Migraine headaches can be defined as a paroxysmal ailment, accompanied by a severe headache, generally on one side of the head, and associated with disorders of the digestion, the liver and the vision. It usually occurs when as person is under great mental tension or has suddenly got over that state. Persons who suffer from migraine headaches have a particular type of personality. They are intelligent sensitive, rigid and methodical, and tend to be perfectionists. A migraine headache comes on suddenly. The head and neck muscles, reacting from continue stress, become overworked. The tight muscles squeeze the arteries and reduce the blood flow. Then when the person relaxes suddenly, the constricted muscles expand, stretching the blood vessel walls. With each heart beat, the blood pushes through these vessels and expands them further, causing intense pain.

• Hormonal changes: Although the exact relationship between hormones and headaches isn’t clear, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone seem to trigger headaches in many women with migraine headaches. Women with a history of migraines often have reported headaches immediately before or during periods. Others report more migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications, such as contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, also may worsen migraines.
• Foods: Certain foods appear to trigger headaches in some people. Common offenders include alcohol, especially beer and red wine, aged cheese, chocolate, fermented, pickled or marinated foods, aspartame, caffeine, monosodium glutamate – a key ingredient in some Asian foods and many canned and processed foods. Skipping meals or fasting can also trigger migraines.
• Stress: A period of hard work followed by relaxation may lead to weekend migraine headaches. Stress at work or home also can instigate migraines.
• Sensory stimulus: Bright lights and sun glare can produce head pain. So can unusual smells – including pleasant scents, such as perfumes and flowers, and unpleasant odors, such as paint thinner and second hand smoke.
• Physical factors: Intense physical exertion, including sexual activity, may provoke migraines. Changes in sleep patterns – including too much or too little sleep – also can initiate a migraine headache.
• Changes in the environment: A change of weather, season, altitude level, barometric pressure or time zone can prompt a migraine headache.

• Pain on one side of the head: There is a definite pattern of a migraine headache. The pain is on only one side of the head and often radiates from the eye. The right side of the head may be affected in one attack and the next time, the concentration of pain may be on the left side.
• A short depression, irritability and loss of appetite: Migraines are usually preceded by a short period depression, irritability and loss of appetite. Some persons get migraine attack daily; others every month or every two or three months; and still others, only or twice in several years.
• Pounding pain, nausea and vomiting: The main symptoms of migraines are a pounding pain, nausea and vomiting. The blood vessels on the affected side of the head become prominent and pulsating.
• Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, or on one side of the face: Migraines give a fair warning before striking. The patient sees flashes of light or black spots or only parts of the objects in front of him. He may also feel numbness or weakness in an arm o leg, or on the side of the face. Some tomes the numbness may affect both the side of the face tongue and the entire mouth, making the speech slurred and difficult. As the headache develops, distributed digestion becomes a marked feature.

• Juice of ripe grapes serves as an excellent remedy for treating the problem of migraine. Consume it in small doses several times in a day.
• Niacin vitamin works wonder in overcoming the migraine headache. Rich sources this vitamin are yeast, tomatoes, green veggies, nuts, liver and fish.
• Crush a few leaves of cabbage and place in cloth. Bind it on the forehead while lying on the bed.
• Vegetable juices have proved to be beneficial in curing migraine. Carrot juice can be had in combination with spinach and likewise beet and cucumber juices can be consumed.

• Avoid triggers: If certain foods seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, eat some thing else. If certain scents are problem, try to avoid them. In general, try to establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals.
• Exercise regularly: Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent migraines. If your doctor agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling. Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.
• Reduce the effects of estrogen: If you are a woman with migraines and estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, or if you have a family history of stroke or high blood pressure, you may want to avoid or reduce the amount of medications you take that contain estrogen. These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your doctor about the best alternatives or dosages for you.
• Quit smoking: If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting. Smoking can trigger headaches or make headaches worse.