Migraine is sometimes due to eye-strain, very rarely to adenoids in the pharynx or to disease of the nose. Uterine and menstrual disorders also may cause attacks. Heredity plays an important part in the production of many cases, while a gouty diathesis, which is often inherited, is the cause in most instances. The presence of disease of the eyes, nose, pharynx, and uterus should always be ascertained, for it is sometimes a cause of migraine. Those cases that have a lithemic origin can be greatly helped by a suitable diet and mode of life. A generous amount of exercise out-of-doors ought to be taken daily. Especially should pains be taken to practise deep breathing with great frequency, in order to promote better metabolism, first by producing as complete oxygenation of the blood as possible, secondly, by filling the lungs with fresh air and thereby eliminating waste-products from the blood, and lastly, by promoting good lymphatic and venous circulation in liver, stomach, and abdominal viscera through the suction that considerable changes of intrathoracic pressure effects. Occasional hot baths and frequent vigorous rubbing of the skin are beneficial.

Water should be drunk freely - at least six or eight glasses daily. Water and milk are especially needed to help dilute the blood, to hold in solution waste matter and toxic substances, and to eliminate them by the kidneys. Alcoholic beverages should be forbidden. In many instances tea and coffee are also harmful; in others they may be permitted if used sparingly and without sugar and cream.

Cereal foods may be eaten in small quantities with a very little sugar, or with saccharin as a substitute; likewise custards, corn-starch, and blanc mange. Dry bread may also be permitted, but no hot breads, rolls, pancakes, or pastries. Fruits may be eaten, providing they are not too acid, as strawberries, currants, gooseberries, and cherries are likely to be; also stewed fruits if they are not too sweet. The simpler vegetables, such as potatoes, baked or mashed, squash, string or wax-beans, peas, corn, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cucumbers, and onions, maybe prescribed, but cabbage, cauliflower, baked and Lima beans, beets, and turnips are usually not well digested. Eggs, fish, oysters, the white meat of fowl, and, once in a while, tender lean beef or lamb may be allowed; cheese, however, and high game, pork, fat mutton, and rich gravies and sauces are likely to do harm. Moreover, patients should be taught to eat whatever food is permitted in small amounts. Those patients who pursue this regimen strictly are able to avert their headaches but indiscretions in eating, especially overeating, or extreme weariness or undue anxiety are likely to cause an occasional attack. The bowels should be moved freely each day.

I believe that for those sufferers from migraine who are disposed to so-called uric acid troubles the most important of these regulations are exercise, copious drinking of water or milk, and the abstemious use of simple foods.