Migraine
What is Migraine?
Migraine is a complex syndrome which usually involves a severe headache
and may be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms. The underlying
pathology is incompletely understood but it does appear to involve disturbances
in the nervous and circulatory systems.
During a migraine, blood vessels in the head constrict, reducing blood
flow to the brain. This may be the explanation for the warning symptoms
(aura) that many sufferers experience prior to an attack. The blood vessels
then dilate and the typical throbbing headache appears causing severe
pain and, usually, inability to continue with daily functions.
Some evidence suggests that there is an inflammatory or allergic component
to this condition. Certain foods and stresses have been associated with
migraine and some people have been found to be sensitive to tyramine
which is found in red wine, cheese and chocolate. Other food triggers
are also common.
