Misconceptions About Migraine Headaches

Many seem to have the misconception that a migraine attack is nothing more than just an excuse to get out a days’ worth of work, however this is not true and the truth about migraines should be addressed. The reason that these misconceptions should be clarified is partly due to the fact that millions of individuals suffer from chronic migraine headaches and they should not be made to feel pathetic as a result of a condition that is out from under their control, in fact medical researchers believe that migraine headaches stem from a neurological condition.

A migraine headache is caused by an enlargement of blood vessels that creates a series of chemicals to be released and attack arteries in the brain. Once the chemicals have been released to wreak their havoc, the enlarging of the arteries begins to send painful symptoms that only magnifies until the arteries have stopped expanding or migraine relief has been found.

The Truth Revealed

Through clinical studies and research, doctors and scientist have come to understand that though they are unable to pinpoint exact cause’s biological events may play a role in the development of a migraine. Migraines can be triggered and if knowledge exists of what triggers the onset of migraine possible migraine prevention could occur. Migraine triggers differ from person to person as well as from male to female. For example: A women during her monthly menstrual could experience a decrease in estrogen affecting her normal blood levels resulting in the start of a Migraine also referred to as a menstrual migraine.

A migraine trigger could be influenced by one’s environment or any physiological upset that can lead to the onset of a headache; those who are prone to headaches are more susceptible. Migraine triggers are difficult to distinguish and very few migraine sufferers are aware that they even exist.

Take note of the migraine triggers listed below, clinical studies have shown that the triggers listed are common ones that if aware of could help lessen the debilitating effect a migraine could have.

Triggers

• Stress
• Sleep – one’s sleep habits have much to do  with migraines, whether it be: sleep deprivation, too much sleep or broken  up sleep they are all connected to headaches. Studies have shown that when  sleep habits are improved migraine headaches are less current and have  shorter duration.
• Fasting – caution should always be had when  headache prone individuals take to fasting.  A lack of nutrients to the  body can reduce blood sugar levels setting off a series of stress-related      hormones.
• Hormones – for women who experience migraines once a month around the time of their menstrual may be aware of menstrual  migraines and how they can affect functionality. Some women during their  monthly cycle lose estrogen and the loss of estrogen sets off a chemical  imbalance and the result is a migraine.
• Lighting – lighting has been known to enhance   mood and is often used as a mood enhancer however, flashing, bright high intensity and visually stimulating light sources can be a factor in  developing painful migraine symptoms.
• Smells – cigarette smoke
• Alcohol – Tyramine is a chemical found in  wine that has been proven to activate a migraine quicker than if no  alcohol was used.
• Foods
  • Aged cheese
  • Chocolate
• Caffeine – often used to help improve energy levels can have the reverse effect on headache prone people. Caffeine in  small doses may have little effect on migraine sufferers but if  overindulgence is had one can expect regular migraines.

Treatment

Chronic migraine sufferers are looking for a way to prevent a migraine from settling in and making a mess out of their life for seventy two hours. There are several approaches one suffering with intense migraine pain may take in hopes of lessening the duration and intensity level of a migraine. The most common preventative measures are avoiding triggers or factors that can set off a migraine or take medication to help lessen the chances of a migraine developing.

It is nearly impossible to spend one’s days trying to avoid coming into contact with one of his or her migraine triggers that is why the migraine sufferer must take the steps needed to find the treatment option that is best suited to them personally. Speaking with a medical professional regarding the various treatment approaches can prove to be beneficial in easing migraine discomfort.

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