Headaches, migraines: they are part of everyday life, for young and old alike, and they strike on all sorts of occasions, without warning. Migraine is characterised by attacks of severe, violent head pain, often felt on one side of the head only, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and heightened sensitivity to light and sound; an attack can last between 4 and 72 hours. It affects women more, but also many men and young children.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is a disorder characterised by the regular, repeated onset of severe, violent headaches, often felt on one side of the head and sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. An attack can last between 4 and 72 hours. It is more common in women, but a good many men suffer from it too, as do young children.
Is migraine hereditary?
There does seem to be a link with family inheritance: it is not unusual to find that certain genetic (hereditary) factors also play a decisive part in the onset of headaches.
When and how does a migraine strike?
There appear to be as many endogenous factors as exogenous ones: it may be organic in origin, but it can also follow psychological or emotional overload, stress, anxiety, or a sudden surge of emotion.
Stress and tension
Anxiety and stress make headaches worse.
Alcohol
Because it reduces fluid levels in the brain, alcohol abuse triggers migraine.
Fasting
Going without food and feeling hungry can bring on an attack.
Food colourings and preservatives
Above all those containing monosodium glutamate (a flavour enhancer), normally present in canned foods.
Environmental factors
Loud noises or very bright lights.
Disrupted sleep
Sleeping too much, like sleeping too little, is associated with headaches.
Strong smells
Perfumes, among others, can trigger migraine.
Eating certain foods
Tobacco, chocolate, sugar, fat, an over-rich diet.
Natural medicine helps combat migraine, as do certain sophrology exercises.
