A doctor from the Philippines talked about migraine and its triggers in her recent speech in the International Migraine Awareness Week held on September 1-7, 2019. Among the triggers that Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas pointed out is the consumption of too much monosodium glutamate or MSG and chocolate.
Dr. Canlas the president of Philippine Headache Society and Headache Master of the International Headache Society. The doctor explained that MSG can be found in different food sources with some as common as Chinese soup which contains typically two or three times more MSG compared to other food items that are widely available in the market.
Other food items that trigger migraines include cheddar, blue cheese, nuts, red wine, caffeine, and nitrites such as those that are in hot dogs, bacon, frankfurters, etc. Non-food triggers that the doctor has listed included physical stress, sexual activities, change of weather or climate, prolonged screen time or use of gadgets, loud noises, and intense smells.
Dr. Canlas pointed out that to cope with migraine, people need to change their lifestyle. She also pointed out that either oversleeping or lack of sleep could cause throbbing pain for people experiencing migraines.
Experts explained that migraine, which is usually associated with nausea, photo-sensitivity, vomiting, and sometimes sensitivity to sound and odors, is a distinct neurological disease which involves recurrent attacks. The pain could range from moderate to severe headache exhibited by the feeling of pulsating in one side of the head.
The doctor pointed out that migraine is not a simple headache. She added that migraine is among the 48 diseases that account for 80% of the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the Philippines alone. Dr. Canlas also pointed out that migraine affects one for every 10 people worldwide.
The world health organization reports that recurrent migraine attacks last between 4 to 72 hours. Around 90% of migraine patients will not be able to work or function when they are having an attack. Some of the patients could have as much as 15 episodes per month, sometimes even more.
Imelda Santos, the Chief Labor Employment Officer of the Bureau Working Conditions in the Philippines stated that employers can do something for their workers who are experiencing migraines. The health and safety committee at work can include in their occupational health program such as activities that will raise awareness and disseminate information in addressing migraine.
The doctor also pointed out that migraine affects women at a rate three times more than it affects men. Dr. Canlas is hopeful that there will be a solution and that migraine attacks could be lessened.
