WHAT IS MIGRAINE?
Migraine is a type of headache that can start at any age and decrease in frequency with advancing age, and tends to be persistent or recurrent. It occurs in 5% of men and 20% of women. It is one of the diseases that reduces the quality of life and limits daily living activities. It ranks 2nd in the list of diseases that limit the workforce.
Migraines often begin in adolescence. In more than 80% of patients, the onset of attacks is before the age of 30. Its frequency decreases from 35-39 years of age. It occurs less frequently in postmenopausal women. Family history is one of the most common risk factors for migraine.
This pain, which starts in the nape, temple or around the eyes, may worsen with movement, may progress with a throbbing character, and accompanying nausea, vomiting, difficulty in speaking, numbness or tingling, discomfort with light and sound may occur.
Most migraines last about 4 hours. They can last from 72 hours to a week if they are left untreated or do not respond to treatment.
Migraine without Aura: Recurrent headache attacks of 4-72 hours. Moderate to severe pain intensity is felt. Physical activity can trigger it. Symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine with Aura: In attacks with aura, patients may experience problems such as weakness in their sense of touch (sensory), speech disorder, visual disturbances, numbness or tingling.
WHY DOES MIGRAINE OCCUR?
It is known that genetic or environmental factors play a role in the formation of migraine. It is thought that the emergence of attacks is caused by imbalances in brain chemicals. Individuals with migraine have a nervous system that is sensitive to attacks, and attacks can be triggered by some factors in the external environment. Some triggers:
Writing down what you did, what foods you ate, and what medications you took before your migraine started can help you identify your triggers.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MIGRAINE?
From the beginning to the end of the migraine, there are 4 periods: Prodrome, Aura, Headache, Postdrome
During the prodrome period (1-2 days before the onset of pain), patients may notice minor warning changes such as mood swings, pessimism, restlessness, frequent yawning, stiff neck, increased thirst, constipation, and increased urination.
During the aura phase, approximately 25% of patients experience symptoms (75% pass without aura). This period may occur before the headache, or it may occur simultaneously with the headache. Patients may experience problems such as weakness in their sense of touch, slurred speech, visual disturbances, numbness or tingling.
During the headache period, migraine attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours. This headache, which is generally unilateral and throbbing, tends to worsen within the first 1 hour. During a migraine attack, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision, runny nose, dizziness, and sensation to touch may be experienced. Attacks can continue for hours or days. Patients feel more comfortable in dark and quiet environments. Pain generally regresses during sleep.
In the postdrome period, the patient feels tired, exhausted and somewhat relieved. Symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, sensitivity to light and sound, or exuberance may occur within 24 hours.
HOW TO HEAL MIGRAINE?
Migraine cannot be cured, but your doctor can help you manage attacks. The treatment method to be applied varies depending on factors such as the age of the person, the type of migraine and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, the frequency, duration and severity of the attacks, and the health status of the person.
The method of treatment may include a combination of:
A Natural Supplement: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants’ Oils
These days, more and more people are using essential oils to help reduce their headaches. Recent studies have confirmed that essential oils (concentrated liquids of Mother Nature) are helpful for a number of health conditions including headaches, migraines, sinus and pain management. They also provide benefits without the long lists of side effects that can accompany prescription headache and migraine medications.
Peppermint oil has analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics thanks to the menthol component it contains. It is one of the commonly used essential oils to support headache and migraine attacks. You can dilute it with another carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it by massaging your temple, forehead, neck and shoulder area. You can inhale the scent by dripping 6-10 drops of peppermint oil into your censer.
If your headaches are caused by sinus problems, eucalyptus oil can help reduce your pain. You can inhale its scent by dripping 6-10 drops of eucalyptus oil into your censer.
It shows anti-inflammatory characteristic. Helps reduce muscle tension and headache. You can dilute it with another carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it by massaging your temple, forehead, neck and shoulder area.
Rosemary oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) characteristics. It has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years to reduce stress and pain, and to help with headaches. You can dilute it with another carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it by massaging your temple, forehead, neck and shoulder area. Or you can inhale the scent by dripping 6-10 drops into your censer.
Lavender oil is often used to relieve stress and relax. According to a clinical study published in European Neurology, inhaling lavender essential oil aids in the acute management of migraines. You can inhale its scent by dripping 6-10 drops of lavender oil into your censer.
Camomile Oil
It helps to relax the body and muscles. (Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using it against the risk of miscarriage.) You can inhale its scent by adding 6-10 drops of camomile oil to your censer.
We recommended that you consult your doctor before using these herbal oils.
Consulting Your Doctor
Although essential oils may help relieve headache symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately if you have severe or recurrent headaches or sharp headaches.
If you regularly experience migraine attacks and symptoms, record their frequency and severity. See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
