How to tackle migraine

Do you also experience a shooting pain on one side of your head that lasts for hours? Don't ignore it, it could be migraine.

Dr Vivek Borkar, a general practitioner, says migraine is a neurological syndrome that shows itself in the form of stubborn headaches. "It can last between four hours and 72 hours. Women are more prone to migraines than men," he says.
Symptoms
Dr Subramanian, a general practitioner, says that a person can go through four stages during a migraine attack.

"The first is the prodrome phase, where you may experience a sudden change in your mood. Irritability, stress, sleepiness, food cravings or irrational anger is common. This can happen hours or even days before an attack," he explains.

Next is the aura stage where you may see bright or multi-coloured lights that hurt your eyes.

"Sometimes, you may experience a brief blurring of vision, sense unpleasant smells or have a bad taste in your mouth. It is only after few minutes that the migraine hits," explains Dr. Subramanian.

This is followed by a throbbing pain on a particular part of your head. "It may start on one side of your head and move around to the other or just spread all over. It can increase with physical activity. Sometimes, the pain is so bad that you may end up vomiting," he says.

The stage after the headache reduces is the postdrome phase. "You will feel extreme exhaustion and will be susceptible to mood changes and experience a lack of concentration," explains Dr Subramanian.
Causes
According to neurologists, different types of migranes have differing causes. Such as:

Mental trauma or an accident that has disturbed a person's mind could be one of the triggers of migraine. "Stress and depression are the most common causes of migraines", says Dr Suchita Bhanushali. Another reason could be consumption of recreational drugs like 'Ecstasy'. "The chemicals can affect your brain," she explains. "Migraines can occur during your menses because of a drop in estrogen levels. These headaches last longer, are more severe and are accompanied by vomiting," says Dr. Subramanian.
Solution
If you happen to suffer from migraine, there is nothing to get panicky about. It is controllable and curable.

However, do not medicate yourself. Your best bet is to consult a neurologist and take the necessary steps and prescribed medicines to counter the problem.

Depending on the severity of your headaches, he may ask you to stay away from certain foods. Apart from this remember these tips that may ease your symptoms:

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Stay away from caffeine.
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Quit smoking Stay away from alcohol.
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Try techniques like meditation and deep breathing to de-stress.
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Make it a point to get your dose of fresh air everyday- like a walk or a sprint. It increases circulation and supply of oxygen to your brain and eases the symptoms.

Simply follow these tips and keep that headache at bay!