MIGRAINE CAUSES AND EFFECTS

Isn’t it interesting that most of the people suffering from migraines are women? According to the National Headache Foundation in Chicago, about 30 million people suffer from this condition and women are affected three times as much as men. Now, of course, you might say that women tend to have more anxiety than men or that women could get this way from being the multi-taskers that they are. But actually, there is medical evidence that points to the reason.

Hormones. Yes, there is medical evidence to believe that the reason women get more migraines than men is because of hormonal changes within the body. Also, younger women are more apt to get migraines than post-menopausal women. Apparently, the body changes hormonally every month with the menstrual cycle and can cause this most debilitating condition.

Migraine headaches vary from person to person but most last between four to 72 hours. Some people get them several times a month while others experience them less frequently. Many sufferers report throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the head, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting.  Before the onset of a migraine, about 20 percent of sufferers experience some type of aura, or visual or sensory disturbance. Some examples of an aura are: flashes of light, loss of vision, zigzag lines, pins and needles in an arm or leg, and speech or language problems.

RISK FACTORS FOR MIGRAINE HEADACHES

So how do you know if you are a high risk person for having migraines? Actually, there are several risk factors that have been associated with this chronic condition.

• Family History – Yes, you guessed it. If you have relatives who have or have had migraine headaches, your chances of having them increase. In fact, if you have a “first degree” relative like a mom or dad who suffers from migraines, then your risk goes up significantly.
• Age – Most migraine sufferers are between the ages of 15 – 55. However, some only started when they reached the age of 40. After 55, the number drops. Maybe it’s because life is, hopefully, a little slower and one can smell the roses. I firmly believe stress can play a significant role in migraines.
• Gender – Women generally have more migraines than men. Does that mean we get more stressed out than men? Probably. But remember, there are the hormonal changes that can really wreak havoc with a woman’s body.
• Certain Medical Conditions – Depression, anxiety, stroke, and high blood pressure are all associated with migraine headaches. That reminds me about remembering to smell the roses. When we live too fast and are always in a rush to get somewhere, stress builds within the body. Anxiety sets in; depressing thoughts take over, and BINGO! Here comes the migraine. Learning to deal with situations calmly and taking time for you can go a long way in helping with migraines. As far as stroke and high blood pressure, a healthy diet and good exercise is the way to go if you can. In fact, exercise will also help with anxiety and depression. It’s a win-win situation.
• Hormonal Changes – As we mentioned earlier, hormonal changes are frequently to blame for women with migraines. Often the headaches have a pattern of reoccurrence just before or shortly after menstruation. Also, migraine headaches can change with pregnancy or menopause.

So what can you do to keep from having these headaches? Researchers have identified several triggers that can bring on a migraine attack.  Although these triggers vary from one individual to another, here are some of the most common: sleep disturbances, stress, weather changes, low blood sugar, dehydration, bright lights, loud noises, hormonal changes, foods that contain aspartame, foods that contain tyramine, caffeine, and alcohol.  Knowing what triggers your migraines can go a long way to helping you cope with the attacks.

Thus far, there is no known cure for migraines but one can find relief through their doctor. There are several good medications out there that can effectively prevent an attack or bring pain relief. Also, lifestyle changes can benefit you as well. Eating a well-balanced diet, staying away from artificial ingredients, getting enough good exercise, and remembering to smell the roses will all help in preventing another attack from the migraine monster.

Tags: headaches, migraine attacks, migraine treatment, Migraines, side effects, symptoms, treating migraines, vascular headachce