With the heat and break from the daily routine that summer brings, migraines have surfaced as the most common health condition that people are suffering from during the summer. Summer temperatures in the Kingdom particularly, are considered very hot and break the 40 degrees Celsius ceiling during the afternoons. Saudi Gazette sheds light on this very common, but often misunderstood condition. “A migraine is a disorder of blood vessels and a condition in which the person feels pain in half of the head and can last from four to 72 hours, which may be due to heredity reasons, fatigue, hunger, monthly period (for women) or the disorder of certain organs in the body” explained Dr. Sattam Linjawi, X-Ray Consultant and Head of the Board at the Saudi Scientific Association for X-Ray. Migraines are very painful forms of a headache - often including nausea - and can affect children, young women and rarely men. “Young women are more commonly prone to experience migraines because of the monthly period and therefore, the condition may last for 2-3 days and is medically referred to as ‘menstrual migraine'. A low percentage ranging from three to ten percent of children can also suffer from migraines,” remarked Dr. Linjawi. Studies have explained that varying hormone levels indicate a migraine relation: 75 percent of adult patients are women, although migraine affects approximately equal numbers of prepubescent boys and girls. Discussing the various reasons for migraine, Linjawi explained that “high blood pressure, diabetes, vision problems, ear inflammation, dental problems, cold and flue are some factors causing migraines, due to the physical conditions of the person.” What factors cause migraines? Culprits that are responsible for migraines are blood disorders, heredity diseases, fatigue, hunger, and period pain in women, or the disorder of certain organs, explained Dr. Linjawi. There are also some other common triggers that people should be aware of. These include: q Stress: Emotional shock and depression are the main psychological causes that can cause migraines. q Hormonal changes in women: “Most young women are suffering fom migraines because of menstruation and their migraine can last up to two or three days,” said Dr. Linjawi. “That is why women are most at risk from migraine attacks.” q Food: Some dairy products like heavy cheese, acidic food, chocolate, ice cream, junk food, and soft drinks are the food groups that should not be eaten in excess during the summer as they can trigger a migraine attack. q Sensory stimuli: Bright lights and the sun's glare can induce migraines, as can loud sounds. The prolonged use of TV and computers should therefore be avoided. q Changes in the sleeping pattern: Summer holidays mean that sleeping habits are largely altered with people going to sleep at a much later time and often waking during the afternoon. This can also bring on a migraine attack. Dr. Linjawi advises everyone to try and stick to their original sleeping pattern as much as possible. q Changes in the weather: A change of weather especially the hot summer season prompts a migraine. A popular myth regarding migraines is that it cannot be treated, but this is incorrect. Dr. Linjawi asserts that avoiding an unhealthy lifestyle is key to avoiding migraines. Though aspirin is normally taken as the primary form of treatment, he also advises prostration on the floor several times a day to facilitate the flow of blood delivered to the brain. Another tip is to rest in a quiet and shaded room, massage the forehead, temples and neck with a cloth soaked in cold water, take a cold shower and drink chilled juice. Following a healthy routine as well as balanced diet all contribute to a person's general well being and allow one to reap the full benefits of the holiday period.
