Dial Down Your Migraine

Preventing and coping with the worst kind of pain

- Gagan Dhillon

A MIGRAINE IS A MODERATE to severe form of headache, with recurring bouts. The pain usually manifests itself on one side of the head and described as throbbing. It is associated with other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound and occasional visual disturbances. Obviously, it is more than just a headache.

“Migraines are an interplay of genetics and environment. Their frequency and severity is determined by genetic predisposition, and the number and extent of environmental triggers an individual is exposed to,” says Dr Rajashekar Reddi, principal consultant, neurology, at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. A migraine is surprisingly common— about one in five women and one in 15 men experience it. It’s not clear why it’s more common in women, though it’s thought to be linked to hormonal changes around the menstrual cycle. “These kind of migraines are known as catamenial migraines,” says Reddi.