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 are usually accompanied by a migraine headache.
Migraine headache symptoms can oftentimes be accompanied by an “aura.” An aura occurs when a classic migraine headache begins to develop. 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 begin developing as much as a full day before the onset of a migraine attack. The following migraine headaches usually come about with a high degree of intensity, but do not last long.
Common migraine headache symptoms are a more prolonged variation of the problem, and can last for long periods of time. 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 crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. 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. Emotional and physical stress are known to play a role in migraine development. 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. Cause of 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.