Migraine headaches are throbbing in nature, often with severe pain, usually on one side of the head. They may also be accompanied by visual disturbances and/or nausea and vomiting. Attacks may last from a few hours to several days.

Migraines affect about one in ten of the population and about 70% of all migraine sufferers are women. It is believed that changing hormone levels during menstruation, ovulation and menopause may trigger attacks.

Certain types of food may also trigger migraine such as over ripe cheese, citrus fruits, chocolate, red wine, coffee, red meat etc. The pill can also provoke migraine in susceptible women.

Oriental Diagnosis

Type 1

Caused by stress or emotional problems. The symptoms include; migraine, blurring of vision which is made worse when stressed. The sufferer may also experience hot flushes and thirst. This type is often seen in high blood pressure sufferers.

Type 2

This headache has a sensation of heaviness in the head. Accompanying symptoms include dizziness, nausea and phlegm in the lungs.

Type 3

This type has the symptoms of headache, dizziness, palpitations, often worse in the afternoon, tiredness, pale complexion, associated with heavy periods or in women who have had many children.

Type 4

The symptoms of this type of migraine are a fixed pain or a needle-like pricking pain. This may occur if the patient has a history of external injury. It is often seen in head injury victims and may include a stubborn headache.