Affecting nearly 10% of the people in America, migraines are a type of headache that ranks as one of the top 20 most disabling medical illnesses in the world. In fact, every 10 seconds, someone in the United States goes to an emergency room for migraine-related symptoms.
Here are interesting facts about the causes of migraines, triggers, effects and treatments.
Who Gets Migraines
Anyone can develop migraines, however, there are certain factors that increase the chances:
• Women are 3 times more likely to have a migraine
• Having a close relative who gets migraines increases the chances
• People with epilepsy, depression, asthma, anxiety, stroke and other neurologic disorders
Causes
Although an exact cause has still not been determined, most believe it’s related to the nervous system. Experts think that migraines are related to blood vessels, brain chemicals and the nerves in the brain.
Triggers
While there are many causes of migraines, here are some of the more common ones:
• Flashing Lights – A flickering light, reflection from snow or water, or from fluorescent light bulbs, television or movie screens.
• Anxiety – Emotional stress and excessive worrying
• Nutrition – Low blood sugar from skipping meals or eating too much sugar
• Foods – Certain foods such as MSG, red wine, cheese, chocolate, soy sauce or processed meats
• Sleep – Not getting enough sleep or sleeping too much
• Caffeine – Too much coffee, tea or soda, or when combining with medication
• Hormones – A change in body chemistry, such as during menstruation
Migraine Effects
Migraines affect people in a variety of ways including:
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Extreme sensitivities to sound, light, touch and smell
• Tingling or numbness
Migraine Warning Signs
People experience a wide variety of warning signs before a migraine begins. Here are some of the more common ones:
• Changes in mood
• Excitability, irritability or depression
• Experiencing strange smells or tastes
• Fatigue
• Extreme yawning
• Muscle tension
Diagnosing Migraines
Your doctor can generally diagnose migraines from previous symptoms and warning signs, however, they may also want to perform other tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out other brain conditions.
Medication
It is advised that a doctor recommend treatment, but common over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories my help. Over-use of any of those may lead to other problems, such as worsening headaches, ulcers or gastrointestinal problems.
Alternative Therapy
Biofeedback and relaxation training can help people recognize symptoms before they worsen. Acupuncture can also be used to help relieve stress and improve circulation.
Any headache that is unusually severe or lasts more than a couple of days needs to be checked by a doctor. If you experience a headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck or paralysis, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Sources
http://www.migraineresearchfoundation.org/fact-sheet.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/148373.php
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/migraine.html
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