Migraine headache is a type of vascular headache characterized by pulsating pain experienced on one side of the head. The sufferer becomes sensitive to light and sound during the period of a migraine attack, and may also experience nausea and vomiting.

Migraine is a condition which is three times more commonly seen in women than in men. Various factors can trigger a migraine headache such as:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Exposure to sudden changes in light
• Hormonal changes in women
• Staying hungry for a long time or delayed meals
• Smoking
• Intake of alcohol
• Changes in weather, atmospheric pressure and humidity
• Over exercising
• Intake of allergic foods, exposure to toxins and seasonal allergies

Symptoms of a migraine headache

• Pulsating pain experienced on one side of the head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Visual distortions
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Increased sensitivity to sound, light or smell

Treatment for migraine:

The two treatment approaches for migraine arenon- medication approach and medication approach.

Non- medication approach:

This approach aims at the prevention of migraines. The several ways by means of which a migraine attack can be diverted are:

Taking rest in a darkened room and relaxing.

Migraine attack responds well to biofeedback in which the individual is trained to recognize the various signs of the body and take preventive measures before a full blast attack occurs.

Changes in lifestyle can help prevent migraine. This involves avoiding cigarette smoking, alcohol and wines, taking out time for regular exercise and recreation, intake of a healthy diet and following a regular sleep pattern.

Acupuncture is believed to have positive results in curing a migraine headache.

Other therapies include aromatherapy, spa therapy and magnetic therapy.

Medication approach:

Occasional migraine headache can be treated with over the counter drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen sodium etc. NSAIDs can also be given to migraine sufferers. Other drugs used to treat migraine headache are advil, nuprin, mortin and mediprin.