Migraine Triggers

If you have ever wondered just why your migraines won’t disappear, there is a distinct possibility that inadvertent exposure to some common migraine triggers may be the problem. These migraine triggers may include:  

1. FOOD.

A good deal of evidence has been produced that conclude that many migraines can be triggered by food and food additives. This includes items such as aged cheese, chocolate, foodstuffs that contain nitrate as an additive, as well as foods with a high content of monosodium glutamate.

2. CAFFEINE

Too much caffeine can be a key migraine trigger, so avoid if it is a known cause of your migraine.

3. SMOKE

Smoking or secondary smoke should be avoided.

4. VISUAL STIMULUS

Exposure to intense light, or sudden changes between light and dark are known migraine triggers.

5. STRESS

Every care should be taken to reduce stress levels when possible.

6. MEDICATION

The temptation to increase dosage should be avoided as complications may follow.

7. IRREGULAR ROUTINE

Regular rest and sleep patterns have proved to be useful in fighting migraines.

8. LACK OF EXERCISE

Exercise can help, but remember to warm up first as the potential exists for a build up of nitric oxide in the blood, leading to a migraine attack.

9. NO MEDICAL COMMUNICATION

Keep your medical professionals informed, particularly if the migraines worsen. A good idea is to keep a diary of your attacks, detailing times, suspected causes and effectiveness of treatments.

By keeping a log of events, both you and your doctor will get a better feel for what works for you, be it drugs or natural remedies.

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Migraine Myths

There are several, universally held ideas concerning migraines, that mean gaining proper diagnosis and treatment becomes that much more difficult. Some of these misconceptions are:

1. Migraines are not real

Not true.  Migraines are the principle headache disorder. And what is more, pain associated with migraine is not limited to the head, although that is where the pain is typically at its worst.

2. The cause of migraines are known.

Not true. Although there have been many proposed theories, no particular cause has been identified.

3. All sufferers have identical symptoms.

Not true. This is just one of the problems that make diagnosis so difficult.

4. A doctor will always recognise a migraine.

Not true. The wide range of symptoms accompanying migraines make diagnosis difficult, particularly if the sufferer is less than cooperative with their doctor concerning all of the symptoms.

5. Migraines can be cured

Not true. If migraine has been diagnosed, time will have to be taken to control the condition through medication, natural remedies, diet and lifestyle changes. These various options will work differently for each sufferer, so no “one size fits all” solution exists.

6. Migraines are a woman’s headache.

Not true. Although there are three times more women sufferers than men, there is no evidence to suggest that the condition is gender linked.

7. Only adults suffer migraines.

Not true. Adolescents and children suffer migraines.

8. Migraineurs only suffer migraines.

Not true.  Just like everybody else, migraineurs will also suffer from sinus, tension or stress related headaches.

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Migraine Auras

A migraine aura is a particular kind of prodrome, or premonition that signals advanced warning of an imminent migraine.

The effects of an aura build up in about five minutes, typically arising from twenty minutes to an hour before the onset of the headache. Symptomatic of a classic migraine, they are experienced by roughly 15-20% of migraineurs.

Aura Effects

The majority of migraine auras are visual, and are called positive visual phenomena because those who experience them actually see things rather than experiencing fading,darkening vision. Examples may include:

Haloes

Haziness or corona of light surrounding objects, principally sources of light

Flashing Lights

Coloured or white spots that seem to move

Lightning Bolts

Zigzag lines that arc over the field of vision, the severity and frequency of which increases until sight is no longer possible. This is called a whiteout. The onset of headache pain usually halts this effect.

Photophobia

This is an acute sensitivity to light, which often lasts for the duration of the headache.

Most auras last for less than an hour, but those that suffer longer lasting auras are experiencing migraines with prolonged aura. Sometimes, auras can be experienced without resulting in a headache, but it is still considered to be a symptom of chronic migraine. In fact, the same individual may experience all three types at various times, migraine with aura, migraine with prolonged aura, or aura without a headache. 

Recognising and understanding these signs play a big part in learning how to prevent migraines.