physiobia

Migraine

Migraine is the most common form of headache and was thought to be a vascular disorder(Abnormal circulation in vessels of the body), or due to cortical spreading depression. More recent evidence points to abnormality of brain function leading to a chain of events in the periphery.

In simple terms, migraine pain can be thought of as an altered perception of normality, such that normal sensory input is misinterpreted as pain. 24 This concept of the variable modulation of sensory input is explained in Lorimer Moseley’s YouTube video ‘Why things hurt’ (http://ow.ly/S9n0h).

Migraine is broadly categorized into migraine with and without aura.

An aura is when constant headaches every day with some additional symptoms like visual disturbances (e.g., scotomas), paraesthesia, vertigo, hemiplegia, and ophthalmoplegia. Many people think of migraine as a headache alone, but it is always noticed, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain.\

What are the Causes of migraine?

The various types of causes of migraine can be gender-based, like

1. In Women, there is a premenstrual or menstrual phase; contraceptive pills, pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and hyperthyroidism can cause migraine due to hormonal changes in the feminine body.
2. A low level of Hb (Hemoglobin) in the bloodstream, a condition called Anemia can cause migraine.
3. Migraine can occur due to infective conditions like fever and rhinitis.
4. Many a time it is seen that a regular and excessive intake of alcohol or any drugs (e.g., glyceryl trinitrate [nitroglycerine], nitrates, indomethacin) can cause Migraine episodes.  

♦ A person having migraine episodes should avoid sleep and rest quietly in a dark room because it helps to alleviate a migraine attack.

How to Diagnose Migraine? 

The diagnosis of a patient with headache involves patient history, physical examination, and meeting specific diagnostic criteria.

When the person came and said, “I get headaches every day”.The first thing is to take a Physical history. It will show exposure to some factors that contribute to Migraine. These Migraine Triggers are as follows;

• Stress affects 80% of cases (probable factor)
•  During menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy, hormonal changes are seen  in 65% of cases
• In patients due to skipped meals.
• Weather changes affecting individuals
• Incomplete Sleep affects  patients
• Smelly odors such as perfumes, colognes, and petroleum distillates affect cases
• Neck pain associated with Headache
• Alcohol ingestion and smoking

Diagnostic Criteria for Migraine as per the International Classification of Headache Disorders[PubMed]

High-altitude headache

High-altitude headache is a well-recognized accompaniment of acute mountain sickness (although it can occur on its own), which occurs within 24 hours of ascent to altitudes above 3000 m.89 The headaches are vascular and are seen in unacclimatised individuals.

Morning headaches at a higher altitude are often diagnosed by High-altitude headache. Typically, these are associated with other physiological effects of altitude or maybe an early manifestation of acute mountain sickness. The treatment is to descend to a lower altitude, although pharmacological interventions such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen/ paracetamol, and acetazolamide may be used.

External compression headache

External compression headache, formerly known as ‘swim goggle headache,’ presents with pain in the facial and temporal areas produced from wearing excessively tight face masks or swimming goggles. It is commonly seen in swimmers and divers.

In divers, this may be referred to as ‘mask squeeze‘, and is seen on descent to depth as the effects of pressure reduce the air space inside the mask. The etiology is believed to be due to continuous stimulation of cutaneous nerves by the application of pressure.

In delivery man, this may compress the head with the helmet. The person wearing a helmet for a long period can lead to headaches. The etiology is believed to be due to continuous stimulation of cutaneous nerves by the application of pressure.

Hypertension headache

Hypertension refers to high Blood pressure causing severe constant headaches every day called as Hypertension headache. According to the  Iranian Journal of Neurology Trusted Source, headaches due to high blood pressure typically occur on both sides of the head. The headache is painful because it pulsates and often gets worse with physical activity. It affects the blood-brain barrier and causes swelling or edema in the head putting pressure on the brain including symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, seizures, and blurred vision.

Lifestyle adjustments like drinking plenty of water, Adequate sleep, proper stress management, Regular meditation along with deep breathing exercises, trying to Limit Alcohol and Caffeine, and avoiding Loud Noises and Dark and quiet Rooms.

A large survey of the general population revealed that people who suffer from headaches seek physical treatment from physiotherapists and other complementary medical practitioners. These people believe that their headache may be a referred phenomenon from a disorder affecting structures in their cervical spine.

Dehydration headache

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when the body does not have sufficient fluid. Some common symptoms are Headache, thirst, fatigue, and dry mouth. This kind of headache is very common among people who work outdoors such as laborers, sports teachers, couches, Students, etc. 

Some remedies help to maintain the fluid level in water. 

1. Drink plenty of water about 3.7 liters of fluids a day for men. About 2.7 liters of fluids a day for women. Mix six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt for one liter of water, AFTER COMING FROM OUTSIDE.
2. You can drink Juices like Orange juice, Coconut water, Apple juice, Cucumber juice, Spinach juice, and lemon juice. Every juicy fruit can be used as juices. 
3. In severe conditions of dehydration, you can take Oral Rehydration Solution.