Derived from a French word which means "half a head," the term migraine certainly captures the painful experience. In most cases of migraine, the pain affects only one side of the head. This one-sided pain soon becomes a dull throbbing before becoming a full-blown migraine attack. While most people, including popular celebrity and historical figures like Elvis Presley, Napoleon, and Julius Caesar, experience migraine, a lot are still unclear on what migraine is and its possible causes.

Migraine is...

More than just an episode of severe headache, migraine is a neurological disease that usually has its causes in the vascular system. The over-distended arteries on the outside of the skull are thought to be the root of migraine attacks given the pulsating and throbbing quality of pain commonly associated with blood flow. Migraine attacks persist for up to four to 72 hours depending on the severity and intensity.

This brain inflammation causes nerve endings to release pain neurotransmitters that send chemical messages of pain throughout your body. The over-production of the neurotransmitter serotonin causes the blood vessels in the brain to widen which stimulates pain receptors in the brain.

Symptoms of migraine include nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal discomfort, increased sensitivity to light, and irritability to noise. Some people suffering from migraine also report seeing a kind of aura or floating light flashes prior to an attack. Other common precursors of migraine attacks include numbness, speech problem, and temporary hearing impairment.

Some of the most common causes of migraine include anxiety, menstruation, stress, loud noises, bright lights, and particular food items depending on the person.

Tips on relieving migraine

While doctors often recommend pain medications like paracetamol, codeine, aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, these drugs only succeed in controlling the symptoms. These medications are unable to treat the underlying problem or prevent the incidence of migraine attacks. While migraine is a common condition, there is no reason to bear and suffer. Below are some ways on giving yourself some migraine pain relief:

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   Eat a healthy low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.

Carbohydrates cause your glucose levels in the blood rise quickly, hence, interfering with the normal functions of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Due to this, migraine attacks become more frequent and are often prolonged. While most people will frown at eating a high-fat diet, the key here is to consume healthy fats and oils. Healthy fats boost Omega-3 fatty acids which facilitates normal blood flow and prevents distended arteries.

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   Consume foods rich in Vitamin B.

The Vitamin B group is beneficial in narrowing the arteries or vasoconstriction. It also prevents blood platelet dumping which can occur during migraine attacks. Leafy greens and legumes are good sources of this vitamin. Taking supplements of Vitamin B is also a good idea if you are not getting enough of it in your diet.

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   Taking lots of rest and reducing stress.

Stress and anxiety are among the leading triggers of migraine attacks. Resting and practicing stress management techniques can reduce the intensity of a migraine attack and even prevent recurrence.