Migraine headaches are not just the normal “run of the mill” headache that can be cured by simply popping an aspirin and moving along with the day. The definition of migraine headaches is a headache that occurs with a severe and/or pulsating pain that is also associated with autonomic symptoms such as blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and even sensitivity to light and/or sound. Typically migraine headaches occur unilaterally (only affecting one side of the head) and can last anywhere from four to seventy two hours depending on the severity of the attack. But what causes migraine headaches, and what are the triggers and warning signs that can be watched out for in order to avoid them in the future?
Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that make an individual more prone to experiencing migraine headaches. Some of these risk factors include:
• Age – most migraine headaches occur between the ages of 15 and 55. During childhood migraine headaches do occur less frequently but can still happen. And research shows that if a person is to experience migraine headaches they will more than likely have had their first attack by age 40.
• Gender – unfortunately studies show that more women than men experience migraine headaches. In fact, studies show that nearly 70% to 80% of those who suffer from migraine headaches are women, which means that women are three times more likely than men to experience migraine headaches.
• Family History – studies show that nearly 80% of those who suffer from migraine headaches have a family history of migraine headaches. Individual who come from a family history of migraine headaches are more at risk to experience chronic migraine headaches at some point in their lives.
• Other Medical Issues – another risk factor that commonly precursors migraine headache is other medical issues such as depression, anxiety, stroke, high blood pressure, or epilepsy.
Triggers
The triggers of migraine headaches can start with a specific source (or combination of sources) such as physical, environmental, or physiological events. Triggers can include hormones, lighting, certain foods, stress, and caffeine. It is important that those who suffer from migraine headaches be aware of their personal triggers and try to avoid them whenever possible.
Warning Signs
The warning signs can vary among those who suffer from migraine headaches but the most common warning signs that a migraine headaches may be coming on is fatigue, depression, obsessive yawning, mood changes, irritability, drowsiness, or food cravings (especially those that might be high in sugar or salt). Each individual who suffers from migraine headaches will have their own personal set of warning signs that should be watched for in order to cut off the manifestation of migraine headaches before a full blown attack occurs.
Tags: constipation, Depression, emotional stress, Fatigue, migraine triggers, strange food cravings, triggers
Leave A Reply (No comments so far)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments yet