migraine warning signs

Migraine warning signs and treatment options

Migraine is a serious neurological condition that is often described as a severe headache affecting one side of the head.

The pain can begin suddenly and become so intense that it is difficult to work, study or carry out daily activities.

Doctors say the pain usually starts on one side of the head and may spread behind one eye or to the other side. During a migraine attack bright lights loud noises and strong smells can make the pain worse.

Many people prefer to rest in a quiet dark room until the attack passes. Migraine is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea the feeling of vomiting tiredness and weakness.

Experts explain that migraines are linked to unusual brain sensitivity.  If migraine attacks happen often or start affecting your daily life you should see a doctor instead of ignoring them.

People with chronic migraine may experience attacks on many days each month. Research suggests that about 15% of people worldwide have migraines and around one in two people experience severe headaches at some point in their lives.

Common migraine triggers include stress poor eyesight bright lights loud noise smoke strong perfumes lack of sleep, dehydration skipping meals too much caffeine hormonal changes and eating large amounts of sugary or ultra processed foods.

Doctors say medicines made specifically for migraines are usually more effective because they target certain serotonin receptors in the brain to help reduce pain.

These medicines should only be taken under a doctor’s advice.

Common painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin may provide temporary relief but they do not treat chronic migraine. Symptoms like nausea sensitivity to light tiredness and weakness may continue.

If migraines keep coming back it is important to get a proper medical evaluation and the right treatment instead of relying on self-medication.

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    The limits and depth of human consciousness

    For millions of years, the survival of living species depended almost entirely on practical adaptations. The core of living was finding food, securing shelter, avoiding predators, and reproducing. Yet, at a crucial juncture in evolutionary history, Homo sapiens began engaging in a behavior that offered no immediate physical utility like making art. From red ocher hand stencils on cave walls in Sulawesi and Western Europe to intricate bone flutes and sculpted figurines, early humans devoted valuable time and energy to symbolic creation. Today, neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists, and evolutionary anthropologists increasingly view art not as a secondary cultural luxury, but as a foundational hallmark of human consciousness. The Evolutionary Emergence of Symbolic Thought The birth of artistic expression marks a profound cognitive transition. While many animals exhibit complex behaviors, these actions are largely instinctual and functional. Human art, by contrast, relies on abstract symbolic thinking. The capacity to let one object, shape, or sound represent an idea, emotion, or absent reality. When an early human carved a figure or painted a thundering herd of bison onto rock, they were not merely copying their surroundings. They were projecting an internal mental world onto an external physical canvas. This ability to externalize subjective experience required a sophisticated architecture of consciousness, including robust working memory, metacognition (thinking about one’s own thinking), and a developed theory of mind. It’s the understanding that others possess distinct mental states and can interpret shared symbols. The Neurobiology of Aesthetic Experience Modern neuroimaging reveals that creating and contemplating art engages large-scale, interconnected brain networks. When a person immerses themselves in a painting, music, or literature, the Default Mode Network (DMN) works with sensory and emotional circuits. Artistic engagement triggers a dynamic dialogue between the visual or auditory cortex, the limbic system (which processes emotion), and executive regions in the prefrontal cortex. This complex cross-talk allows humans to experience qualia. The subjective, qualitative feel of conscious experiences. A visual composition does not simply register as light wavelengths in the brain; it evokes nostalgia, awe, melancholy, or inspiration. This capacity to synthesize raw sensory inputs with deep emotional resonance and reflective thought is a unique feature of high-level conscious awareness. Lived Experience versus Machine Patterning In an era dominated by artificial intelligence algorithms capable of generating hyper-realistic images and musical compositions in seconds, the relationship between art and consciousness has taken on renewed urgency. While generative models analyze billions of data points to predict and replicate aesthetic patterns, they operate entirely without subjective awareness, intent, or emotional feeling. Human art originates from a grounded biological reality: the lived experience of mortality, joy, heartbreak, bodily sensation, and social existence. The power of a masterpiece lies not merely in its formal technique, but in the implicit bridge it constructs between the inner world of the artist and that of the observer. Art is fundamentally a dialogue of consciousnesses. It is a mechanism through which one conscious entity communicates what it feels like to exist. A Mirror to Human Identity Ultimately, art serves as both a product and a mirror of conscious awareness. It enables individuals to simulate hypothetical scenarios, process complex social dynamics, and navigate existential questions about purpose and mortality. By translating internal emotional states into tangible forms, humans construct shared cultural meaning and foster deep social cohesion.   As science continues to explore the mystery of how physical brain matter generates subjective experience, art remains our most visible and enduring cognitive fingerprint. It stands as compelling proof that human consciousness is defined not just by how we perceive the objective world, but by our infinite capacity to imagine and construct new ones.

  • The royal bloodlines that forged a Balkan powerhouse

    In the heart of the 14th century, a monumental fresco was rendered upon the walls of the Lesnovo Monastery in modern-day North Macedonia. It captured a defining moment in Balkan history. Emperor Stefan Uroš IV Dušan alongside his wife, Empress Helena of Bulgaria, and their young heir, Stefan Uroš V. This wall painting serves as a enduring testament far more than a decorative piece of sacred art. A masterfully orchestrated political union that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of medieval Europe. At the center of this historical narrative is a strategic marriage forged in 1332. The newly crowned Serbian King Stefan Dušan entered into a pivotal treaty with Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria. He seems desperate to employ peace after years of regional conflict. The cornerstone of this agreement was the marriage of Dušan to Ivan Alexander’s sister, Princess Helena (Elena). This union was far more than a ceremonial gesture. Helena proved to be an immensely influential empress consort whose royal Bulgarian lineage carried significant political weight. Her marriage to Dušan directly altered his formal imperial standing, allowing him to claim authority not only over the Serbs and Greeks, but over the Bulgarians as well. The couple later gave birth to Stefan Uroš V, an heir who embodied the consolidated royal houses of the region. Yet, the Bulgarian connections within the Serbian royal court ran much deeper than Dušan’s marriage alone. Dušan himself was bound to Bulgaria by blood through his mother, Queen Theodora Smilets. As the daughter of Tsar Smilets, who ruled the Second Bulgarian Empire from 1292 to 1298 AD, Theodora brought rich dynastic heritage into the Nemanjić house. Thus, when Dušan rose to power and eventually established the grand Serbian Empire, he did so as a monarch who was inherently a product of both Serbian and Bulgarian elite lineages. The fresco preserved in Lesnovo illuminates this intertwined destiny. Depicting the imperial family dressed in rich, jewel-encrusted Byzantine-style robes, it reflects an era when diplomatic ties, shared heritage, and strategic royal marriages could unite rival realms under a single, dominant imperial banner. Today, these historical records and vibrant monastery paintings remind us that the borders of the medieval Balkans were constantly reshaped not just on the battlefield, but through the formidable power of dynastic unity.  

  • 5 Footwear types that may cause pain

    When choosing shoes or slippers most people focus on style comfort and appearance. But footwear can also affect your health. Wearing the wrong type of footwear for long periods may put extra pressure on your feet, knees hips and lower back. Experts say there is no single type of footwear that is perfect for everyone. Your foot shape flat feet, walking style and how long you wear the shoes can all make a difference. Here are five common types of footwear that may cause problems for some people. Flip-Flops Flip-flops are common around the house and are often used in bathrooms because they are light and easy to wear. However most flip-flops provide very little support. They usually do not give the arch of the foot enough support especially for people with flat feet. Wearing them for long periods may affect the way you walk and put extra stress on your legs and knees. They are better suited for short-term use rather than long walks or standing for hours. Pointed shoes and flats Pointed shoes and flat shoes can look stylish especially with formal or office outfits. But some have a narrow front that leaves little room for your toes. Regularly wearing tight pointed shoes can squeeze the toes and cause discomfort. Over time they may also affect the natural position of the toes. Choose shoes that give your toes enough room to move comfortably. Crocs Crocs are popular because they are soft lightweight, and comfortable. Many people wear them at home while shopping or during daily activities. However very soft footwear may not provide enough stability for everyone. If your feet do not get proper support while walking, your walking pattern may change and place extra stress on your legs and knees. When choosing Crocs or similar footwear look beyond softness. Check the fit, sole and overall support.  Kolhapuri Sandals Kolhapuri sandals are traditional and look great with many outfits. However their flat soles often provide limited arch  support. People with flat feet may find this type of footwear less comfortable especially when worn for long periods. Poor support can affect foot alignment and may increase pressure on the knees and other parts of the lower body. This does not mean Kolhapuri sandals are harmful for everyone. The key is to consider your foot shape and comfort before wearing them for long periods. High heels and some boots High heels are popular for their stylish look but wearing them for several hours every day can cause problems for some people. High heels shift more body weight toward the front of the foot. Your body also changes its position to maintain balance which can put extra stress on the lower back and hips. Pointed high heels can also put more pressure on the toes and the front of the foot.  They may be better saved for special occasions rather than daily wear. How to choose better footwear Good footwear should be more than just attractive. When buying shoes or slippers Make sure •Your feet feel comfortable inside them •Your toes have enough room to move •The sole provides enough support •The footwear fits properly You can walk naturally without pain If you regularly experience foot knee hip, or back pain after wearing certain footwear consider changing it. If the pain continues or becomes worse speak with a qualified healthcare professional. The bottom line Fashion is important but comfort and foot health should come first. Choose footwear that matches your foot shape provides proper support and does not put unnecessary pressure on your feet or joints.

  • Why you crave fried foods

    Have you ever finished a full meal but still wanted to eat fries samosas fried chicken, or pakoras? Many people think it is simply a lack of self control but scientists say there is much more to it. Research suggests that our brain taste buds and eating habits all work together to make fried foods hard to resist. When food is fried its texture smell and flavor change.  According to research from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, frying removes water from food making the outside crispy and crunchy. At the same time proteins and starches change through a process called the Maillard reaction which gives fried foods their golden color rich aroma and delicious taste. Scientists say the brain also plays an important role.  A study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience found that eating favorite foods activates the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is not just linked to pleasure it also helps the brain remember enjoyable experiences and encourages us to repeat them. This is why the smell or sight of French fries samosas or fried chicken can make you want to eat them even if you are not hungry. Experts also say that craving fried foods does not usually mean your body is missing a specific nutrient. These cravings are more often influenced by habits tempting smells emotions memories and the foods around you. Does this mean fried food is bad for your health? •Not necessarily Eating fried foods occasionally is generally not a problem.  However making them a regular part of your diet may increase health risks. In a large study by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health more than 110,000 adults were followed for over 20 years. People who ate fried foods seven or more times a week had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a slightly higher risk of heart disease than those who ate fried foods less than once a week. Researchers believe that weight gain high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels may partly explain this increased risk. Experts do not recommend giving up fried foods completely. Instead they suggest eating balanced meals avoiding skipping meals and enjoying fried foods only in moderation. This approach may help reduce cravings while supporting better overall health. Scientists say the attraction of fried food comes from a powerful combination of crispy texture rich flavor tempting smell and the brain’s memory of enjoyable eating experiences. That’s why even after a full meal one hot and crispy bite can still be hard to resist.

  • HEC new weighted policy: putting weight on research credibility

    By Ali Abbas Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) new weighted research policy has surely raised an eyebrow among a few academics nationwide. Before further dissecting the policy and its implications, it is pertinent to understand the role of HEC as a regulatory authority, which can help clear the air to a greater extent. As stated, “Regulatory”, it is important to accept that the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is there to implement quality checks irrespective of the decision being popular or unpopular. So, with this lens, it is easy to understand why HEC is weighing this bold step of assigning weights to authorship and what must have been the shortcomings in the previous policy, despite the earlier policy’s apparent benefits. The new policy values first authors and corresponding authors more, acknowledging a reward for the initiators and potential stakeholders in the event that there are more than 3 authors. While HEC is not stopping co-authorship, it aims to credit researchers who have genuine contributions and are adding value as a lead or major contributor. It is entirely up to contributors to choose the number of other co-authors and their desired contribution and commitment in the research article. In fact, this should rather be seen as a measure of transparency that researchers who are expecting to get fewer marks for co-authorship will be doing less work in contrast to the first author. That can actually act as a yardstick for them to allocate their time to multiple projects to get their respective share/ count. However, not to undermine the researchers whose genuine intent surrounds a higher number of publications in less time with real contribution, it is a welcoming sign for authors who stay away from relationship-based and aided research. So, HEC, being a quality custodian of education and research practices for HEIs, has come up with a stance to curb research mills, fraudulent research, and fake authorship, where publications in friends’ journals and contributions following quid pro quo are compensated. And one never knows when these researchers who have worked as co-authors or fall last in the author list make it to the classes; their share of knowledge and impact may be a concern at times as well. The problem is even bigger, as not only papers with 20+ authors can be found, but researchers are co-authoring in different fields that may be beyond cross-domain collaboration. This is where HEC might have to respond and find this weighted policy as damage control.  Well, this research’s credibility is not Pakistan’s dilemma only, but something that is a world issue in a higher education setting. And when HEC addresses these concerns, it might act as a benchmark for other nations’ education systems, especially for the education and accreditation councils of similar demographics. Whether one favors or opposes it, HEC has devised something that raises major concerns, and that is to curb the need to distinguish between real and fake contributors. Now comes the point of demotivating international contributions from this weighted system, as raised by the affected prospective contributors. Well, though not every policy can avoid its collateral, the overall gain may be exploited as well. It is to be remembered that international collaborators are not to be linked with those weights; they can continue to collaborate at any number in the author list as they used to be, i.e., first or second or third, etc. In this case, the logic for local authors will remain the same as stated above about their respective contributions and rewards. The time and effort can then help in identifying multiple avenues as well. Again, there are always two sides to a coin, and in the current dynamics, where co-authorship has appeared to be a business deal, the side with the assigned weights policy bears more weight. Also, on the other hand, the offset can be made by allocating funds and instructing HEIs to devote funding to Gold open access, thus accelerating the pace of the first-author research. All in all, the new policy hints at increasing competitiveness and research credibility while leaving it to the test of time to see if it turns out to be a value addition for researchers by choice or by chance. About the author: Ali Abbas, PhD, works at Beaconhouse National University. He can be reached at aabbas724@gmail.com

  • Artificial Intelligence vs Human Creativity

    By Muhammad Talha Karim A workshop under the project titled “Digital Trust and Free Expression in the AI Era” at the Department of Media and Development Communication, University of the Punjab, supported by the U.S. Mission to Pakistan in partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) made me ask myself that: “can a machine create, or does it only create what humans have already imagined?” Creativity has always been a phenomenal ability for human beings, which makes it unique from all other creatures. It helps us solve problems, create art, design new things, think differently, compose music, and write stories. The rapid development of AI has made machines so capable that they can generate music, create art, write essays, and even solve human-related problems. But a very serious question arises here: “Can AI truly be more creative than humans? AI has shown that it can perfectly help humans create new ideas. It simply analyzes the large amount of information, follow the pattern that is previously provided and by combining all the sources, generates content within few seconds. For example, can write an essay, assist you in providing you with the needed material, and make the stories for you. It can also make the process quicker by giving different alternatives. But, if we talk about human creativity, no AI-powered tool can match the detailing, background content and emotional support of a human creativity. AI-powered tools merely scan the information, combine it, rearrange the patterns and give you the required material. It does not use any kind of emotional power, background knowledge to do it. While on the very opposite side, human creativity holds this very significant and unique ability to use emotions, feeling and history with the art. Humans use attach emotions like love, loneliness, sadness, happiness, betrayal and attachment and many more and they are feeling with the art to create it perfectly. For example, if an artist creates a painting, it is not merely the amalgamation of colors, strokes and lines but it experiences the emotion that made the artist create the art. Human beings can physically and mentally feel that specific emotion and a sense of attachment with the art and artist. Creativity has always been deeply linked with emotions and feelings. Certainly, AI powered tools can create content more quickly, but it lacks a major factor “attachment”. It simply rephrases and rearrange the words that are already given and/or uploaded on it. but cannot explain it by using emotions. For instance, if a user commands any AI powered tool to write a story, it will be done in just few seconds, but it will lack the emotional attachment. On the other hand, a story written by a human being will be rich in emotions and feelings. Maybe the writer turned his own experience into the story. As the writer himself experienced that feeling, he can put that in words in such a way that it hits directly in the heart of the reader or any other person. They can feel more attachment to it. They can see themselves in that story, which connects people more strongly.   The second major factor is intention and purpose. Human beings have their purpose and intentions for doing a certain job. It can either be an emotion or a thought. Human beings can challenge the society, write to change the entire perspective of a group of people, and many other reasons while AI does not possess any of this. It writes only because it is being commanded. It does not experience childhood, young age, love, hate, separation, loneliness – nothing at all which makes it merely a content provider while Human beings are the content experiencers. They personally go through those feelings and phases, and they can better explain this!   Despite all these differences, both AI and Human creativity can go together. Humans can provide emotions, feelings, ideas and content while AI can provide speed, more information, new ideas and solutions to different problems. Instead of making AI and humans competitors they can become partners and offer better outcomes. For example, a graphic designer can ask AI to give him various initial concepts and then use his own concepts and creativity to make the best one.  AI may be able to imitate creativity, but human creativity comes from a life that no machine has ever lived. AI has changed the way humans think about creativity. No matter how Fastly AI can generate the content to create pictures, write stories and compose music, it still cannot connect it with emotions. But human beings connect emotions, feelings, thoughts, ideas more creatively. As a human being, it’s the need for us to keep getting the content, art, music and information which emotionally connects us with each other. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan or  USEFP/PUAN.

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