Migraine is a headache that is characterized by a throbbing pain on a localized part of the head. The causes of migraine are numerous, although in most cases the disease appears after the occurrence of various chain reactions in the nervous system. These reactions are favoured by stress, anxiety, food poisoning or certain genetic predispositions. Migraine does not resemble an ordinary or tension headache, which is characterized by more or less bearable pain. This is not the case of a migraine attack, during which the patient could be downright bedridden since performing any movement increases the pain.
We talk about migraine instead of headache when the onset of the condition is preceded by a few warning signs. A migraine usually presents the same symptoms, regardless of the frequency of attacks. Thus, one can only determine if a headache is in the migraine category after a few attacks. The time interval between attacks may range from several weeks to several months. The most characteristic sign of migraine is therefore the intensity of pain experienced by the patient, as well as its precise and localized action on a specific part of the head. In addition, the duration of a migraine attack can last anywhere between two and four hours, although a succession of attacks may be spread out over several days.
In principle, one can identify four distinct stages in the development of a migraine. Thus, the majority of migraine sufferers start by going through the prodrome phase, during which they are prone to an apparent state of restlessness. They thus become asthenic, dyspeptic, and constantly anxious and can end up insomniac. Furthermore, they are also subject to an increased yawning frequency and sudden feelings of hunger. All of these signs may appear at least 24 hours before the onset of migraine. In some cases, the migraine is preceded by the aura, which is characterized by a number of symptoms including visual disorders and possibly a body part’s temporary paralysis. The aura can occur anywhere from an hour to a few minutes before the onset of the migraine.
During the migraine phase itself, the patient begins to feel severe pain on a localized portion of the head, either the left or right side of the skull. Sometimes, this pain can affect the orbital portion of the head or the jaw and, unlike regular headaches, the patient has the sensation of hearing his or her heartbeat throbbing in the painful area. In many cases, the disease’s painful phase is characterized by nausea and vomiting, as well as intolerance to light and noises. During the migraine’s last phase, marked by the pain’s progressive disappearance, the patient may remain in a state of prolonged fatigue or unexplained euphoria.
Once the migraine’s causes and symptoms are precisely identified, a homoeopathic therapy can provide the appropriate form of treatment. Whether they are used to heal the cause of headache or treat the migraine’s various symptoms, homoeopathic remedies prove to be more effective than conventional drug treatments. Among the homoeopathic preparations that are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of hemicrania or migraine, one may include Iris Versicolor and Sanguinaria. Both of these drugs are mainly indicated for treating pain and eliminating the aura’s symptoms.
To alleviate pain that affects the frontal sinuses’ mucous membranes as well as those that appear above the eyes, homoeopathy provides treatments based on Venus mercenaria or Kalium bichromicum. If the migraine is accompanied by a significant decrease in intellectual abilities, with pain of varying intensity, it can be treated with Onosmodium virginianum. In regard to pain that is followed by a slight visual disorder, flicker and colour confusion, it is advisable to resort to Mercurialis perennis, as it can dissipate the phenomenon within a few hours. Finally, a Natrum muriaticum-based treatment for children may be recommended in case of migraine that is characterized by less severe pain and facial tingling.
In women, a migraine can be caused by hormonal disorders linked to a number of factors including the onset of puberty, the first ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. Homoeopathy provides solutions that are tailored to each specific case. Thus, Sanguinaria, Actaea racemosa, Cyclamen, Lac defloratum, Bromium and several other remedies are indicated in the treatment of migraines occurring during the menstruation period. One can also treat postmenopausal migraines that are accompanied by hot flashes with homoeopathic remedies such as Lachesis, Veratrum viride and Belladonna. Finally, in case of recalcitrant pain, one can opt for homoeopathic remedies like Thea, Guarana, Kidron, Canadian menispermum, and Melilotus, regardless of whether the cause of the ailment is linked to hormonal changes or other known physiological factors
In regard to headaches, most people prefer easy solutions and self-medication. However, repetitive migraine attacks affect the quality of life and may subsequently be a source of much more severe pathologies. To ensure the effectiveness of the migraine’s homoeopathic treatment, consult a specialist, preferably a homoeopath. A medical consultation is also required as soon as the first symptoms appear, and especially when the migraines occur at regular intervals or when the affected person is expecting a child. The same applies to people with a family history of migraine and patients who suffer from chronic infections that are often accompanied by hemicrania.
• Apis Mellifica
• Chelidonium Majus
• Cyclamen Europaeum
• Gelsemium Sempervirens
• Ignatia Amara
• Iris Versicolor
• Kalmia Latifolia
• Lachesis Mutus
• Lycopodium Clavatum
• Nux Vomica
• Paris Quadrifolia
• Psorinum
• Sanguinaria Canadensis
• Sepia Officinalis
• Spigelia Anthelmia
• Sulphur
• Tuberculinum
• Headaches
Good to know: Migraines do not necessarily manifest themselves in the same manner in all individuals. Furthermore, this condition can affect anyone regardless of age. However, homoeopathy provides the medical iodine-based solution to treat even the toughest headaches.
