleep, menstruation and certain foods including coffee and chocolate, skipped meals and poor diet. Warning symptoms known as aura may be present before or during an attack. The most prominent symptom is headache which may be throbbing and pounding and usually on one side. There are visual symptoms also

which may be blind spots, flashing lights, double vision and sensitivity to light. Migraine may be set off by flickering lights, this could be a reflection from snow or water or from fluorescent bulbs or television and movie screens. Some may experience difficulty in writing, speaking and comprehending. Some may feel weakness and find it difficult to climb stairs, nasal congestion due to sinuses can occur. Many have nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can last from four hours to several days. Ears may become

extremely sensitive to sound, many experience a change in sense of smell. Perfumes, cigarette smoke and food may be offensive. Nausea and vomiting are quite common. There are some interesting differences in migraine between men and women.

• Women are three times more likely to have migraine than men
• Men are 35% more likely to report physical exertion as migraine cause, women are 50% more likely to report weather as migraine cause
• Women experience more pain than men
• Women’s migraine lasts longer than men’s
• On a monthly basis women have more migraine than men.
• A large proportion of males do not take medication to treat migraine and are more sensitive to light and feel more depressed
• Women are more sensitive to smell and feel more nauseous.
• About 5 % of children with headache problems suffer from migraines. Both boys and girls can get migraine, but after puberty they are more common in females.

which may cause blood vessels to constrict than expand and may trigger migraine. It is advised for migraine patients to avoid or limit aged or fermented food like cheese, soy sauce, pickles and pepperoni. It may help to keep a trigger diary and each time there is a migraine attack, Write down the foods taken and activities to find out a probable trigger which can be avoided in future. The treating doctors are well advised to investigate for any neurological disease which may be treatable. Treatment of migraine is not easy, obviously pain killers and anti inflammatory tablets are given but avoid over use of drugs. There are pain killing medicines and preventive medicines. Some very commonly

used drugs for migraine are aspirin, non steroidal anti inflammatory tablets, triptans and ergotamines, the latter cause constriction of blood vessels and can cause nausea, dizziness and muscle pain. Medication should be taken early in the attack and avoid over medication as it may worsen the condition. Pain medication containing narcotics should be taken only when other medications fail to provide relief as they can be addictive. Preventive medication may help in some cases and are Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, anti seizure drugs. Botox injections have been used in some cases. Putting an ice pack on the forehead, scalp or neck may provide relief probably by reducing blood flow. Drinking coffee may give mild relief. Find a dark and quiet room to relax as light and sound may make the pain worse. Exercise should not be done during an attack as it might increase the pain. But when you feel well a good workout can prevent headaches as the body releases endorphins which are chemicals that makes you feel happy, relaxed and help you sleep better. Magnesium is a mineral found in dark, green vegetables, whole grains and nuts and is a brain soothing mineral and has been known to prevent migraine attacks. It can be taken in pill form as well. Vit B 2 (Riboflavin) may also prevent migraine attack. Migraines often strike between the ages of 20-60 and they often decrease in severity and frequency with the advancing age and may even disappear.