The word migraine or also known as migraine, comes from the Arabic šaqīqah (half of the head). Migraine is a severe headache, usually affecting a local region or the middle side of the head. It is a convulsive disease, and it usually begins in youth, and fades in old age.
Migraine is considered a vascular headache, produced by the variation of blood flow in the vessels of the head and neck, where they contract and cause unusual sensations before the pain begins, which then suddenly expand producing pain in sudden form.
The headache is capable of incapacitating the sufferer, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and vision disorders. The attack lasts for several hours, leaving the person exhausted. Most of the time it appears at fairly regular intervals, with some periodicity.
The causes of the appearance of a migraine can vary from one person to another. There are factors related to diet, such as skipping a meal, drinking heavily, stopping caffeinated beverages, and consuming chocolate. Hormonal factors, such as when the hormonal balance of menstruation changes, especially days before or during the use of birth control pills.
There are also emotional factors, such as personal frustrations, nervous tension, stress, sudden changes in usual activities (such as a holiday or vacation). The environmental factors also influence as extreme temperatures, exposure to cigarette smoke, strong odors or sudden exposure to bright light exposure.
Treatment consists of trying to identify and eliminate what triggers the attack, that may require some major lifestyle changes. Controlling the symptoms, the doctor can help to find the best medicine for each case and with a minimum of side effects. It is important to note that there are no known foods that can prevent or cure migraines.
