"A Migraine case study of an MNC Software Developer"

Migraine is a complex neurological condition that often involves a severe headache. It is generally characterized by moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain on one side of the head. People with migraines often experience recurrent episodes. In 2021, researchers found that approximately 4.3% of adults over the age of 18 in the United States had experienced a migraine episode or a severe headache within the last 3 months. This research also found that migraine affects just over 7.4% of females versus 2.5% of males. Episodes often occur in people ages 18–44 years, but they can happen at any time, including during childhood. Untreated episodes of migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. For many people, migraines may be worse in the morning. Some may also experience an episode at a predictable time, such as during menstruation or at the weekend following a stressful working week.

While most people may feel weak or exhausted following a migraine episode, they generally experience times being symptom-free in between episodes.

Causes of Migraine:

The exact cause of migraine is not fully understood. However, there are certain factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.

1. There are various emotional triggers that include:

Stress, Depression, Anxiety, excitement

2-Certain dietary factors can trigger migraine, including:

Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, nuts, cheese, citrus fruits

3. Some people may find certain medications a triggering factor, such as:

sleeping pills, hormonal replacement therapy, some birth control pills

4. Various environmental factors can potentially trigger migraine, including flickering screens, strong smells, secondhand smoke, and loud noises

Humidity, stuffy rooms, temperature changes, bright lights

5. Some other possible triggers include: Tiredness, a lack of sleep, shoulder and neck tension, poor posture, physical overexertion, low blood sugar, and jet lag irregular mealtimes, dehydration

Risk factors:-

Anyone can develop migraines. However, there is a slightly higher risk for people with: depression, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, overactive bladder, sleep disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety.

A female aged 35 years old (Patient ID: 47359) visited Life Force Homeopathy Clinic Pimpri. She was working as a software developer in a US MNC, so she works night shifts, and she came with symptoms of headache unilateral, sometimes left-sided and right-sided. The headaches started after the second delivery in 2015. The symptoms were an intense throbbing headache, intolerance of noise and lights, nausea without vomiting, and sleeplessness. She was taking Tab. Headset during the episode. Once the pain starts, it would last for 3 days, even after taking painkillers, followed by head heaviness. The frequency of getting episodes was 1-2 times/month. The migraine would get triggered by sun exposure, late-night awakening, and irregular meal timings.

Dr. Shah prescribed the medicines as per case need. Also, she was advised to follow some lifestyle changes, to eat on time, to drink enough water, and to practice yoga and meditation as well.

Follow-ups:-

First follow-up, after taking 2 months of treatment, she gave her follow-up in May 2022; she did not get any attack or migraines, and there was no need to take the painkiller.

Second, follow-up: In July 2022, all the complaints and the frequency, duration, and severity of headaches were reduced by 20–30%.

Third follow-up: In September 2022, after almost 6 months, she had one episode of headache, but it was not so severe and lasted for a day.

Fourth follow-up: In November 2022, I had again one episode of headache due to inadequate sleep and an increase in workload pressure. As per the case, needed medicines were prescribed.

Fifth follow-up: In January 2023, mild headache due to loud noise was there, but severity and duration were decreased as compared to prior.

Sixth Follow-up In March 2023, episodes were decreased; if in between headache used to be there, it used to subside on its own, and there was no need to take the painkiller.

Seventh Follow-up In May 2023, she experienced 3 episodes of migraine that lasted for 2-3 days. The headaches were triggered by sun exposure and she was taking painkillers. Her case was re-evaluated and the revised medicines were prescribed.

In her last follow-up dated 10th July 2023, she informed of not getting any migraine episodes, occasionally got mild episodes because of some triggers but was able to manage without painkillers.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a woman who had been taking painkillers since 2015 was unable to handle any changes in her lifestyle, including irregular eating, sun exposure, and stress. After taking homeopathic treatment, not only did her symptoms go away, but her mental stability and core strength improved, and her body was able to handle the situation. This suggests that it is always preferable to start and choose homeopathic medication in cases of migraine that are getting worse because it not only treats the disease''s symptoms but also helps to keep your mind, core, and mental strength at a positive level and to overcome your stress and emotional factors.

- Case study is written by Dr. Nagma Inamdar, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)