Migraine Causes and Treatment

Migraines are extremely debilitating and are more than a bad headache. They are, in fact, a neurological condition that can affect people for hours or days. There are different types of migraines, but it is common for migraine sufferers to experience either nausea and/or vomiting, visual disturbances, dizziness, extreme pain and/or enhanced sensitivity to sound, smell and light. There are number of causes and treatment for migraines.

Food Triggers

Common food triggers for migraine are foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), dairy products and alcohol. Foods to avoid include chocolate, cheese, processed and Asian foods (which commonly contain MSG), red wine, beer and caffeine. Maintaining a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, fish and meat can also reduce migraine attacks. If a person misses a meal, a migraine may also occur, so regular meals are important.

Hormonal Changes in Women

Many women suffer from migraines before or during their periods. It is believed that the drop in estrogen levels causes migraines for women. Women may also suffer from migraine during pregnancy and menopause. Doctors commonly recommend many varieties of hormonal medications to decrease migraine attacks for women, such as using hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives. However, hormone therapies may increase migraine attacks in some women, and it is advisable to consult a doctor about the suitability of a particular hormonal medication for individual circumstances.

Lifestyle and Environmental Triggers

Lifestyle choices such as smoking may cause migraine. Physical stress, changes in sleep patterns and intense physical activity (including sex) may cause migraines. Environmental factors that may trigger migraines include bright light, unusual or intense odors and weather patterns.

To avoid potential migraine attacks, doctors recommend a healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, regular (but not intense) physical activity, regular sleep patterns, avoidance of stressful situations (both personal and work related) and avoidance of bright light and intense odors.

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors include previous family history, age under 40 years and being female. It is difficult to treat migraine triggers that may be unavoidable, but preventative and pain-relieving drugs can be used to treat migraine.

Preventative drugs for migraine include cardiovascular drugs such as Isoptin, Calan, Zestril and Prinivil. Antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline and Vivactil, and anti-seizure drugs such as Topamax and Neurontin are also used as preventative medication for migraine.

Pain-relieving drugs are taken as and when needed, at the first symptoms of a migraine. Triptans, such as Imitrex, Axert, Relpax and Maxalt help relieve the extreme nausea and pain of migraine sufferers. Treximet, a combination of Imitrex and naproxen sodium, is said to be more effective either drug taken individually. People who don't suffer from extreme migraine symptoms may find relief nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin.