Management of Migraine Headaches in Different Systems of Medicine – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Migraine headache has been reported as a major problem and complication among various races worldwide affecting around 15% of the populations with a higher rate in women than men. In the present study, a survey has been done to collect data with regard to its management in three different system of medicine, which include: Greco–Arabic or Unani System, Herbal System and present day Modern (Allopathic) System of medicine. In the survey, major emphasis has been given on the treatment pattern and drugs available in the Greco-Arabic or Unani System of medicine and was compared with present day Herbal System and Modern system of medicine. The Greco-Arabic system is quite popular in South Asian countries, including Pakistan. It has a definite Philosophy and its practitioner are called – “Hakeems” while the clinics are called – “Dawa Khana or Matab” The methodology of the present survey includes collection of various drugs available in Dawa Khanas, for Unani Drugs and various Pharmacies for Herbal and Allopathic Drugs used in the management of migraine. In total, six different drugs from Unani System were collected and their constituents were analyzed with respect to their phytochemistry and pharmacology and reported in this paper to ascertain their role in the management of Migraine Headaches and compared with some of the well known herbal and allopathic drugs.