Migraine, one of the most common diseases of the nervous system, affects about 10-15% of the people in developed countries. It is a type of headache that typically happens in attacks or episodes. It may be located on one side of the head and it may feel like it is pulsating or throbbing.

Migraine Causes:

Migraine is believed to be caused by the following factors:

• One theory of what causes migraine is that some of the nerves in the head that provide sensation from the face become overactive and cause blood vessels adjacent to the nerves to become slightly leaky and the lining of the brain in the vicinity to become mildly inflamed. Headache occurs as the linings of the brain are pain sensitive. The headache resolves and the inflammation goes away after a while.

• Hormonal changes such as during menstruation (periods) may trigger migraine attacks in women.

• Many different things such as strong smells, exercise, flickering lights, stress, loud noises, bright lights, lack of sleep or too much sleep can also trigger migraine.

Migraine Symptoms:

They are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Sensitivity to light or sound

Sometimes, symptoms also include the lying down of patient in a darkened room and waiting for it to pass. This, however, is a severe case of migraine.

Before the headache starts some migraine victims experience a warning ‘aura’ that lasts up to one hour. This often causes problems with eyesight such as blank spots when trying to concentrate on something, flashing lights, and zig-zag lines. Such attack preceded by an aura account for approximately 20% of migraines and are called classical.