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Migraine headaches can be debilitating issue that interferes severely with daily functioning and quality 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 are still something of a mystery in the medical community, but it is usually accepted that serotonin plays a large role in migraine. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.
A migraine headache can sometimes be preceded by what is known as an “aura.” An aura occurs when a classic migraine headache begins to develop. In a classic migraine attack, the sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. 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. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are very important in helping to prevent the onset of migraine headaches. During an attack, go to a quiet and dimly lit area. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Stress is believed to be one of the top causes of migraine headaches, and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.
Some foods are also believed to play a significant role in migraine development. 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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