Migraine is a neurological disorder that induces moderate to severe headaches of pulsating nature which could last from 2 to 72 hours, and usually in one side of the head. Some people may however, experience pain on both sides of the head. Doing any kind of physical work while in pain can further aggravate the pain. It is believed medically that one-third of the people who suffer from migraine get advance intimation or signals from visual, sensory, motor or language disturbances that they are soon going to have a migraine attack.
There is a myth about migraine that it is any severe but ordinary headache. However, the characteristic pain of migraine is a result of explicit psychological changes occurring inside the brain that lead to the symptoms of migraine.
Symptoms of Migraine include
- Throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head
- Worsening of pain with physical exertion
- If the headache is not treated timely, it may last from 4-72 hours or it may even persist over a week in rare and extreme cases
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Pain in eyes
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Migraine might just be an uncontrollable phenomenon in some cases but there are certain triggering factors that might be a cause of the throbbing head disease in other cases
The triggers of migraine are
- Some foods such as nitrates, monosodium glutamate, chocolates, artificial sweeteners, dairy products etc.
- Natural hormonal changes during menstrual cycle
- Certain types of oral contraceptives
- Excessive intake of alcohol
- Oversleeping
- Stress
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
- Exposure to stimulants such as loud sound, bright light or strong smell.
Besides staying away from these triggering factors, people suffering from frequent or prolonged migraine attacks should consider taking medical help. Doctor will find out the cause of your migraine and prescribe medications accordingly. In addition to that, you can also try a few of simple home remedies described below to get rid of migraine troubles quickly and more effectively.
Home remedies to get rid of migraine
- Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is a storehouse of nutrition with health benefits of detoxification, helping weight loss, relieving constipation, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. Add one tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and one tablespoon of honey to a glass of water and have it daily to cure migraine.
- Peppermint – Peppermint has soothing effects on nerves. Either you can have peppermint tea or get a gentle head massage with a few drops of peppermint oil and your migraine pain will blow away.
- Ginger tea – Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which work wonders for a throbbing head. Just drink a few cups of ginger tea through the day for relief from migraine headache.
- Ice pack – This is the most popular as well as the easiest remedy for exterminating tensions and migraine headaches. Just prepare an ice pack by wrapping a few ice cubes in a soft towel and place it on your forehead and back of the neck for about 10-15 minutes and you will feel much better.
- Coffee – If you are having symptoms of migraine headache, having a cup of strong coffee can be of great help. The caffeine content of coffee blocks migraine receptors hence reducing the chance of headache to a great extent.