While the exact cause of migraine headaches is not known, researchers believe that they are caused by a combination of the expansion of blood vessels and the release of certain chemicals. This can cause inflammation and pain.
The chemicals dopamine and serotonin are the two vital chemicals involved in migraine headaches. Both chemicals are normally found in the brain and can cause blood vessels to act differently than they normally would if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels are unusually sensitive to them.
Triggers
There are various triggers are thought to bring about migraine headaches. Different migraine headache triggers react differently in each sufferer’s body. Food can commonly trigger migraine headaches. Common food triggers include chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol and MSG. Missing a meal can also commonly trigger a migraine headache. Other triggers can include additional stress or tension, hormones and smoking.
Migraine headache triggers can change from day to day and person to person, but keeping a diary can help identify triggers. Once the triggers are identified, they become easier to avoid.
Migraine process
While each migraine headache sufferer experiences symptoms differently, usually five stages can be identified.
The first stage is called the prodrome. A variety of warnings can come before a migraine headache. Sometimes this can include a mood change, a funny taste, fatigue or even muscle tension. Sometimes this is the most viable time to take acute migraine headache medicine.
The second stage is called the aura. Not all migraine headache sufferers experience an aura. An aura is commonly a visual disturbance that comes before the headache phase. Sometimes sufferers will develop blind spots, see geometric patterns, or flashing, colorful lights. At times and aura can include loss of vision on one side.
The third and most known about stage is the headache stage. A migraine headache is commonly throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraine headaches can commonly occur with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This phase can last anywhere from four to 72 hours.
The next stage is called the headache termination. This is when the pain goes away either with or without medication.
The final stage is called the postrdrome. This is when the pain is gone but some of the other symptoms of the migraine headache may linger.
Tags: Acupuncture, Biofeedback, chiropractic care, Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Massage Therapy, migraine prevention, stress management, Vitamin B-12
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