Ellen Campbell-Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAYA MIGRAINE headache is debilitating. Doctors think migraines may be caused by a chemical or electrical problem in certain parts of the brain. According to theory, the nervous system responds to a trigger by creating spasms in the arteries at the base of the brain. The spasms constrict several arteries that supply blood to the brain, including arteries from the scalp and neck. As these arteries constrict, the flow of blood to the brain is reduced. At the same time, platelets clump together and release a chemical called Serotonin, a powerful constrictor of arteries. This further reduces blood and oxygen supply to the brain. In reaction to the reduced oxygen supply, certain arteries within the brain dilate to meet the brain's energy needs. This dilation spreads, finally affecting neck and scalp arteries. Doctors believe this dilation causes the pain of migraine.
The basic difference between the two types of migraine is the appearance of an 'aura' about 10-30 minutes before the classic migraine attack. Migrainuers may see flashing lights, zigzag lines or temporarily lose vision. Other symptoms of classic migraine include speech difficulty, confusion, and weakness of an arm or leg and tingling of face or hands. The pain of a classic migraine headache is described as an intense throbbing or pounding felt in the forehead/temple, ear/jaw or around the eyes. Classic migraine starts on one side of the head but may eventually spread to the other side. An attack may last one to two pain-filled days.
On the other hand, common migraine is not preceded by an aura. Some people do experience a variety of vague symptoms before common migraines. During the headache phase of a common migraine, you may have abdominal pain and diarrhoea, increased urination, nausea and vomiting. Both classic and common migraines can strike as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years.
Knowing your particular trigger can help to limit exposure to them and avert migraine attacks. You do have some control if you manage the circumstances that may lead to them. Some common triggers for migraine are: -
Foods-aged cheeses, foods with nitrates (luncheon meats, hot dogs, bacon, sausages, salami), onions, chocolates, nuts, saccharin or aspartame, products with yeast, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and wines, especially red wine.
Post stress-attacks can occur after stressful situations
During ovulation or menstruation
Caffeine withdrawal
Some medications
Environmental changes such as a drop in barometric pressure, high temperatures, bright lights, loud noises, smoke, fumes, changes in
altitude
Changes in sleep pattern
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, President, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP); Director, Information & Research. National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
