The exact cause of migraines is still a bit of a mystery, but advances in science have begun to bring new advances to migraine treatment. Most researchers believe that migraine is due to abnormal changes of substances that are produced naturally by the brain. It is the increase of these substances, which can cause inflammation. This leads to inflammation of blood vessels in the brain causing them to swell and press on nearby nerves, causing pain.
Genes were also associated with migraine. Persons who get migraines may have abnormal genes, affecting those controls that affect the functions of certain brain cells.
Experts know that people with migraines react to a variety of factors and events, called triggers. This differs from person to person and does not always lead to migraine. A combination of factors, not a single thing or event is more likely to cause a migraine attack. A person’s reaction to the triggers of migraine headaches can in fact cause migraines themselves. Many people with migraines tend to have attacks triggered by:
- lack of or too much sleep
- skipped meals
- bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors
- hormone changes during the menstrual cycle
- stress and anxiety, or relaxation after stress
- weather changes
- alcohol (often red wine)
- caffeine (too much or withdrawal)
- foods that contain nitrates, such as hot dogs and lunch meats
- foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer found in fast foods, broths, seasonings, and spices
- foods that contain tyramine, such as aged cheeses, soy products, fava beans, hard sausages, smoked fish, and Chianti wine
- aspartame (NutraSweet® and Equal®)
To define your migraine triggers, keep ledger of each occurance. Each day you have a migraine headache, put that in your ledger. Also write down the:
- the time of day your headache started
- where you were and what you were doing when the migraine started
- what you ate or drank 24 hours before the attack
- each day you have your period, not just the first day (This can allow you and your doctor to see if your headaches occur at the same or similar time as your period.)
After you have established a pattern, it will be easier to discuss with your doctor and find a migraine treatment or prevention routine.
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