Migraine

Migraine headaches can affect almost anyone at anytime. Migraine headaches are actually the most severe headache and can be accompanied by vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise, and nausea. Usually, a migraine is such a severe headache that the sufferer is debilitated for the duration of the headache.

No one knows the exact cause of a migraine headache, but there are many triggers that can set one off. What triggers a migraine in one person may not necessarily trigger a migraine in another. The first step in treating migraines is to identify the trigger. Once the migraine trigger is identified, it is easier to cut that trigger out of your life and avoid migraines.

While there are numerous migraine triggers, the most common by far is stress. Stress is the leading cause of any headache, including migraines. If stress is found to be the trigger for your migraine headaches, it is best to take every precaution to avoid any stress.

Other triggers of migraine headaches include things like aspartame, caffeine, MSG, certain herbs and spices, processed foods, aged cheeses, or even alcohol. In addition to ingesting certain foods that can trigger a migraine, skipping meals or fasting can also be a potential trigger.

Food and stress are not the only triggers of migraine headaches. Many migraine triggers relate to the environment, like a continuous glare or bright lights; or the body itself, like hormones. Physical activity, or lack thereof, can also affect the onset of a migraine. Increases in sexual activity or exercise can trigger a migraine, whereas changes in your sleep pattern may also have an effect.

Because hormones can be a migraine trigger, many women experience an increase in migraines during the onset of puberty, during pregnancy, and even during menopause.

Who is at Risk?

Everyone is subject to experiencing a migraine headache. However, some people are at a higher risk than others. Women entering puberty are at a higher risk of suffering from migraines than men entering the same stage. After puberty, many women find that migraines come regularly with their periods, pregnancy, and then during menopause. Additionally, if migraines run in your family, you are at greater risk of developing migraines as well - regardless of your gender.

Treating Your Migraine

Today, there is both preventative medicines and pain-relieving medications available to fight migraine pain. In the past, the most you could do was take a couple of aspirin and lie down. With medical advances, migraines do not need to take over your life. In addition to medications, there are many herbal and natural remedies for migraine relief including acupuncture, vitamins, herbs, minerals, biofeedback, and even massage. If you are prone to migraines it is wise to try and identify the trigger and to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.