The smells that can give you a migraine

Onions can be a real headache. In fact they are one of many smells that can trigger a migraine. Now researchers say scent can also treat the condition.About 15 per cent of adults in the UK are affected by migraine. As well as a severe headache, symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light. Changes in the natural chemicals in the brain spark an attack.In most cases – 75.9 per cent, according to one study – there are identifiable triggers. Stress, hormone fluctuations, weather, sleep disturbance, diet and flickering lights and images are among the most common causes.More than 50 per cent of migraine sufferers are sensitive to a specific odour, says a new study. The condition is known as osmophobia. Women can be particularly sensitive, with some 70 per cent saying that smell is a trigger. And just a few minutes of exposure is all it takes.Avoiding triggers is said to be vital to prevent an attack.In the first reported case of allergy to members of the onion family, a 32-year-old woman found that raw onions or garlic caused a ‘migraine aura’.The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago said within an hour, she had a crushing 10/10 headache, with burning eyes and nose, nausea, fatigue, sore throat, confusion, palpitations, tongue soreness and neck pain.The woman was treated with nose plugs, and given peppermint as a counter-smell which seemed to alleviate the problem.The researchers say onion and other smells may induce changes in the emotions as the areas of the brain that govern both smell and emotion are closely linked.Alternatively, the smell may stimulate the trigeminal nerve, leading to inflammation, or the smell could itself cause blood vessels to shrink.Dr Nicholas Silver, consultant neurologist at the Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery and honorary clinical lecturer at the University of Liverpool, said: ‘We have found that common odour triggers include perfumes, aerosols, car air fresheners, cooking smells – particularly fried or fatty foods – cigarette smoke and cleaning products.’(Daily Mail)ANN.Az