What does LASH mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Long-lasting autonomic symptoms with hemicrania (LASH) is a chronic headache disorder that includes both migraine headaches and autonomic nervous system features such as facial flushing, sweating, constricted pupil size, nausea and vomiting. It is believed to be caused by hypersensitivity of the trigeminal autonomic reflex and commonly affects women more than men.

LASH is more common in women than men, however it can affect anyone regardless of sex or age. Symptoms may start at any age, but it generally begins between the ages of 30-50.

Those with LASH typically experience severe throbbing pain on one side of the head as well as other accompanying migraine symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, photophobia and phonophobia. The autonomic nervous system features of the condition include facial flushing or pallor, constricted pupil diameter, sweating, dry mouth or nasal congestion as well as blurred vision.

Due to the severity of the associated pain and other uncomfortable sensations experienced during a LASH attack, those affected may find it difficult to manage normal tasks such as work or participating in social activities. The fatigue associated with frequent attacks can also make daily life more challenging.

To diagnose LASH your doctor will likely take a medical history and ask about your current medications to rule out other potential causes such as infection or high blood pressure as well as determining if you have any family history of migraines. Your doctor will also look for physical signs that suggest you’re suffering from this headache disorder along with conducting further tests if necessary to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment for those suffering from LASH varies depending on individual needs but could include lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels and avoiding triggers that cause headaches; medication including analgesics; physiotherapy; alternative medicine; acupuncture; biofeedback; regular exercise; relaxation techniques such as yoga or tai chi; cognitive behavioural therapy and psychosocial support groups.

You should see your doctor regularly so they can determine how best to manage your condition along with tracking whether treatment is successful in alleviating your pain levels and improving quality of life. Other reasons for seeing your healthcare provider include reporting new symptom development, confirming diagnosis through imaging tests or getting advice on lifestyle modifications that may help reduce frequency and severity of attacks.

Many medications prescribed for managing conditions like LASH come associated with certain risks including potential drug interactions which may cause serious adverse reactions when taken alongside certain medications or supplements; addiction in some cases where people become dependent on taking these drugs regularly even when they don't necessarily need them anymore and possible side effects that can vary depending on which medication is being taken.

Certain dietary changes may help reduce frequency and intensity of attacks related to this condition however it's important to note everyone's body reacts differently so what works for one person might not necessarily work for another. Examples include keeping a food diary so you can identify which foods may trigger headaches especially those containing caffeine or tyramine rich foods; drinking plenty water throughout day; limiting alcohol intake along eating regularly scheduled meals.