Migraine Causes And Symptoms That Will Help You To Identify Your Pain!

Headaches are quite common in every single person, regardless of age, given the current lifestyle. Due to excessive stress all around, regarding work and other commitments, it is indeed quite difficult to cope with this pressure and headache is but an obvious consequence.

However, some types of headaches are not a result of an external factor but area serious disorder. One such type is migraine. Many people fail to recognise that their headache is a migraine headache.

Hence, you must understand the symptoms and migraine causes.

What is a migraine?

Amongst different kinds of headaches, migraine is one of the most debilitating one. It is a pulsating and throbbing sensation that is extremely distressing. At times it is so painful that even normal daily activities are disrupted. 

Though it was long thought that headaches can occur only in adults, it is now proven that even children can have migraines. In fact, reports have proven that many of the migraine sufferers have had their first migraine attack before they are 12 years old.

Signs and symptoms:

Along with migraine causes, the symptoms are also very important and must be known to you so that you can distinguish migraine from other headaches. The common signs are –

• Severe pain in one side of the head
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiffness in neck
• Mood swings
• Constipation
• Craving for food
• Frequent yawning
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Increased thirst

Causes of migraine:

Now that you have known about the signs and symptoms of this headache, you need to know about migraine causes, so that you can eliminate your chances of suffering. But, the fact is that there is no solid evidence as to what exactly causes migraine pain. Researchers have identified that the pain is associated with an abnormality in the levels of certain brain chemicals.

To be specific, it is associated especially with the brain chemicals such as serotonin. Serotonin and certain other brain chemicals manage and regulate the pain that is caused by the nervous system. When the serotonin levels drop significantly it causes migraine.

During migraine attacks, certain substances called neuropeptides are released into the brain by trigeminal nerves. These substances travel throughout the meninges or outer covering of brain, generating this pain.

Triggers of migraine:

Migraines are often associated with some external factors known as triggers. These can accentuate the attack. These triggers may vary from person to person. But the most common triggers that can be deemed as migraine causesare –

• Hormonal changes in women:

Hormonal changes have a strong impact on the migraine pain. Since women undergo hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy as well as post-menopause, women are more likely to suffer from migraine than men.

• Certain foods:

Eating foods that have preservatives and are salty and processed can often trigger this headache. Monosodium Glutamate or MSG, sausages, aged cheese, etc. are foods that are often linked with this pain.

• Strong smell:

From perfume and deodorant to incense sticks, any strong odour, can trigger migraine.

• Changes in the pattern of sleep:

Whether you sleep too much or too less, or if you sleep at a different cycle than usual, your migraine pain might be triggered.

• Exposure to strong light and loud sound:

If you are in an atmosphere, where there is too much of light and sound, it can trigger the pain. Even the changes in atmospheric pressure can trigger this pain.

• Certain medicines:

There are certain medicines like oral contraceptives and others that are associated with inciting migraine pain.

If you think that you have migraine, it is the best idea to see a doctor and confirming the condition, so that the treatment is proper. 

This is the easiest way to identify your triggers or the migraine causes that might have been the causative factors for your pain.

Is it just a simple headache or a migraine? Know the migraine causes to stay alert!

Are you suffering from severe headaches? Using balms or drinking a cup of tea isn’t coming of any help? Is the pain so severe that you fail to do your daily activities? Well, there are chances that you are having a migraine attack!

Relax, there is nothing to panic. Migraine headaches have become increasingly common and it is not just you, who is suffering from this extreme pain. There are many like you; even children! Your pain can be managed. But before that is done, you need to see a doctor. It is only a doctor, who will be able to diagnose your condition and identify if your headache type is migraine or not. In case it is, you need to identify the migrainecauses, so that you can eliminate them completely and get relief.

The mechanism of migraine pain:

Migraine headache has no particular cause behind it. Science cannot tell what exactly causes this extreme, severe, throbbing and pulsating sensation in the brain. But, genes and environmental factors are largely responsible for this and there is no denying this fact.

However, one thing that can clearly be said is that migraine is associated with the brain-stream and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerves. The trigeminal nerves are a major pathway for the brain to manage the pain in the brain. There are chemicals in the brain that keep the pain sensation low. One such chemical is serotonin.

Research studies have shown certain specific migraine causes, when serotonin levels drop significantly. The pain causing chemicals such as neuropeptides are released in the brain and as they travel through the meninges, the pain is felt.

Some of the major causes:

Some of the major and possible migraine causes can be –

• Irregularity of the blood vessels in the brain
• Disorder of the central nervous system
• Abnormality and imbalance of brain chemicals
• Genetic predisposition

Major triggers of migraine:

Now that the possible migraine causes are identified, it is also important for you to know about the migraine triggers. There are certain factors that trigger the pain in the head. These can vary from person to person, but here are a few factors that are universal and common for most people. These include –

1. Foods and drinks:

Aged cheese, salty or processed foods, preservatives etc. foods and even MSG can trigger the pain in the head. Not just the foods, but also alcohol can trigger this pain.

2. Hormonal changes in women:

This is a reason, why more women suffer from migraine than women. Women, during their pregnancy, menopause and even before or during their menstruation get these attacks more frequently.

3. Sensory stimuli:

One of the very common signs of migraine is that the pain increases with light, sound and smell sensation. When you encounter strong light or smell or hear loud noises and sounds, it is likely that the pain will increase.

There are many other factors like sleep pattern changes, changes in atmospheric pressure etc. that vary from person to person. What migraine causes and triggers have been instrumental for you can be noted down in a migraine diary. You can download the diary from here http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/migraine-diary/. See a doctor and he will guide you properly.

Know all about migraine in children – its causes and symptoms!

Headaches are common and many people have them at different times. Some have them frequently and some have them occasionally. But, what most people misunderstand is that only adults can have them. However, the fact is that even children can suffer from headaches and sometimes, they are as serious and severe as migraine. Migraine in children is not uncommon. Research studies have proven that many migraine sufferers have had their first attack before the age of 7.

Why do children get migraine attacks?

Parents often rule out the possibility of their children suffering from migraine, thinking that it can affect only adults. However, just like sinus, cold, infection or fever type headaches, migraine too is a possible cause of a headache in them. But, what exactly causes this or why children get these attacks is not clear to the scientists and doctors.

• Family history:

One factor that has been largely identified by them is family history. Most of the children, who have migraines, have parents or other people in their family, who have had migraine either in their childhood or are still patients of this serious pain.

• Brain chemical disorder:

Chemical disorder on the surface of the brain is also a factor that is much attributed to be the cause behind migraine in children. Scientists believed for long that the dilation and constriction of blood vessels of the brain have a direct impact on this condition. But, research studies have proven that sufferers of migraine are born with certain brain abnormalities that they inherit from their family.

When does a child get migraine attacks?

Migraine in children is a condition that cannot be predetermined when it will occur. But, when it does, it can stay for about 30 minutes to 48 hours. However, there are a few conditions in which a child may be more likely to get these attacks. These external factors are called triggers. The common triggers are –

• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Weather changes like strong winds, barometric pressure
• Exposure to the sun
• Physical activity
• Change in routine
• Food and beverages like aged cheese, alcohol, processed meats and foods, MSG or caffeinated products

However, it is not necessary that a person has to experience all or any of these as triggers for migraine in children. In case of any such hint, it is best that you consider a specialist who deals with this problem. To ensure that you find specialists nearby, you can check out http://www.mewithoutmigraine.com/locate-a-doctor/

How to understand if it is migraine?

Migraines can be seriously debilitating for a child. Even adults cannot cope with the excruciating pain at times. Hence, to make sure that the best treatment is provided to them, one needs to identify the type of a headache as migraine. The symptoms of migraine in children are –

• Extreme pain
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach upset or even diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Migraine in children can occur as frequently as many times in a month or as infrequent as once or twice a year. Hence, when it does, it is a must that you notice the triggers that have led to the condition. This will help the doctor to identify the causes and also offer the best treatment.

5 factors that increase the risks of migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are common types of headaches in these days that propel patients to seek medical treatment from migraine specialists.

Migraine headaches vary from person to person, and it lasts from 4 hours to 72 hours. Some people get this attack often, while others get it less frequently. There are many migraine sufferers who have reported that they experience pulsating or throbbing pain starting from one side of the head to all over, high sensitivity to light, vomiting, sound and blurred vision.

On the other hand, one in five migraine sufferers has reported that they experience sensory disturbance or an aura before the arrival of the attack. The examples of an aura are – loss of vision, zigzag lines, high-sensitivity to lights, speech problem, etc.

Here, in this article, you will come to know about 5 factors that increase the risks of migraine headaches. Let’s have a look at them –

Factors that increase the risks of migraine headaches

1. Age

This is the prime factor that affects people belonging to the age group of 15 to 55. Some people even get their first attack at the age of 40.

2. Family history

It has been observed that a significant number of migraine sufferers have experienced migraine attacks because of their family history. A person who has one or more relatives with migraine headaches, his chances of getting migraine attack increases substantially.

3. Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions like stroke, anxiety, depression, epilepsy and high blood pressure may also cause migraine headaches.

4. Gender

According to the reports of doctors, the number of women suffering from migraine is more than men.

5. Hormonal changes

Women suffering from migraine often experience the recurrence of headaches just before or after the arrival of headache. The intensity of this headache may also change during menopause or pregnancy.
Migraines are basically vascular headaches where the exact cause is still unknown. There are some researchers who believe that migraine takes place when some abnormal changes occur in the brain. Due to these chemical changes in the brain, inflammation causes blood vessels to swell which ultimately results in pain.

However, the exact causes and triggers of migraine vary from person to person. You, being a normal person cannot identify those particular reasons of migraine. Therefore, it is better to consult with a migraine specialist who holds many years of knowledge in this field. Only he/she can provide you the right medicine so that you can get a fast relief.

A variety of drugs or medicines are used by doctors to manage migraine in patients. Doctors even suggest lifestyle changes which are identified as the main factor to eliminate possible triggers of the attack.

So, if you are getting all these symptoms with headache, don’t wait for too long and consult with a migraine specialist today to get the right treatment at the correct time.

Decipher the migraine causes to take early precaution!

Amongst all the headaches that are scientifically testified, it is migraine that is most underrated. There are a number of hereditary and environmental factors that can be touted as approximate reasons for migraine causes, however, no specific reason is said to have been found in that regard.

A single attack or pre-attack situation can actually cause quite a debilitating pain for a sufferer of migraine, since it causes a combination of enlarged blood vessels with over sensitization of nerve fibres. Thus, a person who is already a sufferer of this chronic disease should take prior measures in every respect.

Decoding the throbbing pain:

Unlike other headaches, which can be a result of variety of causes, a migraine pain is specifically thought to originate from the trigeminal nerve system. This being one of the major pathways in one’s nervous system can result in traveling of chemicals of the brains on the outer surface, rather than the inner side.

Yet, there is no fixed point from where this issue of migraine causes can be decoded. The only respite rests in checking out issues that actually causes this major problem and work religiously to reduce those issues.

Probable causes of migraine:

Apart from certain tried and tested tools, migraine causes depend on certain environmental concerns and gender to a certain extent. Yet, streamlining these issues, certain factual aspects can also be taken into consideration.

·         Hormonal issues:

This is specifically related to women. Generally during the menstrual cycle, or in the post cycle period, women experience this throbbing pain to a great extent. Also, women who specifically take in birth control and hormonal pills are more susceptible to this headache. At times, pregnant women experience this pain during third trimester. So, this can surely be stated as one of the most important migraine causes.

·         Irregular sleep patterns:

This is another important issue that needs to be taken care of. Most of the people do not have a proper and regular sleep pattern that affects their overall physical condition. Thus, this irregularity becomes a natural cause of issues associated with migraine.

·         Specific food items:

For a sufferer of migraine headache, any type of food item that contains even a minimal amount of tyramine can result in a major issue. Specific food items such as aged cheese, smoked fish, alcohol and red meat intake can become catalysts in migraine causes.

·         Lack of a balanced nutrition:

This is surely one of the most important issues that can cause a severe migraine attack. Most people in present times are not very concerned of their diet, and also have less intake of water throughout the day. Poor eating habits and poor intake of water can increase the severity of migraine attack.

·         Improper medication:

Generally, a person suffering from migraine may be recommended triptan for respite. If this is overdone than it may add on to the migraine causes.

With no fixed remedy to this problem, it is best that a person takes special care of one’s health to subside this pain to a certain extent.

Know the most common causes of migraine

If you are like millions of other people frequently get affected by migraine, then you must know these most common migraine causes. Once you come to know about the causes, you can lead a good and suitable lifestyle. 

Over the years, there are various theories that have been established as to why people get migraine, what are its causes, symptoms, etc. There are many reasons responsible for headache. However, the triggers will not be the same for everyone. Therefore, it is important to mention the most common causes of migraine that have been observed in most of the people. 

Well, it is a common fact that migraine occurs due to disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and cranium, but, the question is why this unnatural disruption takes place. To better identify the reason it is advised to migraine patients to consult a migraine specialist. You cannot find out the exact cause of migraine on your own. Only doctors and health care providers better know what can induce a migraine. Migraine patients should keep a journal to note down migraine causes or triggers such as bright lights, sound, food, etc. this journal will also help you avoiding future migraine attack. 

Find out the most common migraine causes 

Stress

A sudden rise in psychological and physical stress may trigger migraine. It has been observed that a majority of patients report that stress is the main cause of their attack. Some other researchers and migraine specialists have also reported that 50 to 80% of migraine patients reported that stress causes a severe migraine attack. This is the reason that some patients experience migraine after passing a stressful event while some others experience this attack in the mid of a stressful event. 

Jet lag or lack of sleep

Lack of sleep or sleep disturbance is also one of most common migraine causes. Insufficient sleep or jet lag often triggers an acute migraine headache. However, excessive sleep is also regarded as a trigger of migraine. This lack of sleep has been termed as Insomnia that leads to a chronic migraine headache. 

Food Flavours or extracts

The artificial food sweetener or flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate or MSG is another migraine trigger. Researchers have done experiments but ended up with conflicted results. Therefore, the effect of food flavour among migraine patients is still unsolved. MSG is basically used as a flavour enhancer and therefore, it is used in various foods to increase its savoury flavour. However, a recent study conducted on MSG has confirmed that it may trigger serious migraine attack to patients and therefore, migraine patients should avoid taking this additive or flavour. 

Dehydration or hunger

Migraine patients should avoid skipping meals. Migraine specialists say that skipping meals are one of the most common causes of migraine. The link between migraine and hunger is still unsolved, but doctors believe that it is probably related to fall in the glucose level. 

Along with skipping food, dehydration has also been regarded as a possible migraine trigger. When you don’t drink enough water, it will dehydrate your body which ultimately leads to the onset of a headache.

These are the most common migraine causes that most migraine patients have experienced.

Is your child suffering from recurring headaches? Check out migraine in children tips to help them!

For tolerating headache of a gruesome effect, every person needs to have a huge capacity and mental strength. Having a general headache is quite a daily affair, and in most cases, people are not quite bothered regarding its medication. However, at times, when this concerned headache is diagnosed as migraine, it becomes quite difficult for people to actually find respite from it. The worst part of this type of headache is that it does not leave even the children from its grip. Even they have to suffer from this excruciating pain.

It has become a common affair in present times to diagnose migraine in children, and it attacks around 5%-10% of children at tender ages as per studies. Hence, it is important that people should be concerned with this type of headache, and thereby make sure that children are taken proper care of, in case they have to face this problem.

Difference of migraine attacks in children and adults:

As per studies made by various medical organisations, generally migraines attack girls at an age around 11, while for boys, it is below 7. In this regard as well, there are some differences in the manner in which they are attacked.

1. In case of children, range of attacks is shorter than general attacks. At times, condition may improve between two sessions of attack.
2. Children are faced with abdominal pain in case of migraine attacks. This is a special feature of migraine in children.
3. It is in nature of migraine pain to be unilateral. In case of children though, this pain can be all throughout the head.
4. In case of adults, in most cases they get a warning prior to attacks. For children though, these attacks are short in time, such as it may be of 15-30 minutes. However, they come unannounced, are short timed, and extremely severe.
5. Post this attack, children feel extremely nauseous, and may feel giddy at times. Special care needs to be taken of them in this post attack phase.
6. A very unique type of migraine in children happens to be car sickness. Migraine pain can occur suddenly while moving in cars, and lead to sudden vomiting and dizziness.

Thus, one should be extremely careful in all regards, when it comes to children, as their attacks are extremely excruciating in nature.

Special symptoms found in children:

In case of children, symptoms differ, and parents should be more careful towards treating this type of migraine. 

1. The level of urination in children increases to a great level. At times, this excessive sweating and water loss could cause diarrhoea.
2. Children tend to become pale over time. They seem to lose energy, and feel dizzy most of times.
3. Nasal passage of children gets blocked, leading to various nasal infections.

Caring tips for migraine in children:

1. Children should be given a balanced and nutritious diet consisting of nutrition rich food.
2. Sleeping patterns of children should be monitored. In this way, they can follow a regular pattern that would reduce attacks of this pain.
3. In case of excessive pain, application of hot or cold compress in areas of pain will help soothe it.
4. Daily exercising is very important for maintaining proper health.

Thus, for treating migraine in children, it is best to follow guidelines given by doctors, who are skilled in handling paediatric migraine.