Ayurvedic Treatment for Migraine | Migraine Treatment in Kerala

Migraine is a neurovascular condition characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, typically affecting one side of the head with varying intensity. These headaches are often accompanied by nausea and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. In approximately one-third of migraine attacks, both sides of the head are affected.
The pain associated with migraines is described as severe throbbing or pulsing and can significantly disrupt daily activities. Migraine attacks can endure for hours to days, causing substantial discomfort.
In about one-third of cases, individuals may experience a warning symptom known as an aura before or during the headache. Auras can manifest as visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other sensory disturbances like tingling in the face, arm, or leg, along with difficulty speaking.
The closest possible correlation for Migraine in Ayurveda is Ardhavabhedaka, meaning one/half-sided splitting/ breaking pain. This is a type of Vataja Shirashoola (as per Ashtanga Hrudayam) if not treated properly will lead to problems of the ear and eye. Also, the attacks may happen in an interval of weeks or months. According to Susrutha Samhitha, this is a Tridoshaja Shirashoola ,which recurs once a week or ten days or without any regular interval.

PRODROME: In the prodrome stage, occurring one or two days before a migraine, individuals may observe subtle changes signaling an impending episode, such as constipation, food cravings, neck stiffness, frequent yawning, increased thirst and urination, and mood changes ranging from depression to euphoria.
AURA: Auras preceding or accompanying migraines reveal transient and reversible nervous system symptoms like vision loss, difficulty speaking, hearing unusual sounds, uncontrollable movements and visual phenomena such as bright spots or flashes. Individuals may also encounter limb tingling or face and body weakness/numbness during these episodes.
ATTACK: During a migraine attack, which typically lasts from 4 to 72 hours if untreated, individuals may experience pain that throbs or pulses, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch. The pain is usually localized on one side of the head but can often affect both sides.
POSTDROME: After a migraine attack you might feel drained, confused and washed out for up to a day. Some people report feeling elated.

Severe Headache: Usually affecting one side of the head, this pain is sometimes characterized as pulsating or throbbing. Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting are common.
Light and Sound Sensitivity: Loud noises and bright lights might make pain worse.
Aura: Before the headache begins, some people may have visual abnormalities including blind patches, zigzag lines, or flashes of light.
Vertigo or dizziness: You may feel unbalanced or like you're spinning.
Fatigue: A general feeling of weariness or depletion that frequently preceds or follows a migraine.
Neck Pain: A migraine may be accompanied by neck pain or stiffness.

Stress: Stress at work or home can cause migraines.
Drinks: These include alcohol especially wine and too much caffeine such as coffee.
Foods: Aged cheeses, salty and processed foods might trigger migraines. So might skipping meals or fasting.
Food Additives: These include the sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in many foods.
Medications: Oral contraceptives and vasodilators can aggravate migraines.
Weather Changes: A change of weather or barometric pressure can prompt a migraine.
Sleep Changes: Missing sleep, getting too much sleep or jet lag can trigger migraines in some people.
Physical Factors: Intense physical exertion including sexual activity might provoke migraines.
Hormonal Changes in Women: Fluctuations in oestrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause seem to trigger headaches in many women.
Hormonal Medications: such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy also can worsen migraines. Some women, however, find their migraines occurring less often when taking these medications.
Sensory Stimuli: Bright lights and sun glare can induce migraines as can loud sounds. Strong smells including perfume, paint thinner, second-hand smoke and others trigger migraines in some people.

The Ayurveda treatments for migraine includes

Snehopachaaram : Internally and Externally
Upanaha Swedam:
Shirodhaara/ Shirovasthi:
Shirolepanam:
 Snehanasyam:
Dhoomapanam:
In addition to Ayurvedic treatment modalities, it is essential to follow prescribed internal medications and consider the significant influence of dietary habits and intake in managing migraines.

MIGRAINE