Migraine: Common Triggers and Homeopathic Care

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a recurring headache, usually throbbing and often on one side of the head. It commonly comes with nausea or vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or smells. Some people first notice an "aura" — flashing lights or blurred vision — before the pain starts. Attacks can last from a few hours to a few days.

Common triggers

• Stress, worry, or the "let-down" after a stressful period
• Irregular or too little sleep
• Skipped meals and dehydration — very common in hot weather
• Hormonal changes around periods
• Bright light, long screen time and strong smells
• Sudden changes in caffeine, and certain foods (these differ from person to person)
• Heat, humidity and changes in weather

Keep a headache diary

Note the date, time, how long the headache lasted, what you ate, how you slept, and anything stressful that day. After a few weeks, a pattern usually appears — and it helps your doctor choose the right treatment.

How homeopathy approaches migraine

Homeopathic treatment looks at your individual migraine pattern: which side, what the pain feels like, what brings it on, what eases it, and your overall health. A remedy is chosen for you as an individual, with the aim of reducing how often the attacks come and how severe they are. Many people notice fewer and milder episodes over a few months of consistent treatment. If you already take medicines for migraine, do not stop them suddenly on your own — any change is planned gradually with your doctor. See our migraine treatment page.

Go to a hospital urgently if

• You have a sudden, "worst ever" headache
• The headache comes with fever and a stiff neck
• You have weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion or double vision
• It follows a head injury
• New, unusual headaches begin after the age of 50

These can signal a condition that needs immediate medical attention.