Migraine headaches can very easily cause a person to lose daily function and enjoyment of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, is certainly possible with the right combination of medicine and therapy. The exact causes of migraine headaches remain unknown to the medical community, but it is widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.
A migraine headache can oftentimes be accompanied by an “aura.” An aura occurs with what are called classic migraine headaches. In a classic migraine attack, the patient may note changes in vision and mood. Tenderness in the scalp is usually a sign of a developing migraine episode. Mood swings are also common, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can manifest as early as a day before the episode. The following migraine headaches are typically fairly intense, but do not last very long.
Common migraine headaches take longer to develop, and last longer than classic migraines. This can be seriously debilitating, and can be a real impediment to daily life. Luckily, there are many medications out there that can both reduce pain and help to prevent the onset of migraines. Sleep and plenty of fluids are crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. During an attack, be sure to remain in a dark and quiet environment. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Emotional and physical stress are known to play a role in migraine development.
Some foods are also believed to be behind causes of migraine headaches.
Physicians recommend, for example, that sufferers consider avoiding red wine altogether. Canned and processed meat are also known as frequent causes of migraine headaches. Causes of migraine headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products. If you suffer regular migraine headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.
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