Migrane: Symptom and Causes

Symptoms

• Moderate to severe pain, starting one side of the head, but switching in successive migraines
• Pulsing and throbbing head pain
• Increasing pain during physical activity
• Inability to perform regular activities due to pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Poor concentration
• Sweating
• Feeling very hot or very cold
• Abdominal pain (which can sometimes cause diarrhoea)
• Frequent need to urinate
• Visual problems – you may see flashing lights, zigzag patterns or blind spots 
• Stiffness or a tingling sensation like pins and needles in your neck, shoulders or limbs
• Problems with co-ordination – you may feel disoriented or off balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of consciousness or mood changes
• Dizziness
  

 

Causes

 The exact causes of migraines are unknown. Many migraines seem to be triggered by external factors. Possible triggers include:

• Genetics
• Environmental changes
• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odours or perfumes
• Stress and anxiety
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Excessive caffeine consumption or sudden withdrawal from caffeine
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills
• Excessive fatigue
• Sensitivity to certain chemicals and preservatives in foods 
• Certain Medications like Oral contraceptives and vasodilators

Foods that increase migraine include cheese, chocolate, paneer, chinese food, ajinomoto, nuts etc,   and excessive TV or working in front of computer, Late night parties, poor sleeping habits all increase migrane pain.