What are migraine headaches? Things you need to know!

Have you ever experienced a headache or pain so severe that you felt that life was not worth living? If yes, be relieved to know that you are not alone. Migraine headaches, one of the most debilitating headache types, have affected a large population across the globe. There are still many, who do not have a clear idea as to what this headache type is all about.

Despite a widespread occurrence, migraines are often underestimated because of a simple fact that it cannot be described well even by the sufferers themselves. Also, the scientists haven’t found an answer to exactly what causes this headache. Hence, for long, migraines have been considered to be minor headaches. But actually, they are extremely severe and very debilitating in nature.

What are migraine headaches?

Migraine is a type of headache that is throbbing and pulsating in nature. They can affect any one of any age. The children too are affected by migraine headaches, along with the adults. In fact, most of the sufferers have had their first attack of migraine during their childhood. What is even more surprising is that women suffer from migraines more than men. This indicates that migraines might have an association with hormonal changes.

Though migraines usually concentrate in only one side of the head, they can also travel to both sides of your head, making the pain even more difficult to bear with. It cannot be clearly said, who will suffer from migraine and how frequently migraine will attack a person. But what is quite clear is that migraines can last for anywhere between 4 and 72 hours.

Causes of migraine:

Although exact reasons are not known, the scientists have found its association with certain changes in brain chemicals. As per Mayo Clinic, migraine is a result of imbalance in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a prime neurotransmitter that regulates any sort of pain and even control mood. According to many research studies, serotonin levels significantly drop during migraine attack and it also triggers some activities in the major pain pathway of brain, the trigeminal nerves. The low serotonin level causes the trigeminal nerves to release certain brain chemicals, called the neuropeptides and this causes the pain.

Migraine triggers:

There are certain external factors that contribute in inducing migraine headaches. These are called migraine triggers. These triggers may vary from one sufferer to the other. But, there are some triggers that are usually quite common amongst most. These are –

• Aged cheese
• Processed and salty foods
• Alcohol and other caffeinated drinks
• Hormonal changes in women
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Too much or too less of sleep
• Certain medicines such as oral contraceptives or vasodilators
• Bright light, loud sound and strong smell
• MSG and other food additives.

If you are not sure as to what might have been the triggers for your migraine attack, seeing a doctor and following a migraine diary will definitely help. Professional and experienced doctors always help you to identify your triggers and guide you regarding how to avoid them.

Symptoms of migraine headaches:

Migraine symptoms vary largely from one stage to the other. But, some symptoms are quite common and specific only to this headache type. These are –

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness, moodiness, weakness
• Constipation and craving for food
• Throbbing and pulsating pain in one side of head
• No headache but severe stomach aches in case of children
• Auras or sensory, motor and verbal disturbances of the nervous system.

Treating Migraine:

Doctors can recommend correct treatment to manage your migraine headaches. The pain can be significantly reduced and managed, and hence you need to find a doctor near you. You can do so by clicking on this link http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/locate-a-doctor/.