Facts About Migraines Headaches and Their Triggers
Today my friends, I would like to discuss headaches and migraine headaches, some facts about them, and ways to find the possible triggers.
If you are one of the 28 million Americans that suffer from Migraines Headaches and have experienced the extreme pain and side effects that can be associated with migraines then you are aware of how difficult this issue can be to control and deal with.
Migraine attacks can cause significant pain for hours to days and be so severe that all you can think about is finding a dark, quiet place to lie down.
4 Stages of Migraines:
- Prodrome— are symptoms that can occur 1-2 days before the oncoming or the pain
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Depression and Irritability
- Food cravings
- Hyperactivity
- Neck stiffness
2. Aura –which are usually visual or sensory disturbances and at times can affect speech. Migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms such as, Aura which can include, wavy or jagged lines, such as flashing of dots or lights, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. Each of these symptoms typically begins gradually, builds up over several minutes, then commonly lasts for 10 to 30 minutes.
3. Attack – A typical migraine that is untreated will last from 4-72 hours. It varies with each person just as how often you have attacks does – some people have a migraine several times a month or only once every 6 months, depending on what triggers them.
4. Postdrome -This is the final phase which occurs after a migraine attack, when you may feel drained and washed out, though some people report feeling mildly euphoric
Migraines Headaches can include the following Symptoms:
- Moderate to severe pain (often described as pounding, throbbing pain) that can affect whole head, or can shift from one side of the head to the other
- Sensitivity to light, noise or odors
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Sensations of being very warm or cold
- Paleness & Fatigue
- Dizziness
Migraines triggers include:
- They can be environmental – weather, pollution, certain smells,
- hormonal–estrogen levels changes such as birth control pills, menstrual cycle, menopausal, hormone replacement therapy
- stress during high stress periods of your life, sudden changes in your lifestyle
- lack of sleep
- Dietary changes or Food Allergies
Allergies are known to be one of the biggest triggers. This category includes food, chemical, or even mold. Let me give you some ideas and things to look for that possibly could help you control your allergy migraines.
1. Sinusitis: When an allergic person is exposed to an allergen such as dust, mold, pollen, or animal hair that causes the sinuses to swell. Research suggests that the swelling triggers the nerves in the brain to react to the changing pressure. The nerves then send signals to the brain that trigger the severe pain and other symptoms of a migraine.
2. Food Allergies: Some migraines suffers have found there trigger to be certain foods such as chocolate, aged cheeses, salty foods, alcohol (especially beer and red wine), processed foods. Food allergies are believed to be a common trigger to recurrent migraine headaches.
3. Chemical Allergies: Food chemicals and additives such as monosodium glutamate (flavorings agents that are commonly found in oriental foods) have been reported to be a trigger. Other chemicals that have been linked to allergy migraines are tyramine which is found in cheese, phenylethylamine found in chocolate, and aspartame found in artificial sweetener. Many other preservatives and dyes are also a major trigger.
4. Seasonal Allergies or Allergic Rhinitis: This is a histamine-driven condition. There is evidence that histamine play a role in triggering migraines from the swelling of the membranes. Many people who have severe seasonal allergies will tend to get allergy induced migraines.
If you suffer from migraines you know how desperate and painful they can be. I have suffered from the pain and debilitating symptoms of migraines in my life and have other families member that also felt the impact of that stabbing, throbbing pain, not to mention the many other symptoms that are associated with migraines. It is very important to do your best to find the triggers that induces the pain, but also to find ways to reduce or even eliminate the pain if you have a migraine. I will continue my pursuit to give you some helpful alternative solutions, herbal and natural remedies. So stay-tuned!
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Quote of the Day: “Physical ills are the taxes laid upon this wretched life; some are taxed higher, and some lower, but all pay something!” ~Lord Chesterfield
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