Headache

People who struggle with migraine headaches know what a disruption they can be to your day. Migraine headaches are a severe type of headache that often has side effects such as nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to light.

Those who get migraines can often identify when one is coming. Most of the time, migraines start with what’s called an “aura” where the person may see stars, a blind spot or experience tunnel vision or sensitivity to light. The pain of a migraine usually is concentrated on one side of the head with a severe throbbing sensation, pain behind the eyes and general a pounding head pain. Migraine headaches can last as long as two days.

Similar to common headaches, some of the causes of migraines are related to stress, fatigue and environmental factors. Though, there are other factors associated with headaches. People who suffer from migraines find that changes in their sleep patterns, diet and exposure to certain bright lights, noises and odors can trigger migraines. Certain foods containing tyramine including red wine, some cheeses especially aged cheeses, smoked fish and some beans can play into migraine development. Further, some people are sensitive to foods with MSGs. Alcohol and smoke can cause similar reactions in certain people.

The theories behind the science of migraine headaches are varied. For a long time, doctors thought that migraines were simply caused by fluctuations of the blood vessels in the brain. Today, however, the theories behind migraines are more complex. Considering the number of intricate causes and personal sensitivities to foods and exposure to environmental factors, doctors now think that migraines are related to chemicals in the brain and disruption to the nerve pathways. Knowing that migraine development can be complex, understanding what causes your personal experience with migraines is critical to diagnosis and treatment of the migraines.

Women tend to have a lot more trouble with migraines than men. In some women, migraines often strike during the menstrual cycle. Doctors believe that the hormone activity during the menstrual cycle makes some women predisposed to migraines. For similar reasons, some women also experience migraines during the first several months of pregnancy.

Doctors recommend that people with migraines pay attention to what causes the migraines by keeping a headache diary. Writing down what you eat, changes in sleeping patterns and other environmental factors can be very helpful in reducing your exposure to things that cause the migraines. A headache diary is especially helpful when you and your doctor determine a treatment program for migraines. A doctor may also ask you about your family history with migraines and what you have tried to alleviate your symptoms.

Often, people need a doctor to prescribe a medication to tackle migraines. Some people have success with homeopathic remedies for migraines combined with rest and relaxation. However, others find that targeted medications for migraines are more effective for them.

There are numerous prescription medications for migraines. Some are taken by mouth, but there are also self-injected remedies that get the medicine right in the blood flow for severe cases. Migraine medicines are most effective when taken as soon as you start to feel symptoms. Doctors also encourage migraine suffers to lie down in cool, dark room when the migraine comes on. Drinking sufficient fluids is also helpful.

If you suffer from migraines, especially if you are getting them often, it is important that you see a doctor. In some cases, migraines can be an indicator of a more serious health issue. A doctor may perform a number of tests to rule out other health issues, like sinus inflammation, which can cause headaches.