It is well known that migraine affects more women than men. Compared to sixteen percent of women, migraines affect only five percent of men. Some studies show that around half of those with migraines have not been diagnosed by a health care provider. Migraines are often seen as “just headaches” and many migraine sufferers do not seek medical advice or diagnosis, but this is worse for men. This is due to the fact that most men feel the need to struggle on when they are ill and see illness as a sign of weakness, negatively affecting their masculine image.
What is a Migraine?
Migraines are a complex condition with a wide variety of symptoms. For many people the main problem is the excruciatingly, painful headache. Other symptoms include disturbed vision (auras), sensitivity to light, sound and smells, feeling sick and vomiting. Migraines can be very horrifying and may result in having to lie still for several hours. Migraine tends to occur for the first time when you are in your teens or early twenties although many start getting migraines as children. Although migraines are more prevalent in women than men, children who experience migraines are more likely to be boys than girls up to the age of twelve years.
Migraines in Childhood
Boys tend to experience headaches from an earlier age and, typically, while they are going through their growth spurt. Paying special attention to a boy’s diet during this time, by ensuring he eats regular meals, can be very helpful in preventing migraine attacks.
What Causes A Migraine?
Migraine is a complicated condition, which varies widely between individuals. Just as the symptoms of an attack vary from person to person, so can the things that trigger your attacks. Often you can manage your migraines by being aware of what is triggering them and then taking steps to control these triggers. Triggers can include:
• Changes in daily routine
• Missed or delayed meals; not eating a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Too much or too little sleep.
• Stress – also anxiety, excitement and any form of tension or shock, as well as relaxation after a stressful period.
• Travel – triggers such as stress, lack of sleep and missed meals can be present when travelling. You might also experience jet lag and air pressure changes when flying.
• The environment – weather changes, high humidity, loud noises, etc.
• Bright or flickering lights as well as glare.
• Excessive consumption of caffeine or suddenly stopping your caffeine intake.
Tags: headaches, migraine attacks, migraine treatment, Migraines, side effects, symptoms, treating migraines, vascular headachce
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