My grain

The little elves that live inside my skull, hacking away with ice picks, are mostly on a break today. Or maybe they're on strike (better working conditions....?).

I am learning a lot about migraines. What the experts call the 'Aura' is lurking just behind my left eye all the time.

What is a migraine?
Usually migraine causes episodes of severe or moderate headache (which is often one-sided and pulsating) lasting from four to 72 hours, accompanied by gastrointestinal upsets, such as nausea and vomiting, and a heightened sensitivity to bright lights and noise. Approximately one third of people who experience migraine get a preceding aura.

^{And what the heck causes these things??}

According to the National Library of Medicine's Medical Encyclopedia, migraine attacks may be triggered by:

• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
• Physical or emotional stress
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Skipping meals
• Lack of Water or dehydration
• Alcohol or caffeine
• Dealing with the Indian Embassy of Kathmandu

Ah! We have a winner......