The most common type of vascular headache is migraine. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head, an upset stomach, and at times disturbed vision.
A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that usually begins on one side of the head but may affect the whole head. Attacks can last for hours or days and may be preceded by warning signs. The precise underlying cause of this type of headache is unknown. The prevailing theory is that they are sparked by spasms in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
There are basically two types of migraine: one without aura (a group of visual symptoms) which is characterized by nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances; and with aura which has warning signals like flashing lights before the eyes. A migraine can last from three hours to three days. Menstrual periods and certain specific foods are supposed to be the main reasons and that is why women are more susceptible to migraine than men.
What Causes Migraine?
Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches, but many cannot. Potential migraine triggers include:
• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
• Physical or emotional stress
• Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Skipping meals or fasting
• Alcohol
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during menopause onset
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.
Triggers do not always cause migraines, and avoiding triggers does not always prevent migraines.
What are the symptoms of migraine?
Symptoms of migraine can occur a while before the headache, immediately before the headache, during the headache, and after the headache. Although not all migraines are the same, typical symptoms include:
• Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to 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
Many people experience migraines with auras just before or during the head pain, but most do not. Auras are perceptual disturbances such as confusing thoughts or experiences and the perception of strange lights, sparkling or flashing lights, lines in the visual field, blind spots, pins and needles in an arm or leg, or unpleasant smells.
Use of Herbal Remedies for Migraine
A herb is a plant that may be used for medicinal therapies. Herbs have been around for thousands of years and there are various herbs that have been suggested to treat headaches and migraines. You may find that herbal remedies can even replace prescription medications.
Herbal remedies for migraines can help alleviate the symptoms associated with it and other types of headaches.
Many people look to natural alternatives for migraine headache relief to avoid the potential side effects of migraine medications such as Imitrex and Relpax.
