by Budianto Dermawan Ng

Created on: April 27, 2008

Migraine may range from mild to incapacitating throbbing headache, intensifies over the first 30 minutes and may last in a day or longer. Accompanied by nausea or vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, food or odors. As a result, the affected person is weary to sudden head movements.

There are two types of migraines. First, those sufferers of "migraine without aura" or common migraine. Common migraine elevates the mood level including fatigue, depression, and excessive yawning for up to 24 hours before the attack. Second, classic migraine or "migraine with aura". Classic migraine may be preceded by shimmering of white or colored light, tingling of face and hands, and accompanied by a sensation of heaviness in the affected limb.

Recognizing a multitude of potential triggers for a migraine attack is the key to prevention.

An inherited child has 50% chance of developing migraine and increases to 70% if both parents are affected. Some results of the attack obviously showed the susceptibility to migraine be inherited. However, genes responsibility on migraine has not yet fully identified because the development of the attack requires environmental influences as well. In this case, the affected person has to look after himself by avoiding unsuitable environment influences triggering the attack. Genetics share the role in many, but not all, affected people.

Another triggers can be found in specific alcoholic beverages which contains "tyramine", an amine which causes elevated blood pressure. Tap beer, ale, chianti and vermouth along with red wine should be avoided. Specific foods also contains high concentration of tyramine; aged cheeses, overripe or dried fruit especially avocado and banana peels, canned foods (also contains MSG, nitrites, sulfites), old meat or fish, soy, nuts and peanuts, and largely consumed chocolate.

Some specific drugs trigger the attack; oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy, nitrates, theophylline, reserpine, nifedipine, indomethicin, cimetidine, decongestant, overuse, analgesic overuse, benzodiazepine withdrawal. It's advisable to consult to the psychiatrist or doctor if migraine's occurred when using these drugs.

Environmental influences that's mentioned above resembles in several activities; depression, menstrual period, menopause, oversleeping or sleep changes, uncomfortable posture, hunger or fasting, perfume and cigar's smoke, strong light or noise also triggers the attack. Reschedule your daily activities to prevent the incoming migraine's attack.

Prevent incoming attack of migraine by:
*Have a regular sleep but not oversleeping.
*Have a regular meals but not skipping meals.
*Physical exertion on hot days should be avoided.
*Decrease the usage of pain relievers.
*Stress management.
*Avoid triggering foods and beverages.
*Avoid triggering drugs, consult to psychiatrist or doctor for the usage.
*Avoid odors, nicotine, caffeine, loud noise, and direct eye-contact with strong light.
*Avoid any environmental influences triggers of migraine's attack.
*Drink fresh water as much as you can and avoid restraining moving bowels or urinating.
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"Prepare the umbrella before the sky pours."

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