MIGRAINE HEADACHES AND SUPPRESSION OF EMOTIONS:
According to Sue, Sue and Sue (1994), the distinguishing features of a migraine headache consist of constriction of cranial arteries, followed by the dilation of the cerebral blood vessels which result in moderate to severe pain. These headaches can last from a few hours to several days and are often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Sue, Sue and Sue (1994) state that migraines are of two general types. These are:
(1) The classic type which starts with an intense constriction of the blood vessels in the brain that dramatically diminishes the blood supply; commonly this type of migraine is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as distortion of vision, numbness of body parts, and/or speech and coordination problems. Due to the constriction of the blood vessels, each heartbeat produces a characteristic pulsating or throbbing pain in the sufferer of this type of migraine headache.
(2) The common type of migraine headache is one in which the first phase is less severe than that of the classic type. Also, neurological symptoms often are not associated with this type.
What causes a migraine headache? Although it is known that certain chemicals such as sodium nitrate (an additive used in meats such as hot dogs), monosodium glutamate (often used in Asian food) and tyramine (present in red wines) can produce headaches by distending blood vessels in some people, Sue, Sue and Sue (1994) state that there is one school of psychological theory holds that migraine sufferers tend toward certain personality characteristics (perfectionistic, ambitious, and rigid with an tendency to suppress emotions). The review of literature presented here examines the research on these characteristics with an emphasis upon the tendency of chronic migraine sufferer to suppress emotions.
Personality Correlates of Migraine Headache Sufferers
Is there a personality tendency on the part of th...