One theory is that certain events or substances (triggers)
can set off an imbalance of naturally occurring chemicals in
the brain, which may cause the blood vessels of the head to
expand. As shown in the graphic below, the area around these
blood vessels becomes inflamed and irritates nerve endings.
This dilation (expansion) and irritation may account for the
throbbing pain you experience in your temple or behind your
eye.
Triggers are substances or occurrences that may lead to
migraines in some people. Different sufferers are prone to
different triggers -- and not all patients have identifiable
triggers. In fact, what triggers a migraine for one sufferer
may actually help prevent it in another. Also, a trigger
that causes a migraine one day may not cause it the next.
Keeping a Headache Diary can help you identify any triggers
you may have.
LIGHT
Strong,
glaring light, whether artificial or natural, may provoke
migraine. Light sources can include sunlight (including
reflections off water, snow, or sand), glaring artificial
light, and flickering light from a TV or laser show.
SMELLS/ODORS
Both pleasant (perfume, flowers) and unpleasant (paint
thinners, gasoline) smells can trigger migraine. Usually,
though, it's the intensity of the smell, rather than the
odor itself, that triggers the migraine.
DIETING/HUNGER
Any changes in eating patterns -- such as missing meals,
dieting, changes in diet -- can lead to a migraine.
Therefore, migraine sufferers are advised not to change
their eating patterns or their diet without first consulting
their doctor.
LOUD NOISES
/ SOUNDS
Loud noises - whether sudden (a car backfiring, a
firecracker) or prolonged (a baby crying, construction work)
can trigger migraines.
MOTION / TRAVEL
For some
people, motion sickness means nausea. However, for migraine
patients, motion can set off an attack.Talk to your doctor
about possible treatments for motion sickness. As always, do
not take medication without first consulting your doctor.
CAFFEINE / NICOTINE AND
SECONDHAND SMOKE
Large
amounts of caffeine may be a migraine trigger for some
patients. Moderate amounts of caffeine, particularly when
combined with medications, may help with migraine pain
relief. Irritants found in smoke of any kind can, alone or
in combination with other triggers, also cause migraine.
CHANGES IN SLEEPING HABITS
Too much or too little sleep may result in migraines in some
individuals. Establish a regimen of going to bed around the
same time every night, and try to avoid naps or
oversleeping, if these are your triggers.
STRESS
Stress is considered a key migraine trigger. Many patients
are able to connect an attack to a specific stressful event.
Often, the attack occurs soon after a stressful situation --
many migraine attacks occur on holidays and weekends.
MEDICATIONS
Certain
medications for nonmigraine conditions can trigger or worsen
migraines. Overuse of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
and analgesics, like aspirin, can also trigger or worsen
migraines. Some medications also contain caffeine, another
trigger for some people. Before changing medications or
self-medicating with either prescription or over-the-counter
drugs, consult your doctor.
WEATHER CHANGES
High humidity, atmospheric pressure changes, rapid
temperature fluctuations, and exposure to extreme heat or
cold are responsible for migraine attacks in some
individuals. Depending on conditions faced, stay warm or
cool, drink water to avoid dehydration, put on layers of
clothing, keep head and extremities covered, and stay
indoors when outdoor temperatures are extreme.
HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
Migraine is more common among women, often beginning with
the onset of puberty and menstruation, and may stop at
menopause. The frequency of women's migraines is said to be
related to hormonal fluctuation, particularly with regard to
estrogen. In many women, headaches begin just prior to, or
during, their monthly menstrual period or during treatment
with artificial hormones such as birth control pills or
estrogen replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor about the
possible effect of hormones on your migraines. Be sure to
consult your doctor before changing medications.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Like many
other factors that trigger migraines, exercise is a paradox;
it helps some, but not others. Some experts theorize that it
is not only the exercise that triggers the migraine, but
also the conditions under which exercise is performed --
altitude, a person's carbohydrate level, and atmospheric
activity -- that may affect susceptible people. While
sufferers have no control over most of these factors,
identifying them as triggers can help make it possible to
exercise without setting off an attack. You should consult
your doctor if you want to begin or alter an exercise
regimen.
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WARNING SIGNS: AURAS AND
PRODROMES
Only
about 15% of all migraine sufferers experience aura --
visual, auditory, or other sensory or physical occurrences
that indicate a migraine is on its way. These signals occur
shortly before the migraine pain starts. Signals that occur
hours or even days prior to an attack are called prodromes
SOME
TYPES OF AURA:
VISUAL
DISTURBANCES
Visual auras may appear as flashing
lights, zigzag lines, and blurred or lost vision.
NUMBNESS
A loss of sensation in one or more body
parts.
HALLUCINATIONS
Imaginary perceptions not caused by
anything external. Sight or sound hallucinations are
most common.
LOSS OF SPEECH
Though unusual, temporary loss of speech
may occur during migraine.
SOME
TYPES OF PRODROMES:
EXCESSIVE YAWNING
Individuals who are overtired from long
hours at work, overexertion, lack of sleep, or boredom
with repetitive tasks often experience continuous
yawning. This symptom usually disappears after adequate
sleep. If you experience excessive yawning, even when
well rested, you should talk to your doctor.
FATIGUE
This condition can be brought on by a
number of aggressive actions including vigorous
exercise, exertion to the point of exhaustion, lengthy
hours of work for days or weeks, lack of sleep,
diminished blood flow to the brain and other parts of
the body, and prolonged exposure to severe weather
conditions. Regardless of the cause, fatigue can precede
a migraine in some sufferers. In any case, reducing
exercises, changing work and sleep habits, and
consulting your doctor about diet changes or vitamin
supplements may help this problem. Talk to your doctor
before changing exercise programs.
MOOD CHANGES
Rapid mood changes can be a signal for the onset of a
migraine. It may be useful to sufferers to write down
the types, time, and frequency of these occurrences and
discuss them with a doctor.
FOOD CRAVING
This condition is familiar to some women who have been
pregnant. It is also an experience of dieters, those who
are suddenly unable to dine during their accustomed
eating times, and those who are suffering withdrawal
from nicotine, alcohol, drugs, or certain medications.
Compulsive eaters also suffer from food-craving
syndrome. However, in certain cases, incidents of food
craving have been associated with the warning sign of a
migraine.
LIGHT/SOUND/TOUCH/ODOR
SENSITIVITY
Oversensitivity to light, sound, touch, or odor may
precede a migraine attack in some patients.
Symptoms
What characterizes a migraine, and differentiates it
from other types of headache, is its specific symptoms.
Of course, not all migraine sufferers experience the
same symptoms. And different symptoms can occur at
different times.
These are some of the common symptoms often associated
with migraine. If you are experiencing any of these
symptoms, be sure to contact your physician. There are
treatment programs available that may help you.
Throbbing or pounding pain
Unlike other types of head pain, migraine pain in the
head is characterized by a relentless throbbing or
pounding -- as though one’s pulse is beating severely in
the head. The pain usually begins on one side of the
head, at the temple, and can spread downward to the eye,
face, and even neck.
Nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe
headache
While nausea and vomiting can be caused by a number of
factors, including certain diseases, pregnancy, drugs,
alcohol, or eating spoiled food, it may also accompany
migraines in some sufferers.Pain located on one side of
the headMigraine sufferers almost always complain of
throbbing pain on only one side of the head, usually
around the temple. Occasionally, a migraine causes pain
all over the head.
Pain aggravated by activity
The simple act of moving may be difficult if you have a
migraine, and pain may be aggravated or worsen from
activity.Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smellsDuring
(and sometimes prior to) a migraine attack, many
sufferers experience strong, painful reactions to light,
loud noises, and certain odors.
MIGRAINE RELIEF TIPS
Talk to you Doctor, both medical and
chiropractic to set up a management program.
Chiropractic has been very helpful in reducing the cause
and pain associated with migraines
The key to receiving effective treatment is good
communication with your doctor. Your relief needs change
over time: Only by keeping the lines of communication
open with your doctor will you be able to make sure your
treatment keeps up with you. Use the most specific
language you can when describing your condition, and be
sure to mention if your pain is making you miss out on
work or other obligations. Using a Headache Diary to
make communicating your pain and symptoms easier to help
you get the best treatment.
Target your triggers.
Have a look at the list of Triggers and use the Headache
Diary to keep track of what might set off your migraine
attacks. And be sure to read food labels to avoid hidden
threats.
Keep an eye out for cigarette smoke, too. For
many people with migraines, even secondhand smoke is a
known trigger. So be sure to make reservations in the
non-smoking section!
Maintain your regular sleep schedule.
Research has indicated that it is especially important
to start each day at approximately the same time. Even
on weekends, if you can stick to your regular rising
time, you may experience fewer or less severe migraine
attacks. Oversleeping tends to be more of a problem than
undersleeping.
Stay up-to-date.
Migraine is a condition that can change over time.
That’s why it pays to keep up with scientific advances
and other progress in treatment. Check out Online
Resources and the The Migraine Resource Library for a
wealth of information.
Set up an action plan for your family.
A little planning ahead can make things easier on
everyone. Consider keeping some meals in the freezer for
easy preparation. Keep emergency numbers near the phone
in case someone needs to make a call for you. Make sure
family members know how to get a hold of each other in
case of emergency. And stress the importance of keeping
on your schedule -- each time you change meal times or
change your sleep schedule, you may risk increasing your
chances for more attacks.
Relax!
Cutting down on stress doesn’t just help reduce the
frequency of migraines, but can improve your entire
outlook on life. Take breaks. Even better, take
vacations. Consider joining a local stress-reduction
group. And do what you can to exercise -- ask your
doctor what steps would be best for you to take before
starting any exercise program.