Causes of migraine headaches
Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, but, can be done effectively with a wide range of both over the counter and prescription drugs. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to the medical community, but it is widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.
A migraine headache can oftentimes be accompanied by an “aura.” An aura occurs with what are called classic migraine headaches. In a classic migraine attack, the patient may note changes in vision and mood. Tenderness in the scalp is another sign of an oncoming migraine headache. Mood swings are also common, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can manifest as early as a day before the episode. The following migraine headaches usually come about with a high degree of intensity, but do not last long.
Common migraine headaches are a more prolonged variation of the problem, and can last for long periods of time. This can be seriously debilitating, and can make daily functioning hard. Luckily, there are many medications out there that can both reduce pain and help to prevent the onset of migraines. Sleep and plenty of fluids are crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. During an attack, be sure to remain in a dark and silent environment. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a honest amount of pressure. Emotional and physical stress are known to play a role in migraine development.
Some foods are also believed to be behind causes of migraine headaches.
Physicians recommend, for example, that sufferers consider avoiding red wine altogether. Canned and processed meat can also attribute to migraine episodes. Causes of migraine headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products. Chronic migraine episodes are reason to see a doctor or specialist about the potential causes.
