Migraine
DESCRIPTION
A migraine Headache is characterised by recurrent attacks of severe Pain, usually on one side of the head. It may be preceded by flashes of light or spots before the Eyes, or a ringing in the ears, and accompanied by double vision, nausea, Vomiting or dizziness. The attacks vary in frequency from daily occurrences to once every few years.
Many disturbances, such as food allergies, temporary swelling of the brain, and endocrine disturbances have been suspected of causing this disorder. Although the exact cause is unknown, the Pain is believed to be associated with constriction followed by dilation of blood vessels leading to and within the brain.
Untreated attacks may last for many hours. Mild attacks are often relieved by common sedatives such as aspirin. Severe attacks are treated with ergotamine, which may stop the Headache if administered at an early stage.
HERBS
Feverfew (4)
Ginger (5)
Ginkgo biloba (6)
Valerian
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Calcium (1)
Evening Primrose Oil
Fish Oil (2)
Niacin (3)
HOMOEOPATHY
If the Headache is unusually severe, persistent or recurrent, seek medical advice.
Belladonna
Throbbing, bursting Headache with rapid onset.
Face flushed, scalp may be sore, jarring makes it worse.
Can be brought on by too much sun or heat.
Bryonia
Splitting or bursting Headache.
Spreads from head downwards.
Worse for the slightest movement, pressing the head helps.
Wants to lie absolutely still with Eyes shut.
Gelsemium
Dull Headache at back of head spreading to neck and shoulders.
Can feel like a tight band round head or pressure on top of head.
Eyes may feel heavy or hurt when moved.
Patient feels drowsy and stupefied.
Nux vom.
Useful for hangover-type Headache with dizziness.
Also for typical tension Headache brought on by Stress.
Made worse by cold air, moving Eyes.
Tends to be irritable with the Headache.
Pulsatilla
Any type of Headache which is better for walking about in open air.
Kali. bich.
Headache tends to be one-sided, coming from one small spot.
Often a sensation of pressure at the root of the nose.
Can have migraine-type flashes of light or blurring in vision.
Ignatia
Headache typically comes on after emotional upset.
Often feels like a nail driven into one spot of the head. Pressure on that spot may ease the Pain.
Silicea
Pain comes from back of neck, over head to one eye.
May be triggered by missing a meal.
Also Headache over Eyes related to sinus congestion.
REFERENCES
1. Thys-Jacobs S. Alleviation of migraines with therapeutic Vitamin D and Calcium. Headache 1994;34:590-92.
2. Glueck CJ, et al. Amelioration of severe migraine with omega-3 fatty acids: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (Abstract). Am J Clin Nutr 43: 710, 1986.
3. Atkinson M. Migraine Headache. Ann Int Med 1944; 22:990.
4. Palevitch D, Earon G, Carasso R. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) as a prophylactic treatment for migraine: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. Phytother Res 1997;11:508-11.
5. Srivasta KC, Mustafa T. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in migraine Headache. J Ethnopharmacol 1992;39:267-73.
6. Lamant V, Mauco G, et al. Inhibition of the metabolism of platelet activating factor (PAF-acether) by three specific antagonist from Ginkgo biloba. Biochem Pharmacol 1987;36:2749-52.
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