Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of migraine is unknown. A strong genetic and familial history is seen. Certain predisposing factors which have been put forth are hormonal influences, certain dietary substances like: cheese, chocolates, wine, and changes in environment or sleep patterns. Psychological stress and sensory stimuli like bright light or loud sounds can also cause migraine
Clinical presentation
Migraine can be of two types Headache with aura and Headache without aura
Aura means some warning symptoms which the patient experiences before the headache.
Most of the headaches are without aura .The patients complaints of sever throbbing pain. it can last from 2 hours to 72 hours. The symptoms vary from patient to patient.
Headache is the common symptom. It can be associated with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, vertigo or nasal congestion. Diarrhea, high or low blood pressure, edema are also seen. Psychological disturbances e.g.: irritability, anxiety, confusion occurs. Migraine can lead to complications like ischemic stroke, depression and anxiety disorder
Investigations:
Migraine is usually diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms. No specific investigations are required for migraine diagnosis. Certain investigations can be done for differentiating the other diseases these are routine blood test, lumbar puncture for examining the CSF or in severe cases when associated with some doubtful symptoms are brain scans can also be done.
Treatment
The main aim of the treatment is to control the triggering factors, to treat the acute attack and to prevent the recurrence of episodes .Administration of pain relieving medications or non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are the only line of treatment.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Recent update:
The two studies released at the American Academy of Neurology’s 66th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, April 26 to May 3, 2014 stated the discovery of drugs that aim at preventing the migraine attack.
