What is Migraine?
Migraine is an episodic primary headache that is disabling with associated nausea and/or light and sound sensitivity.
The prevalence of headache in Malaysia ranges from 9% (migraine), tension headache (26.5%) and other types of headaches (28.2%).
Common Risk Factors
•Family history
•Increased body weight
•High blood pressure
•High blood cholesterol
•Impaired insulin sensitivity
•Heart disease
Sign & Symptoms
•Pain usually on one side of the head.
•Pain that throbs or pulses.
•Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smell and touch.
•Nausea and vomiting.
Complications
•Migraine-triggered seizures
•Chronic migraine
•Stroke with migraine
•Status migrainosus (lasting>72h)
Food to Focus
•Magnesium-rich food (dark leafy vegetables, avocado, tuna)
•Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, seeds, legumes)
Food to Avoid
•Nitrate-rich food (cured meat, hotdogs)
•Processed food high in MSG
•Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
•Chocolate
•Alcohol beverages
Lifestyle Modifications
•Stress reduction
•Adequate hydration
•Acupuncture
•Regular aerobic exercise
•Regular sleep schedules
References
1.Jasvinder Chawla MD. Migraine headache [Internet]. Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology. Medscape; 2021 [cited 2022Jan6]. Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1142556-overview
2.Pain management best practices - hhs.gov [Internet]. [cited 2022Jan6]. Available from: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pmtf-final-report-2019-05-23.pdf
3.Ferchak D. What to eat when you have migraine, food triggers, and more [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2021 [cited 2022Jan6]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/what-to-eat-when-you-have-a-migraine#foods-to-avoid