Oman- Migraine (migraine) is one of the common conditions that affects many individuals, and it is characterized by the occurrence of pulsating or beating pain on one side of the head, and it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, some fasting people may notice an increase in migraine attacks, as a result of multiple factors related to lifestyle changes during fasting.
Brain and neurologist, Dr. Ayman Al -Momani, says migraines, also known as migraine, is one of the first types of headaches, that is, the headache is unknown precisely. Although there are many theories about its causes, none of them were conclusively proven, so migraine remains unknown.
Migraines are characterized by different symptoms from other types of headaches, and it is often half, that is, it affects one side of the head, whether right or left, and it may start in one of them and then spread to the other side.
Migraines are more common among women, but the reason behind this is still unknown, and it varies in its types and forms.
Common symptoms
Momani explains that migraines are often in the form of beating pain, where there are multiple types of pain, such as beating pain, severe pain, and tingling pain, but migraines are characterized by beating pain.
Pain is often concentrated around the eye on the headache, and is accompanied by an overrill in light and sound, and sometimes for severe sensitivity to odors.
Other symptoms may also be accompanied by migraines, such as puffing eye eyelids, increased tears secretion, and runny nose. A headache seizure can last from 4 hours to 3 days.
Possible causes of migraines
Al -Momani notes that although there is no accurate cause of migraines, some families suffer more than others, indicating the possibility of a genetic factor.
Some types of migraines, such as migraines accompanied by a temporary migraine, may last for a week, and it has been proven to be hereditary and the genes responsible for it have been identified.
As for the normal migraines, which are not accompanied by paralysis, the reason behind it is still unknown. However, some studies indicate that some foods may stimulate migraine attacks, such as cheese and chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
Diagnosis of migraines
Momani explains that migraines are diagnosed based on the symptoms that the patient suffers from. But in some cases, symptoms may appear that pushes the doctor to search for other possible causes, such as:
- Fast access to maximum pain
- Headache for the first time is unfamiliar
- Headaches with symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, or numbness in the ends
In such cases, additional tests, such as cerebral imaging or magnetic resonance, must be performed, to exclude any other reasons that may be responsible for headaches. In the case of migraines, the results of the tests are often normal, without any pathological signs that explain the occurrence of headaches.
The effect of fasting on migraines
Al -Momani notes that fasting may increase the frequent occurrence of migraine attacks, as migraines come in the form of seizures, and fasting may increase their rate of occurrence.
However, a distinction must be made between “fasting headache” and migraines, as the headache of fasting may be similar in its symptoms to migraines, which may lead to confusion between them.
Factors increase the possibility of headaches during fasting
Al -Momani explains that there are several factors that may increase the possibility of headaches during fasting, including:
- The year semester: Fasting in the summer is different from the winter, where the body is more likely to be dehydrated in the summer, which may increase or repeat headaches.
- Blood sugar level: There is scientific controversy about the effect of low blood sugar level on headaches, where some studies confirm this effect, while other studies are denied.
- The number of hours of fasting: The more fasting the period of fasting, the greater the possibility of headaches, especially in the days when the day is long.
How to reduce migraine attacks during fasting?
The specialist in interventional pain and palliative care, Dr. Mahmoud Al -Manasra, says that if you suffer from migraines during fasting, there are some things that may help you, including:
- Preparation before Ramadan: It is better to gradually reduce caffeine to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Sleeping: Lack of sleep may increase headache seizures.
- Avoid noise and bright lighting: These factors may stimulate migraines.
The advocacy also shows that pain can be controlled or migraine attacks can be reduced during fasting through:
- Drink enough water between breakfast and suhoor to prevent dehydration.
- Experience relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to reduce stress.
- Putting cold compresses on the head when you feel the beginning of a headache, this may help relieve pain.
Foods recommended or recommended to be avoided during fasting
The advocacy explains that there are some foods and drinks that are preferred or avoided to reduce migraines:
- It is recommended to eat magnesium -rich foods, such as nuts and leafy vegetables, as they may help reduce headaches.
- It is preferable to avoid salty foods that may cause fluid retention, as well as foods that stimulate headaches, such as old cheese, chocolate, and caffeine drinks.
The advocacy confirms that drinking water after breakfast is very important, because it helps the body compensate for the fluids that it lost during fasting, as dehydration is one of the main causes of headache.
When should you consult a doctor?
The advocacy explains that there are some signs that indicate the need to consult a doctor in the event of exacerbation of migraines during fasting, including:
- If the headache increases significantly or becomes more frequent.
- If headaches are accompanied by symptoms such as constant vomiting, change in vision, or weakness in one of the ends.
- If the previous treatments are no longer effective.
In these cases, it is preferable to see a specialist to develop an appropriate treatment plan.